wire gauge and short distances

[kingzorghh]

I've read a bunch of stuff about using lower gauge for longer distances. I was wondering what gauge is best for short distances. I know that a higher gauge will suffice for short distances. But will switching to a lower gauge improve performance even in that case?

I will be connecting a 80W stereo amp to Martin Logan Clarity speakers. The distance between the amp and speakers wont be more than 4-5 ft. Just trying to decide what gauge wires to buy. Any suggestions on brand welcome too.

cheers,
kz

[hermanv]

It is possible to use wire that is too small.

It is nearly impossible to use wire that's too big.

Electrostatic speakers usually have a very low impedance at high frequencies (My M-L ReQuests drop to 1 Ohm at 20KHz)

Your speakers are quite revealing, use a decent wire, I'd recommend 14 gauge minimum, 12 would be better.

In my opinion however, a smaller gauge quality speaker cable would be better than 10 gauge hardware store zip cord.

usedcable.com has a good selection and will let you audition various cables for a small fee.

[E-Stat]

I will be connecting a 80W stereo amp to Martin Logan Clarity speakers. The distance between the amp and speakers wont be more than 4-5 ft. Just trying to decide what gauge wires to buy. Any suggestions on brand welcome too.

As Hermanv noted, electrostatic speakers present a reactive load that is different from conventional speakers. Low inductance is more critical than just large gauge.

In the less-than-astronomical-budget category, I would recommend something like Kimber 4TC which has less than half the inductance of basic 12 or 14 gauge zip.

rw

[hermanv]

I used Kimber 4TC for a few years it was fine. At the length kingzorghh is planning, even 8TC is financially reasonable. Michael Percy sells just the Kimber 8TC raw cable for $16 per mono foot. Buy and install your favorite terminations and save a few bucks.

[FLZapped]

I've read a bunch of stuff about using lower gauge for longer distances. I was wondering what gauge is best for short distances. I know that a higher gauge will suffice for short distances. But will switching to a lower gauge improve performance even in that case?

I will be connecting a 80W stereo amp to Martin Logan Clarity speakers. The distance between the amp and speakers wont be more than 4-5 ft. Just trying to decide what gauge wires to buy. Any suggestions on brand welcome too.

cheers,
kz

Considering that these speakers present a really low impedance at 20kHz, you're best bet would be to use 12 AWG wire, even for that short of a run.

[hermanv]

Damn, it must be true then, the world is ending or Armageddon is here. FLZapped and I agreed on something.

[FLZapped]

Damn, it must be true then, the world is ending or Armageddon is here. FLZapped and I agreed on something.

And they say there is no such thing as miracles!

-Bruce