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Generally speaking, when making connections to the loudspeakers from the amplifier, it is
very important to use the correct type and size of wire in order to avoid unnecessary loss of
amplifier power in the cable, reduction of amplifier damping factor (DF) and other undesirable
conditions. For runs up to 12 feet, ordinary "zip" or lamp cord, made of AWG18 stranded wire
and available in a variety of insulation colors may be used. For runs up to 40 feet, AWG16
stranded wire should be used to prevent power losses. For lengths over 40 feet and not
exceeding 60 feet, use AWG14 stranded wire only. Runs exceeding 60 feet require the use
of heavier conductors such as AWG12 stranded wire. If you find it difficult to obtain the
correct-size wire for your specific connecting length, you can parallel two runs of the next
smaller gauge of wire to keep wire resistance at a minimum. For example, if you require a
run of 35 feet to your loudspeakers and AWG16 wire is not readily available, you can parallel
two 35-foot lengths of identical AWG18 stranded wire for use with each speaker (you'll require
a total of four 35-foot lengths in such an instance) and solder the two conductors of each wire
making up each double cable, at both the speaker and amplifier ends, to insure good
electrical and mechanical connections of the conductors.
Regardless of the cables you select to connect your loudspeakers, there are some other
requirements which you should observe in order to insure maximum performance from your
amplifier. It is most important that you make certain the wiring you have selected has as Iower
capacitance as possible. All amplifiers, particularly wide-bandwidth audio amplifiers, are
susceptible to the capacitance cables present to their outputs at extremely high frequencies.
This capacitance, in conjunction with the inductance of the wire itself and the reactive load of
the loudspeakers, can create anomalies at ultrasonic frequencies which, although inaudible,
can affect performance in the audible range.
There are different ways to connect the wiring to the RIGHT/LEFT STEREO SPEAKER
OUTPUTS. The methods used will depend on the specific type of connectors supplied with
the loudspeakers, the speaker cables, etc. As a matter of course, we prefer to use double
banana plugs because it is generally the most secure method of connection. Also, the plated-
bronze springs of the banana plugs effect a self-cleaning action which insures the best
contacts between the binding posts and the connectors themselves. There are "sockets"
provided in the center of the binding posts' studs which permit secure seating of the banana
plugs. Make certain, however, that the round head of the binding post is securely tightened
before inserting the banana plugs firmly into the binding posts' sockets.
Additionally, when connecting the cables to the amplifier and loudspeakers, it is important
that you "tin" the wires with good solder (preferably high-silver-content solder) in order to
minimize contact resistance. Tinning prevents the build-up of surface compounds which form
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