Cat5 Speaker Cable

[cmb5286]

I read the DIY on speaker cable and was impressed to find that you can run cat5 as speaker wire. I did a google search on how to put together my own. It seems that the AH DIY and other DIYs disagree as to how to braid that cable. AH, from what I could tell, ran the cable in the shielding and some of the others took off the shielding and braided multiple sets together. Is one way better than another? Also, I heard that using the cat5 could drive some amps into oscillation. What do I need to look out for when braiding my own set? What are the reliability issues, if any?

 

[jamie2112]

That would not be the best thing to use for speaker wire. Blue jeans cable has great 10 or 12 gauge wire for cheap....I have never heard of anyone using cat-5 for speaker cable. It sounds like a bad idea on many levels to me...

 

[Rickster71]

Here is a link to the Audioholics cable test, with CAT5
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/diy-speaker-cable-faceoff

 

[mtrycrafts]

... Also, I heard that using the cat5 could drive some amps into oscillation. ?

Naim amps are very sensitive to cable capacitance and self destructs with high cable capacitance so they sell their own. There are a few others, but not the ones we normally talk about here at AH.

 

[j_garcia]

Here is a link to the Audioholics cable test, with CAT5
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/cables/diy-speaker-cable-faceoff

My only issue with the shootout is that I didn't see anything about them actually LISTENING to any of the cables. The whole thing is based on measurements. If those measurements don't even translate into any audible differences, then why bother doing measurements?

 

[cmb5286]

My only issue with the shootout is that I didn't see anything about them actually LISTENING to any of the cables. The whole thing is based on measurements. If those measurements don't even translate into any audible differences, then why bother doing measurements?

+1
I totally agree. I'm curious as to how each set of cables made the speakers sound.

 

[mtrycrafts]

+1
I totally agree. I'm curious as to how each set of cables made the speakers sound.

Those cables are comparable and close enough in measurements that there won't be any audible differences. So, they will sound rather good, all of them. especially if the are long enough to reach the speakers.

 

[Sheep]

Those cables are comparable and close enough in measurements that there won't be any audible differences. So, they will sound rather good, all of them. especially if the are long enough to reach the speakers.

Which is why they measured it, it was the only way to see the difference.

Disregard what jamie2112 said. Running these for speaker wire is fine. It's a bit of work, but you can get pretty thick cables out of it.


SheepStar

 

[Haoleb]

I read the DIY on speaker cable and was impressed to find that you can run cat5 as speaker wire. I did a google search on how to put together my own. It seems that the AH DIY and other DIYs disagree as to how to braid that cable. AH, from what I could tell, ran the cable in the shielding and some of the others took off the shielding and braided multiple sets together. Is one way better than another? Also, I heard that using the cat5 could drive some amps into oscillation. What do I need to look out for when braiding my own set? What are the reliability issues, if any?

Probabbly the most popular version of the Cat5 speaker cable is the Chris Venhaus design. I built a pair via his instructions a couple years back. Although never used them really because they ended up being too short and too stiff for what I needed.

This design uses UTP (unsheilded twisted pair) which is the most common type of Cat5, however it is reccomended to use plenum rated cable as it uses teflon dielectic vs pvc or some other type of insulation. There are sheilded cat5 but this is not very common and probably not something you'll find at your local lowes or home depot.

The link to the original instructions:
http://www.venhaus1.com/diycatfivecables.html

The main problem with using cat5 as speaker cable is as you have mentioned the excessive capacitance due to the large amount of conductors all braided together. There are similar cables on the market with the same types of design such as the Kimber 8tc.

Having built a set I would vote for the pick up some 12ga option vs diy a set of these but you'll never know if you dont try. It is very time consuming process however so keep that in mind.

 

[MDS]

The main problem with using cat5 as speaker cable is as you have mentioned the excessive capacitance due to the large amount of conductors all braided together.

The main problem is spending hours to braid 8 twisted pairs for no gain whatsoever. CAT5 is for your network and phone connections or really anything that will work with low gauge wiring and needs more than 2 conductors (my garage door opener and doorbell is wired with CAT5e).

Simple 2 conductor speaker wire of the proper gauge for the run length is for speakers. IMO of course.

 

[jonnythan]

Why would you want to braid and run a ton of Cat 5 for speaker cable when you can just run some 12 or 14g and be done with it??

 

[cmb5286]

I figured I'd jus want to do something myself. It looks like a cool idea. I know i just buy some bulk 12 AWG and terminate it myself, but I just want to see if I can do it.

 

[Sheep]

Why would you want to braid and run a ton of Cat 5 for speaker cable when you can just run some 12 or 14g and be done with it??

Why go for a run when you can just sit on your *** and eat chips?

SheepStar

 

[cmb5286]

Why go for a run when you can just sit on your *** and eat chips?

SheepStar

Haha agreed

 

[jonnythan]

Why go for a run when you can just sit on your *** and eat chips?

SheepStar

Because running actually accomplishes something?

 

[jinjuku]

Ok, I'll come out and say it: Using CAT5 for high current transmission is simply idiotic. This is coming from a guy that has 1500 foot of CAT sitting underneath my desk.

DIY something like speakers or a subwoofer. You know, something that will actually make a difference because you DIY'd. Don't waste your time with this.

 

[jonnythan]

I agree.

If you're going to spend a bunch of time DIYing some audio gear just cause, at least put the effort into something that isn't pointless.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree also. It doesn't make sense to invenst a lot of time doing something that will ultimately end up giving you the same performance.

If you just want something to do, file a class action lawsuit against Monster Cable.

 

[jneutron]

I figured I'd jus want to do something myself. It looks like a cool idea. I know i just buy some bulk 12 AWG and terminate it myself, but I just want to see if I can do it.

Braiding is of no importance.

Each pair is 100 ohms. One cable will produce 25 ohms.

4 cables will be 6.25 ohms..

Cut 4 lengths, strip the ends, wire all the stripes together, and all the solids together.

You will have a 6.25 ohm cable.

Give it a try.

No idea if you'll hear anything different though..

Cheers, John

 

[jamie2112]

Which is why they measured it, it was the only way to see the difference.

Disregard what jamie2112 said. Running these for speaker wire is fine. It's a bit of work, but you can get pretty thick cables out of it.


SheepStar

Ok disregard what I said but you should listen to everyone else. Making your cat-5 cable will in no way make your cables better than anything you can buy from bluejeans or monoprice. That being said go ahead spend a whole lot of time building your cables if that makes you feel better...