20ft speaker cables + 3ft interconnects OR 8ft speaker cables + 12ft interconnects?

[livestrong]

Thank you all for your thoughts/advice/replies!! If I had a balanced preamp / amp, I'd do the longer interconnects for sure - still undecided about how to do unbalanced. Cables will be Wireworld Oasis 7 (RCA interconnects/bi-wire speaker cables).

[W9TR]

Long interconnects and short speaker cables are the best technical solution.

In my case, I didn't want amps on the floor in between the speakers. I like to keep that space free of 'stuff'.

I love the way my system sounds right now, and having all the gear on the side in a rack makes it easy to neatly dress power and audio cables.

Tom

[The Lost Bears]

I have always used a 5 meter run from my preamp to my amp. At first I used regular RCA interconnects and now I run balanced. At one point with the unbalanced I did had to float my amp because of hum. But not a big deal.

I like having my amp between my speakers while my turntable and the rest of my gear in the back of the room, far away from the speakers. If you have all your equipment between your speakers it can not only be affected by vibration but also reflection from the speakers.

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by eljr

Whichever is functionally or aesthetically more suitable. Those distances are not relevant audio wise. I would use 14 gauge or better on a 20 foot speaker run. Speaker Impedance 8 Ohm Load 6 Ohm Load 4 Ohm Load Wire Gauge Distance (ft) Distance (ft) Distance (ft) 18 AWG 10 8 5 16 AWG 20 15 10 14 AWG 35 30 20 12 AWG 60 45 30 10 AWG 100 75 50

Good post

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by eljr

Whichever is functionally or aesthetically more suitable. Those distances are not relevant audio wise. I would use 14 gauge or better on a 20 foot speaker run. Speaker Impedance 8 Ohm Load 6 Ohm Load 4 Ohm Load Wire Gauge Distance (ft) Distance (ft) Distance (ft) 18 AWG 10 8 5 16 AWG 20 15 10 14 AWG 35 30 20 12 AWG 60 45 30 10 AWG 100 75 50

I agree. Do which ever works for your situation. It is extremely likely you would NOT hear any difference.

[livestrong]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Long interconnects and short speaker cables are the best technical solution.

In my case, I didn't want amps on the floor in between the speakers. I like to keep that space free of 'stuff'.

I love the way my system sounds right now, and having all the gear on the side in a rack makes it easy to neatly dress power and audio cables.

Tom

Nice to see another fellow Minnesotan

I'm sure even a 20' run of the 12 AWG speaker cables isn't extreme by any means. I suppose I should really just try it out - I've got a 20 or 22 ft pair of very nice custom cables that I could re-terminate with nice spades/bananas (I found bananas that I absolutely LOVE - they're made by SINE - fantastic connection! But they're not bi-wire so I'd just have to use the jumpers.

The thought of hum on a long set of unbalanced interconnects scares the crap out of me!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by livestrong

Nice to see another fellow Minnesotan

I'm sure even a 20' run of the 12 AWG speaker cables isn't extreme by any means. I suppose I should really just try it out - I've got a 20 or 22 ft pair of very nice custom cables that I could re-terminate with nice spades/bananas (I found bananas that I absolutely LOVE - they're made by SINE - fantastic connection! But they're not bi-wire so I'd just have to use the jumpers.

The thought of hum on a long set of unbalanced interconnects scares the crap out of me!

+1 on SINE, I became a dealer after seeing/using their products.

[livestrong]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

+1 on SINE, I became a dealer after seeing/using their products.

Wow, cool - honestly...I think their banana plugs are absolutely top notch! You should talk to Wireworld about using them - haha!!

I've been curious about their power products as well - they're certainly a cheaper alternative, but perhaps they're not as good!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by livestrong

Wow, cool - honestly...I think their banana plugs are absolutely top notch! You should talk to Wireworld about using them - haha!!

I've been curious about their power products as well - they're certainly a cheaper alternative, but perhaps they're not as good!

Their power products are very good, not much cheaper after paying shipping from around the World.

[62caddy]

I would recommend 20' ICs only if balanced type, not RCA.