DIY Cables

[StevenSurprenant]

After moving my speakers around, I used several different speaker cables and wires to wire the speakers and crossovers. I had some some solid core 20 gauge all silver teflon coated laying around so I decided to make some new wires.

They are in the Kimber Kable T4C configuration (more or less). I used 4 wires for the positive and 4 for the negative. Using my drill, I twisted each group of 4 wires into 2 single strands. Then I twisted these 2 stands together to make my speaker cable. This resulted in a cable at about 14 gauge. I made two sets, one for the tweeter and one for the woofers (shotgun configuration).

The result is improved clarity and more defined images. The highs, such as produced by cymbals, are clearer, sharper, and more natural sounding.

I realize that cables are system dependant, but these work very well in my system at a fraction of the cost of Kimber Kable.

For those that don't like silver, the same thing can be done with copper or silver coated copper.

I'm not sure it matters, but I used solid core 20 gauge wire with teflon coating. Some people believe this is important.

These easily bested my $300 8ft (thicker) name brand cables.

The last thing is that if 14 gauge is not enough, just add more strands. You can buy 20 gauge silver coated copper for $20/100 foot which is enough for a 10 foot pair of cables.