How important is cable quality with active speakers?

[dalzeah]

Read one or two comments on here about using top grade XLR leads (Van Damme etc.) from mixer to active speakers. Is there really much of a difference in sound quality if I 'upgrade'? I just use some bog standard xlr leads of ebay which seem fine - or could my sound be better with better leads? If so, can anyone recommend some decent ones. Thanks.

[Excalibur]

- or could my sound be better with better leads?.

Light blue touchpaper, and retire. :sofa: In my opinion, you're unlikely to be able to hear any improvement in sound quality, but there's a really strong possibility that they'll be more robust, and stand up to the rigours of life on the road far better than cheaper ones, especially in longer runs.

That's my two pennorth.

[katman]

Light blue touchpaper, and retire. :sofa: In my opinion, you're unlikely to be able to hear any improvement in sound quality

Many many moons ago, on a Home Automation forum, a guy posed a question... he had speaker cable installed during the building of his house and it was very expensive and had directional arrows on it. SHOCK HORROR, the builder installed it backwards and the arrows ran from speaker locations to amplifier, did people think this would cause a problem.

One reply said that he didnt think so but just to on the safe side, put the amplifier on a high shelf and the speakers on the floor so that the electrons could run "downhill" to the speakers. :lol:

I concur with Peter that provided the leads you have are made from reasonable cable you wont hear any difference but I also echo the comments about durability. Cheaper leads tend to use cheaper connectors and often the quality of assembly isnt as good either. I once supplied a local bar with some "affordable" ready made mic leads for their karaoke, I ended up remaking all the connections within a few weeks, after which they were fine.

Decent cable, good connectors and proper assembly and you wont have any problems, you dont need to venture into the realms of mega expensive leads peddled by snake oil salesmen :)

[Woodyo]

I Agree , decent well made cables using quality components will not only keep your sound good but will also last for years if looked after . I use Van Damme signal cables which I would highly recommend.

[SamV]

Decent cables ie Van Damme, Sommer, Kelsey etc will coil nicely, the outer sheaths won't discolour as badly and they'll be harder wearing than some no brand cable. The screening on them will also be better so they'll do better rejection. You don't have to top of the range VD/Sommer etc unless you are running in the extremes ie next to loads of power cabling, outdoors or extreme temparature.

I used to buy the cheap cable and after a while (couple of months of gigs) I got fed up with them randomly dying, cracked outer skin the pics oxidising etc. Once turnt upto a gig where 4 cables didn't work. Since then all my cables are Van Damme TourGrade with Neutrick connectors that I make up myself. I haven't had a single problem with them in over 7 years and they still look and feel like new (almost). My biggest problem with them is that bloody bands and engineers keep nicking them cos they're nice.

[Shaun]

I have both Van Damme and generic non brand cables. To my ears I can't hear any noticeable difference in sound quality between them.

[Excalibur]

In my opinion, you're unlikely to be able to hear any improvement in sound quality




I concur with Peter that provided the leads you have are made from reasonable cable you wont hear any difference


I have both Van Damme and generic non brand cables. To my ears I can't hear any noticeable difference in sound quality between them.

Both of the witty and humorous replies I was going to make are disallowed, one on the grounds that it contravenes my beloved Rule 23, and the other because the synonym "poo" ruins the effect of the phrase. I'll settle for thanking my esteemed colleague for his endorsement of the views above. :like:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I have both Van Damme and generic non brand cables. To my ears I can't hear any noticeable difference in sound quality between them.

I have mostly Van Damme and a few Skytronic ones and I can't hear any difference either. The Van Damme/Neutrik have lasted a long while though and still look brand new.

[dalzeah]

Thanks for those thoughts - I've decided my next lead purchase will be a better grade. I have had a few fail over the years so if it gets rid of that problem it's worth it.