solid core speaker cable - better than standard?

mowburger · #1 07-28-2011, 02:37 PM

This might have been covered, but I couldn't find a thread thru the search function. I came across a bunch of solid core 14/3 ug cable, and I was thinking of slapping some speakons on it and using it as speaker cable. Is this a good idea?

WingKL · #2 07-28-2011, 02:45 PM

Not unless you want a broken cable. Solid core cables in larger gauges are not meant to be flexed, or coiled and uncoiled and moved around. There is a good chance they will fatigue and break if you try to use them as speaker cables.

Bob Lee (QSC) · #3 07-28-2011, 03:05 PM

Stranded wire is much more flexible, so it's better suited to loudspeaker cabling.

atheos · #4 07-28-2011, 03:08 PM

Good idea only if you're planning a fixed installation. Maybe not even then.

billfitzmaurice · #5 07-28-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Lee (QSC)

Stranded wire is much more flexible, so it's better suited to loudspeaker cabling.

+1. And 14 ga is a waste of copper for less than 30 foot runs. That's a PA gauge, not electric bass. You can use 14 ga, but it won't work any better than 16 ga.