speaker wire from bluejeans cable (1 Viewer)

[kyutaek]

I was told from bluejeans cable that they sell speaker wire (not available in their site, though). It is 12 gage belden (don't know the number) zip speaker wire (20ft for $13, 40ft for $26). Can anyone tell me how good/bad this speaker wire would be? Also, would you recommend banana or spade/pin connector for receiver and speaker end?

I also want to ask if there is alternative good quality speaker wire (similar price range above)?

 

[Dan Halchak]

Can't speak for their speaker wire, I wasn't aware of it...but I like all their other products...so I would think it should be fine!

 

[TimMc]

Well, in general Belden has a great reputation and for very good reasons, but the exact number does kinda matter. They make a variety of 12AWG wiring at a variety of price points, so knowing that number is critical to knowing what you're getting and deciding just how good that price is.

Sound King wire at Parts Express is a very decent alternative (s/b 50' for less than $25). Home Depot is another choice - either the 12AWG wire or else the 12AWG outdoor extension cable (if you don't know that reference, a search on "Quad speakers" and "outdoor extension cord" will give the answer). The HD wire also survived a review by The Absolute Sound - and survived it quite well.

I've used bananas for years, but spades are just as good (especially if you don't switch connections often). If I was starting today I just might go w/ spades. I personally don't like pins - stepping down the 12AWG to thin pins makes little sense to me, but YMMV.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

I emailed Blue Jeans about speaker wire a long time ago, but never got a response. I didn't think I ever saw it on their site, either. ??

In the end, I went with Canare's Star Quad speaker wire. 4 lines to each speaker, in a twisted pair configuration to minimize inductance and provides for a bit of self-shielding. www.markerteck.com has it.

http://www.canare.com/speakercable.html

and

http://www.canare.com/speakercabletechnote.html

 

[CurtisSC]

Kevin...

that is www.markertek.com

I use the same stuff...but I did the bi-wire thing for kicks.

 

[kyutaek]

I've just checked with BlueJeans and the model number of the belden cable for speaker wire is 9718. I don't know if this cable is good for the price I got above. I would appreciate if anyone have a comment/opinion on this particular cable.

Also, I want to get a gold-plated spade/banana and they quoted $2.50 (no name brand specified). Would it be a good one for the price (I know, it's hard to tell)? If you let me know the other spade connector at similar or better price, pleaes let me know (I need at least 12). Thanks.

 

[Johnal]

I just bought a roll of 14 gauge speaker wire from Home Depot... I guess this is kind of a silly question since it seems like everyone shoots for the 12 gauge, but is it really better? What are the noticeable benefits of the 12 as opposed to the 14?


-Johnal

 

[CurtisSC]

Johnal,

No difference unless the run of wire is real long.