OT: can I use this as amp speaker cable?

[John Egerton]

hey guys...

I have a shed load of this cable lying around and was wondering if I can stick 2 neutrick jacks on either end and use it to connect my amp to my cab?

Its 16 gauge monster cable http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Standard-THX-Speaker-Cable/dp/B00008VF91

I have a shoddy cheap speaker cable at the moment but I don't want to buy a hyped up speker cable, I'd rather make my own.

Cheers guys...

john

[ashcat_lt]

why not?  i used to save tons of money on PA cables by looking for sales on those orange two conductor extension cords and using the plugs from defunct guitar cables.

[Meanderthal]

 You can use it if you have to, but I'd be looking for at least 14 gauge...

[John Lyons]

It should work fine.
Here's the thing to know though.
The longer the cable and the higher the wattage amp, the heavier the cable should be. If you are driving a low wattageamp  through a short cable (6 feet or under...) then you will be fine. If you are using a 100 watt amp you should still be ok for a short speaker lead but I'd suggest a thicker cable.

The orange extention cables are ok if they are actually heavy gauge wire. A lot of the thickess in those things is insulation and some of them are cheap and lower that the gauge they say they are.  12 gauge is the way to go for PA use!

John

[Gilles C]

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

Very interesting reading.

From that site, the total wire resistance should not be more than 5% of the rated impedance of the speaker.

Gilles

[John Egerton]

hey Giles C...

Thats a good read...

According to this article, if using 14 guage wire on a 8ohm load I an run a cable of up to a maximum of 48 feet.

I'm running a 16ohm load and only really need a length of about 10 feet.

Would I be ok using 14 guage speaker cable?

Also, is only the middle (hot) terminal connected on a seaker cable? Can I use metal jack plugs?

I need an angled plug becuase I have a tendancy to tip over my cab and jump on it at the end of gigs (don't worry, I'm careful but the audience doesn't know that.)

[John Lyons]

14 gauge will be fine for only ten feet.
A speaker cable uses both terminals as does a guitrar lead. +positive  to center/tip, negative to ring/the shell of the plug. Always use metal plugs! They come in right angle plugs...

John