Now that I've significantly increased my output wattage, I need to upgrade my speaker cables.  And I think I'm going to go with 6 Ft Monster Cable SP1000 Speak-On to Banana.  So far, the only place that I have found that has them is Wild West Electronics.  So, two questions.  Anyone want to share their recommendations and/or experiences relating to speaker cables?  Anyone know of other places to find them?

Build one.  Get some 10 guage zip cord and the appropriate connectors.

I used to work setting up and maintaining retail stores for a well known maker of speakers. We used zip cord to wire all the speakers in the displays even though we sold Monster cable in the store. It's much less expensive and I'm convinced even the most dicriminating ears can't tell the difference.
 
John

That's a good suggestion; but past experience has shown convincingly that I have no skill at soldering whatsoever.

I'd be willing to wager you have a friend who can solder. I'd also wager if you brought the parts and some beer (or other favored beverage) over to his house he'd do it for you.

Contact either of these two people:
 
pete@petebrunelli.com or bayoucables@cox.net
 
They custom make cables that are very good (quality components and good workmanship.)  I've ordered three different cables from Pete and they are the best that I've owned.  Tell them kipknee from DudePit sent you.  I guarantee than you'll be happy.
 

(Edited - Posted the same note twice.)
 
 
(Message edited by kipknee on August 12, 2003)

John; I do know one person, it's a two hour round trip to his house but not a bad idea.
 
Bob; thanks for the contacts, I'll send an email and see what they say.

Dave-
 
My 2 cents......Mogami.  
 
There's a guy here in Texas selling Mogami cable under the name Saber Cable.  Larry Morgan Music (the local Alembic dealer) carries it.  It's all I use and am extremely happy with it.  It's a bit pricey, but no more so than the Monster, and it sounds better to my ears.  
 
If your interested, give Marcus or Chance a call at 972-864-8584.
 
C-Ya...........wayne

Thanks Wayne; I found a dealer list on their website.

I've corresponded with Pete Brunelli.  (He says Hi Bob.)  He uses 14 gauge wire.  He says it's a better fit for speakon and banana connectors than 10 gauge wire and he says for the application, the wire he uses, rubber insulated conductors and a rubber jacket, is sufficient.  Anyone have any comments?

You don't need soldeering skills to build a banana-Speakon cable--both connectors are solderless.  All you need for assembly is the right screwdrivers.  Unless you're considering a very long run of cable, 99.9% of ordinary mortals will not hear a difference, unless you tell them you're using The Emporer's New Cable (TM), in which case some of them will suddenly realize that it's the finest sounding cable they've ever heard.

You don't need soldering skills to build a banana-Speakon cable--both connectors are solderless.  All you need for assembly is the right screwdrivers.  Unless you're considering a very long run of cable, 99.9% of ordinary mortals will not hear a difference, unless you tell them you're using The Emporer's New Cable (TM), in which case some of them will suddenly realize that it's the finest sounding cable they've ever heard.

Thanks, I did not realize that both Speakon and banana connectors were solderless.  However, a couple days ago I ordered cables from Pete and I am currently awaiting them.  I'm sure I'll be satisfied with the results.  In addition to comments I had read about 1/4 plugs in a high powered rig, what really spurred me to get moving on this cable upgrade is when a banana end of one of my current cables failed; I think a lack of sufficient strain relief was a contributing factor.

HI
I am using Planet Waves Speaker Cables Speakon to Speakon and Speakon to Speakon with their super heavy duty 1/4 adapter. Their cables are oxygen free 999 pure copper core, great shielding,.They also have a stress flex collar. Guaranteed for life.These cables are well made, sound great and are well priced.The pure copper and better shielding in their audio designed cable will beat any zip cord out there.Harry's guitar in Raleigh NC has them in stock.
BILL