Cutting Speaker Wire and Length??

[hglass]

I have two questions, the first is I have 3 sets of speaker wire. Tara RSC 1800's (bi-wired). They were originally cut for 15 feet. Since things have changed I only need left speaker and center speaker 3 1/2 feet and right speaker 6 feet. Can I cut them myself or should I send them back to the manufacturer?(no A/V for a month) The second question is can I have different lengths for the front/left/right speaker or should they be all the same? (old school thinking)

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yes, you can cut them yourself. You may need to terminate them with a new pair of banana plugs or spades, whichever you prefer.

They can all be different lengths, it is not an issue.

Now that I have looked at the speaker cable, if it were me, I would put it on EBay and sell it. Looks like it goes for a pretty penny. You can replace it with something just as good for dirt cheap.

 

[Rickster71]

I'd leave them alone; since there is no audible difference with those lengths.
With them left intact, you can use them if you move / change system. They will also retain resale value.

 

[j_garcia]

Yep, I'd leave them too. No reason to cut already terminated wires unless the bananas are the removable type. Just don't coil the wire up on the floor.

 

[chris357]

Yep, I'd leave them too. No reason to cut already terminated wires unless the bananas are the removable type. Just don't coil the wire up on the floor.

what is the alternative to coiling it up on the floor? I am asking because I have mine coiled up on the floor and have often wondered if i was screwing up my SQ. shoudl I extend it and have it run the length of the floor?

 

[j_garcia]

Theoretically, coiled wire could create induction. Realistically, it is jacketed and unless you were to coil up a LOT of it, I don't think it would cause an issue. Just better to be safe than sorry. I just let mine lay straight on the floor along the wall, but I don't have 5 extra feet of wire either.

 

[highfigh]

I have two questions, the first is I have 3 sets of speaker wire. Tara RSC 1800's (bi-wired). They were originally cut for 15 feet. Since things have changed I only need left speaker and center speaker 3 1/2 feet and right speaker 6 feet. Can I cut them myself or should I send them back to the manufacturer?(no A/V for a month) The second question is can I have different lengths for the front/left/right speaker or should they be all the same? (old school thinking)

I'm not sure having them all the same length is 'old school'. I've been in the business for over 30 years and never heard this as a recommendation until fairly recently.

The BS was deep 30 years ago and I think it's time for a longer snorkel.

 

[highfigh]

Theoretically, coiled wire could create induction. Realistically, it is jacketed and unless you were to coil up a LOT of it, I don't think it would cause an issue. Just better to be safe than sorry. I just let mine lay straight on the floor along the wall, but I don't have 5 extra feet of wire either.

It would be an issue if the coil was tight but a loose coil won't do much.