Amp Cabinet Wiring

[james21789]

Hey everyone,

This is my first post, but I've been a member for some time so please allow me to preface this post: It was so amazing to find that this forum exists, special thanks to everyone who has been so willing to collaborate and share information, and especially to dogears for making this whole thing happen. I'm finishing up a d'lite 44 I've been working on for quite some time (planning to volt test on friday after I wire the heaters) and none of this would have been possible without the resources available on this (and other) forums; thank you.

Now for the heart of the matter:

I'm dropping an ASW KTS-70 into a 1x12 ported cab for this head, and I couldn't find much literature on the threads regarding wiring cabs, so please link me if this post is redundant. I understand how to make the connections, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with:

wether the wires should trace along the side cab or hang loosely, making the shortest run possible

wether the wires should be separated or braided together (like heaters)

Additionally, I'm a little confused as to why speaker cabinets use speaker wire (beyond the obvious). At least in my amp, after the OT there is no change to the signal (just the ohm selector and the speaker jacks) and I'm using 20AWG teflon there. Why use a different type of wire in cabinet if it's the same signal? Maybe I'm missing something...

Anyway, if anyone has any insight to offer I'd really appreciate it.


Cheers,

James

[Andy Le Blanc]

Use a larger conductor to handle the current, and usually just drape the wire
with enough slack so you can get the drivers out enough to service the connectors.
You can twist, braid and tie how ever you wish, you can staple a plastic zip tie
on a inside surface and use it as a tie down.

welcome.

[CapnCrunch]

Your cab is ported so its closed back right? You can run your wires however it makes you happy. I like to twist them in an open cab for appearance, but I don't think it makes any difference at all in terms of sound or noise. It's a pain later if you want to switch speakers, but I would definitely solder your connections vs. using plugs.

Lastly, I would not go any smaller then 18ga wire. Personally I would use 14 or 16ga before 18ga, but in a pinch 18 will work. There is a very noticeable difference in the frequency response of your speaker as you reduce the size of the wire below 18 ga. I've re-wired a couple of 90's Marshall cabinets that had 22ga wire in them with 14ga and the difference is shocking. They go from Ice pick in the ear to well balanced with that simple change.

[mumford]

Can someone explain why larger wire in the cabinet than is in the amp would make a difference? I'm with the OP on this one.

[fperron_kt88]

length.

Total resistance is the thing to minimize. Since this wire is long compared to anything else in the design (save for the transformers/choke), you want a bigger total section to compensate for length.

[james21789]

Thank all of you! Glad I finally understand why thicker wire is used in cabs. I'll make sure my speaker wire is an appropriate gauge.

Until next time,

-j