Speaker cable solutions

[GCT]

Hi

I have 2 questions:

1. I have a couple of 15" cabinets that have XLR outputs and they're borrowed so I don't want to add extra connectors. To put them in parallel I can either join them behind the cabs in some type of Y connection or run separate cables to the amp and use stacked banana plugs. Is there a simple/cheap/snap Y connector solution?

2. Is 1.5mm2 cross-section cable OK for 15 - 20m 600w subs or is 2.5mm2 ? Price of copper has gone up. What are the standard cable specs for different speaker wattage?

Thanks

GCT

[loach71]

I would re-model the cabinet to a Neutrik SPEAKON panel mount connector and use Neutrik SPEAKON cable end connectors throughout the hi-level signal path. These connectors are purpose designed for speakers.... The other stuff is just a work-around.

[GCT]

I know the speakons are good but they're not my cabinets to mod.

[Eaulive]

XLR for speakers???

[Allanvh5150]

Hi, XLR connectors have been used for years as a speaker connector. 1.5mm copper cable will be adequate for what you need.

Allan.

[grumpy]

yep. often 4(+) pin varieties.

[macaroonie]

Neutric spec sheet shows a contact rating as 16A for 3 pin and 10A for 4 pin versions

http://docs-europe.electrocomponents...6b8002a46e.pdf

[Eaulive]

yep. often 4(+) pin varieties.

I know 4 pins XLR are the standard for 12VDC power in portable video broadcast equipment since the 70s, but I didn't know for speakers.

What I often see on old speakers is something like this:


Also 1/4 phone plugs but this is really bad.
I also saw some AC twist lock plugs used for speakers in the past.

[GCT]

1.5mm copper cable will be adequate for what you need.

Allan.

Hi, Thanks
So we're OK up to 600w on 1.5mm2 ? What about 1200W for the 2x15" future mid range?
GCT

[hjames]

Hi, Thanks
So we're OK up to 600w on 1.5mm2 ? What about 1200W for the 2x15" future mid range?
GCT

If you can't change out the XLR connectors for something more robust like Speakons, it will just have to do, won't it?

[Eaulive]

Hi, Thanks
So we're OK up to 600w on 1.5mm2 ? What about 1200W for the 2x15" future mid range?
GCT

Basically, cable size has nothing to do with the power you plan to use, as most cables handle at least 300V.
The important consideration is length and load.

If you have a 2 ohms load, the cable loss will be far greater than with an 8 ohms load.

Look at this chart for guidance: http://www.yorkville.com/default.asp?p1=5&p2=27&p_id=84

[GCT]

Thanks for all your help
GCT

[Allanvh5150]

Basically, cable size has nothing to do with the power you plan to use, as most cables handle at least 300V.
The important consideration is length and load.

If you have a 2 ohms load, the cable loss will be far greater than with an 8 ohms load.

Look at this chart for guidance: http://www.yorkville.com/default.asp?p1=5&p2=27&p_id=84

Keep in mind though, it is the current carrying capability of the cable and not its insulation resistance. Power loss in a cable is I2R, to get more power to the speaker you need to use a bigger cable.

Allan.

[Eaulive]

Keep in mind though, it is the current carrying capability of the cable and not its insulation resistance. Power loss in a cable is I2R, to get more power to the speaker you need to use a bigger cable.

Allan.

What I mean is that the cable size issue is the same whether you use 5 Watts or 5000 Watts, the loss will be the same.

[Allanvh5150]

What I mean is that the cable size issue is the same whether you use 5 Watts or 5000 Watts, the loss will be the same.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm.....ya lost me.