Different lengths speaker cables

GerardJ

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2017
3
0
108
Alkmaar, The Netherlands
I would like to use 2 sets of speaker cables for my TAD-E1 to drive them biwired. I am using now one set of 12 ft long. To cut costs I would like to buy a used second set SC.
Because 12 ft is not often offered second hand I wonder if using a set of 8ft or 10ft SC on one side and my 12 ft SC on the other side will have a negative influence on the sound quality.
I know theoretically (complex effect of impedance, induction, capacity....) you should best use same length for L and R, but has anyone tried it and heard a negative effect on SQ? How much difference in length will be still acceptable?
I hope anyone has a first hand experience on this.
Kind regards, Gerard
 

Speedskater

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2010
941
15
368
Cleveland Ohio
With most conventional, reasonable loudspeakers it should be good.However if the cable length differences have a ratio of 5 to 1 or more (like 25 feet and 5 feet) there might be small differences in their frequency responses.
None of this applies to special case speakers like Apogees.

* * * * * * *
biwiring is a total waste of time effort and money.
 
Last edited:

Sablon Audio

Industry Expert, VIP Donor
May 22, 2015
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I suspect your hearing capabilities and room characteristics will differ from one side to another, so I wouldn’t worry about such a minor difference in length.
 

GerardJ

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2017
3
0
108
Alkmaar, The Netherlands
Thanks for your replies!
Has anyone approach this not only theoretically but actually tried this experimentally in a good audio system and heard what it does to the SQ?
Regards
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
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I have about 17' on one side and over 30' on the other because they go under the floor towards one side of the room where the equipment is. That said, TA said that in manufacturing...they adjusted for any small differences in measurements. Not sure what that means, but it was apparently a factor during production of the cables. Either way, no difference in sound.
 

GerardJ

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2017
3
0
108
Alkmaar, The Netherlands
Thanks for your personal experiences! I will give it a try :)
 

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