Braided Speaker Cables

[AcuDefTechGuy]

What do you guys think about my braided speaker cables?

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[Halon451]

Nice - have some extra free time on your hands this weekend?

I was going to initally say they look like some nice weaves there... j/k.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think you have too much free time on your hands!

 

[Joe Schmoe]

They look nice. Of course, they will not sound one ioto better than non-braided ones.

 

[fmw]

Honestly, I doubt there will be a problem but it is possible to add inductance to the circuit by braiding the cable that way. I doubt you have added enough inductance to make any difference. So when do we get to see a 5 wire braid?

 

[sparky77]

I don't feel so bad anymore, I did the same thing. I had a large roll of 18 gauge wire so I braided together 4 lengths for each speaker.

 

[j_garcia]

Since each wire is jacketed, I don't think added inductance will be a factor.

 

[no. 5]

Them some purdy cables.

 

[gus6464]

Hey those are the banana plugs I use too!

 

[Moo]

I wouldn't bet on that

Braiding speaker (or any kind of) wire helps prevent RFI from doing it's dirty deed and the results can be sonically very rewarding.
It won't work for every application, but I know of many where it did, including in my own system.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Too much time on hand = braided blue jeans cable.

Yeah. You guys know it too well. I had some extra BJC on hand, so why not put them to good use, right? My intention was to make them look nice enough that I would not have to hide them. Everytime someone sees my braided cables, they have to ask me, "What is that?"

I just could not let all those Kimber Kable and other braided cable folks have all the fun!

We need to have a braiding cable contest.......NOT.

But it sure was fun braiding those BJC wires, attaching those BJC locking bananas, and heat-shrinking those BJC jackets with a hair blower! Speaking of which, I need to get some more of those heat-shrink jackets.

Yeah, one of these day I will have to try braiding five cables.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't feel so bad anymore, I did the same thing. I had a large roll of 18 gauge wire so I braided together 4 lengths for each speaker.

We are sick!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hey those are the banana plugs I use too!

Did you use the heat-shrink jackets too?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Braiding speaker (or any kind of) wire helps prevent RFI from doing it's dirty deed and the results can be sonically very rewarding.
It won't work for every application, but I know of many where it did, including in my own system.

So what kind of braided cables do you use?

 

[gus6464]

Did you use the heat-shrink jackets too?

Wait those are blue jeans banana and not GLS Locking Series II? They look exactly like the GLS which is what I use.

http://www.speakerrepair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BL10&Category_Code=locking

 

[sparky77]

We are sick!

Well for me it was just because I didn't want to go out and spend money on a roll of heavier wire, and I cheated a little. I used an antique hand cranked rope braiding machine and left the braid a bit looser so it didn't use up so much of the length.

 

[Sheep]

Lol, you speakers are hooked up with dreadlocks.

SheepStar

 

[corey]

Yeah, one of these day I will have to try braiding five cables.

Standard 3 & 5 strand braids are flat. Try a 4 strand braid, which is round. I made mine using 14 gauge speaker wire with a clear covering so the copper shows.

 

[Halon451]

Is this an A/V forum or a Hair Salon? j/k AcuDef - I have to admit they do look kind of cool; never thought about doing anything like that myself.

 

[Rickster71]

Here is a link to an Audioholics' cable shootout.
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/diy-speaker-cable-faceoff
It tests some braided cables. You might find it interesting.