Quality of power, signal, and speaker wire?

cherrybomb · 01-11-2007, 06:27 PM

So, I'm nearing the point where I'll need to order up my cables for my system.

I understand that signal wires should be of high quality, and I'll probably spend some decent money there.

However, when it comes to power wires, and speaker wires, what is everyones opinion? MUST you have brand x "professional quality" wire?

I'm of the opinion that if the wire is the same gauge, is made of good quality copper, and is stranded, there isn't really much difference between the $5 a foot power wire and the $0.30 a foot wire.

Convince me I'm wrong. I just don't think it's necessary to spend oodles of money on wires, particularly power wire.

Thoughts and opinions please?

XC-C30 · 01-11-2007, 06:31 PM

Cheap brand cables break easily.... But It doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on wiring..... Do some reading and look up some good brands and you'll find the right cabling..... Welling cable also does the trick at a verry low cost, but they're pretty thick.

cherrybomb · 01-11-2007, 06:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by IC-C30

Cheap brand cables break easily.... But It doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune on wiring..... Do some reading and look up some good brands and you'll find the right cabling..... Welling cable also does the trick at a verry low cost, but they're pretty thick.

So you're suggesting that the big differentiator is the shielding, and that it's important because without it, the wire is more prone to breaking?

Or are you referring to the actual copper breaking?

XC-C30 · 01-11-2007, 06:38 PM

I'm referring to the actual copper that is breaking. But yeah, shielding is pretty important too, were it only to keep unwanted noise out of your system....

edit: a solution for badly shielded cable is completely wrap it in aluminum tape....

scott_fx · 01-11-2007, 07:23 PM

also the weak points are the connections. the cheaper wires have weak connectors that get loose quicker

spoonraker · 01-11-2007, 07:30 PM

I crimped my own ring terminals on if that's what you're talking about. Unless you buy one of those amp wiring kits you'll never get cable with terminals already on it. If you just buy the wire by the foot you can get some good deals.