Speaker Cable Lengths?

Posted by: ianrmack on 17 December 2003

Greetings from wintery Chicago-

In my current rig (Cdx2/202/hi2/psc2/250), I use a 4 meter run of naca5 speaker cable into my Dynaudio Special 25s. We will be moving into a new house in the spring and my wife has asked me to see what I can do about "all those silly cables"......can you believe this...?...;-)

In our new abode, the system will be set up on my QS4 rack with the speakers about 2.5 meters apart. Can I effectively use a shorter run, say, 2 or 2.5 meters? It will make things cleaner but I don't want to commit heresy, or suffer sonic set backs.

What is the lesser of evils: shorter cable runs or current cables in small coil under the rack?

Many thanks and cheers,
Ian
Posted on: 17 December 2003 by Basil
Go hereUnofficial Naim Audio FAQ for more help, but do not coil any spare cable, fold it back on it-self and use insulating tape to bind.
Posted on: 17 December 2003 by Craig B
According to Naim, 3.5m lengths of A5 are considered minimum standard in order to provide the correct electrical parameters that their amps require.

Best to keep your 4m pairs and work on arranging them such that they don't spoil the decor (note that A5 is also available in white insulation should your dealer be inclined to offer you a trade).

BTW, round coils are a no-no as they, in effect, create an inductor. Best to arrange them in long oval shapes or zig-zag them back and forth if at all possible.

Craig
Posted on: 17 December 2003 by Haroon
From what I know Naim specifies that cable runs should be a minimum of twin 3.5 meter runs. I think it is that figure - someone confirm. This is something to do with the output stage of the amps, the cables are designed part of it - any change to length or make of the cable will invalidate the warranty.

Coils are also dammed (but does not invalidate warranty) as it creates an electro-magnetic field that will interfere with your equipment on the rack.

so i guess dont shorten the length at all. You could move the spare length to under the sofa or something. Or even hide it by using plastic covering runs - like those used with wirings in bathrooms/kitchens.
Posted on: 17 December 2003 by Basil
How about that, just like my local bus service three replies come along all at once. Big GrinBig GrinBig Grin
Posted on: 17 December 2003 by peach
Ian, how about those quick replies!i still want to come over and here your kit when time allows.i'm also looking forward to having you over.312 240 1007. best wishes .
Posted on: 18 December 2003 by ianrmack
peter-

heading to florida on sunday.
back on 1/5. just picked up a 282.
i'm done!!

let's get together in early jan.
best to you.....ian