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August 23, 2007 - 10:40am
#1
Cable layout - Preamp - Amp - Speakers cable length
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There is no universal agreement on this issue. However, most people seem to fall on the -long ICs and short speaker cables- side of the fence. If we are talking the difference between 12 ft. of speaker cable and 18 ft. of cable, then I don't think it makes any difference...just keep both cables equal in length.
If we are talking 20 ft. or longer runs of speaker cable, then I would go with up to about 3 meters in IC length instead and opt for the shortest speaker cables that would get the job done and still allow a little flexibility in placement.
In the event that your amp has a higher than normal output impedence for a solid state design, I would go short speaker cables no matter what. That wouldn't be common for solid state amps, but very common for tube amps.
Monty,
Thanks for the input. I currently run about 8 feet of speaker cable.
I had to run out to Radio Shack and buy the basic speaker cable so I could listen to my stereo. It's an appropriate gauge speaker wire, but I've got to get the Kimber cable back in the system. My ears can't stand it.