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Nice speaker cable made from OCC copper

I recently completed a pair of speaker cables made from 18ga OCC Copper/teflon hookup wire from VH Audio. These cables connect my monoblock amps to the input of my outboard Xovers. They are part of a biwire system, carrying only the mid/high frequencies. They consist of three wires for each leg of the signal, six total per channel in a flat braid. The amp end is terminated with Eichmann banana plugs; the Xover end is terminated with Vampire heavy duty lugs. There is no covering or shield, other than a bit of heat shrink tubing on each leg at each end where the braid separates and the wires enter the connectors.

These cables replaced a set of expensive silver wire "jumpers" from a very respectable and recognizable high-end wire manufacturer. The coppers are better in every respect, with more detail yet less brightness than the silver. There is definitely more depth and body to the sound, as well, with beautiful tonality and imaging. There is no hint of glare or sharpness, but transients are clearly presented, and the trailing edges of percussion fade with a warm glow.

I believe that the wire itself is primarily responsible for the improvement, as the geometry is nothing special. Yes, the connectors are first class, but there's lots more wire than connector.

This OCC copper wire is worth investigating. It's not cheap, but it is a good value. This pair cost less than $100 and took about three hours to make.

Peace,
Tom E


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Topic - Nice speaker cable made from OCC copper - madisonears 21:06:46 03/14/07 (6)


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