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Post by TNTall on Jan 9, 2018 10:21:43 GMT -7
Hi all. Just joined this forum and just ordered my first new Dr Z - a Maz 8 head with a 1x12 G12H30 cabinet. I bought this to primarily use at church with the amp and cabinet separated by a long speaker cable.
Can you help me with a couple of questions? 1. What gauge speaker cable will I need for say a 40' length? All discussions I have found for this have been for much higher wattage amps (maybe that doesn't matter). 2. Can I get good results by soldering some 1/4" ends on home/car stereo speaker wire (or any stranded copper wire)?
Thanks, Greg
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Jan 9, 2018 10:30:08 GMT -7
Welcome to the Forum! A lot of good people and information here. I wouldn't recommend home stereo cables an amp. I would suggest checking with Todd from PCNS (our resident cable guru and manufacturing expert) for his recommendation on cable gauge. He'll probably see this and respond sometime today 😁
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Post by zpilot on Jan 9, 2018 12:51:08 GMT -7
So you are asking "Can I get GOOD results". Well, yes, as long as you pay attention to a couple of things. I would use at least 14 gauge wire. Smaller wire will certainly handle the amperage but will start to affect the damping factor. Heavier gauge wire will require the larger Switchcraft 1/4" plugs also, not the type on your guitar cables. Some say zip cable is a no-no. It has always worked fine for me. Remember you asked for "good results". You can spend a lot more if you want an optimum cable. And I mean a LOT. Zip cable is stranded so it has a "skin effect" and that is what you need.
PCNS can make a really good quality and durable cable for you for not much more than you will spend making your own. Honestly, I have not heard any of the PCNS speaker cables but I know their manufacturing quality from buying several guitar patch cables. I have heard other similar cables though and I can't hear a difference from zip cable. That's just my ears. It comes down to what is your time worth.
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Post by captainron (Ron) on Jan 11, 2018 7:52:46 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum Greg. Congratulations on a great amp! Sounds like a great choice of amp for your use! Todd at PCNS makes the best cables I've ever used. I thought for years a cable is just a cable, but It does help improve your overall sound when you use quality cables. For Speaker cable I don't believe it to be as critical as guitar signal cables. I have a few of Todd's cables including speaker cables. I would want a little better cable with that long a run between the head and cab. I'm thinking at least 16 gauge wire or larger. From what I've read in the past, I believe any cable run 50' or less is consider a "short" run when talking speaker cables. Todd would know best.
Send Todd a pm and I'm sure he will take good care of you.
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