Speaker Cables?

[PFDarkside]

Well, according to FedEx my cab should be arriving Monday, so I'll be needing a speaker cable. Is there anything to know about picking one out? I'll probably just go to GC, and in the past I've used whatever generic cable they sell, is that a fine choice? Should I be looking for something better?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Speaker Cables?

As long as it's a speaker cable and not a guitar cable, you're good. Don't make it any longer than it needs to be.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Speaker Cables?

Isn't there a general rule about going thinner than 18 gauge? Or is that just for high power gear?



Just so you know- a speaker cable is unshielded- there should be two conductors, not a conductor and a braided shield.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Speaker Cables?

i use 12 gauge cable for just about everything. overkill? yes but they dont break.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Speaker Cables?

18 gauge minimum, 16 probably better. Only problem with "generic" cables are potentially cheap connectors.

Chip

 

[KeyOfG]

Re: Speaker Cables?

You can always try http://lavacable.com .

I think he's a member here, or I recall seeing a post or two of his. I've never used any of his products, but he does use top of the line cable. I was going to rewire my 4x12 and looked into a few of his cables a while ago, but he never replied to my email of questions regarding the specifics of a few types. At that point I figured that I always liked the way my cab sounded as is anyways so I'd just leave the wiring stock. I generally tend to like Monster Speaker Cables for head to cab connections. Of course many a vintage Fender sound nice with the original wires used. If you're up for it, try it, it can't be bad.

 

[Mr Wolf]

Re: Speaker Cables?

I decided to splash out a little extra for mine because out of all the cables you will own these are the least likely to suffer damage IMO since they are fairly out of the way.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Speaker Cables?

A three to five foot cable in 12-14 gauge should do you fine. You can make it yourself out of two conductor lamp cord (aka zip cord). You should buy a quality cable, though you may not need to spend a "MONSTEROUS" amount of money on it.

Bill

 

[J Moose]

Re: Speaker Cables?

A three to five foot cable in 12-14 gauge should do you fine. You can make it yourself out of two conductor lamp cord (aka zip cord). You should buy a quality cable, though you may not need to spend a "MONSTEROUS" amount of money on it.

Bill

+1000

At the least, get a 16-guage 'ProCo' or some other "quality" cable. Not really a place to skimp since it DOES make a good bit of difference.

 

[Jackson Distortion]

Re: Speaker Cables?

Since everyone suggested everything else, I'm gonna tip ya - just like your guitar (instrument) cable - both ends of the cable can be switched in and out of jacks producing subtle to noticeably different tone.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Speaker Cables?

Music Go Round sells decent Horizon cables at a very reasonable price (6 ft for ~ $8).