Speaker Cables…
How to Choose
Speaker cables are the single most important connection between speakers and amplifier. Without them there will be no audible sound created. However, although the principal of connecting speaker to amplifier is simple, it can be one of the most important and influential connections made within the entire system. All of the fantastic audio signals created by your components and then amplified by the amplifier can all be dramatically lost once the signals leave the amplifier and travel to the speakers. This is because cheaper cables allows for signals to diminish as the conductor material is not of a higher standard and can lose transmission qualities as a result. This is why high-performance audio deserves high-performance speaker cables too. It will maintain integrity and even influence a desired sound realisation.
Brighter sounds can be obtained by specific cables with the characteristics of being brighter. This will help to make a ‘laid-back’ or soft sounding speaker or amplifier sound much more charismatic at the higher tone scale, whilst helping bass response to be more defined and sharper as opposed to being flat or ‘muddy’. Again, a system that is to bright can be dampened by using a speaker cable which is designed to be smoother and warmer in its tonal performance qualities.
Even though the theory of changing cable to influence sound may be an unbelievable theory, it is one that undeniably works. Many people often feel that their system is tired and not performing as it should. Many people go and replace a system as a result. However, by changing speaker cable, a dramatic and ‘system-saving’ change can be made, securing your existing system from consignment to eBay; or such alike.
QED has been renowned for making cables that give a huge influence over sound characteristics without breaking the bank. This means that you can invest in quality cable, as opposed to an entire system upgrade. Chord also manufacture speaker cables. Their research and design has been celebrated as a triumph for the High Fidelity world. Their cables reflect innovation and strive for quality at levels that exceed all previous expectations in their price bands.
In order to get a suitable cable upgrade, taking time and researching the possible candidates is essential. Without doing do, the sound you end-up with might just be an undesirable one. Also, value your equipment in terms of price. For lower-prices systems, a cheaper cable might just be more suited to your requirements. For those without a limited budget cap, advanced cables from Van den Hul, Chord and Nordost might just be of interest and advantage to your system.
Bi-Wiring:
Bi-wiring is a speaker connection process in which the connection is made between amplifier and speakers twice. It is ideal for making a secure connection without the possibility of sudden failure. This can only be performed if your amplifier has extra posts for bi-wiring.
Bi-Amplification:
Bi-amplification is designed to use two amplifiers on one set of speakers. One amplifier is designated to drive the high frequency, whilst the other drives the lower-end. This means there is more tonal control over the speakers. Of course, the speakers need to feature extra connection posts, like that of speakers for Bi-wiring.
Bi-wiring and Bi-amplification cables are available to buy from us at Hifi Gear. We too recommend that all cables are terminated, is suitable speaker posts are permitting, with banana plugs. A banana plug is designed to be a secure connector instead of bare wire conductor material. If force is applied upon the amplifier end of the speaker cable is may short-out and cause un-repairable damage to your amplifier’s output stage, or, even worse, to your expensive speakers. Banana plugs are £4.24 per pair from Hifi Gear.
Speaker cables for a Home Cinema system should ideally be kept the same for all of the speakers. This means that integrity of sound will be maintained. Otherwise an undesirable effect and the quality of surround sound can be affected. For your subwoofer it’s ideal to upgrade to a specially designed interconnect from the likes of QED or Chord. For those requiring a cable that is both high-performance and easy to hide behind ceilings and enclosures, QED’s speaker cable ‘Qontour Ultra Flat’ is an ideal solution for both requirements. Its flexibility is unrivalled too, thanks to the endless research at QED, ensuring quality isn’t compromised over convenience.
Hifi Gear can supply a customised lengths and termination possibilities for a majority of our stocked cables. We have official termination equipment from QED and Chord, meaning that we’re trusted suppliers and fitters of speaker cables. Please call us for advice as to what might be the solution or what cables will suit your speakers and amplifier.
Hifi Gear Sales Team
