levir Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 I need to replace the speaker internal wiring on my Klipsch KG 5.5. Do you get better performance if you use thicker gauge wires? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 The gauge of the wire does not make a difference over short runs. Check out the gauge of the wire between the terminals on a speaker and the voice coil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted September 12, 2003 Author Share Posted September 12, 2003 I looked at a Demo KEF speakers with it's cross section cut in half and they are using high quality 16 or 14GA insulated internal speaker wires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 I meant the actual speaker component (as in woofer, etc)...internal wiring is very small gauge. PWK just used zip cord in his original designs. But why not experiment -get some heavy gauge wire and some small gauge wire and see if you can hear the difference ... the lengths will be short so the cost will be minimal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted September 12, 2003 Author Share Posted September 12, 2003 Is it worth the time and effort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted September 12, 2003 Share Posted September 12, 2003 Only to satisfy yourself... wire is controversial ... people spend amazing sums on wire ... IMHO on short runs any reasonable gauge wire will work as well as any other ... yet some people swear by certain brands of wire, claiming all sorts of improvements ... speaker wire over short to medium runs is all the same according to many ... low level interconects if they are sturdy and well shielded are pretty much the same also IMHO ... You will get passionate opinions to the contrary, however. I use some moderatly expensive interconnects for teir durability and shielding ... I use a Monster bi-wire cable harness for my K-horns because it makes a neat package with some clever and handy screw-on terminations ... however I won't be replacing PWKs internal wires ... by the way, I did't see much difference in the bi-wiring from the single zip cord I used previously ... maybe a little more clarity ... much, much bigger diffference when I installed AL K's crossovers. In short, I would spend the money on better components before I would spend a lot on wires. The only reason I suggested you experiment is so you can say with assurance, as I can, "There's very litttle to no difference". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted September 13, 2003 Author Share Posted September 13, 2003 Soundog, you mentioned about the Custom ALK crossover. Do you have their website? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted September 13, 2003 Share Posted September 13, 2003 I had it once. But just email Al Klappenberger at ALK@toad.net and he can give you all the information you need as he's the designer/builder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted September 14, 2003 Share Posted September 14, 2003 alkeng.com will get you through to Al's site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted December 7, 2003 Author Share Posted December 7, 2003 Hey thanks. I called them and Alk does not have an upgrade on my KG 5.5. I did found a another supplier and replaced the caps with Hovland caps. Since the size of the Hovland are large, I ended up using different pcb and upgraded all x-over network components with better parts. The sound is more defined with improvements in resolution and definition. The mids have superior timbre, texture, clarity and musical naturalness. Highs are more natural and clear. Gone is the brightness. I have upgraded interconnects and wires in the past but this mod give me performance and value. I recommnend this upgrade to older speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted December 17, 2003 Author Share Posted December 17, 2003 Here is the picture of the mod x-over vs. stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3dzapper Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 Boy levir, That even looks like it sounds better! Great job. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubinhard Posted December 17, 2003 Share Posted December 17, 2003 For internal speaker wire, I use the silver coated copper from www.northcreekmusic.com. At 50 cents a foot, it's a no brainer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted December 18, 2003 Author Share Posted December 18, 2003 Thank you. The x-over upgrade is worth looking into. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitze Posted December 19, 2003 Share Posted December 19, 2003 I would just use a pure copper wire, such as Monster OMC or a Kimber wire, never a silvercoated wire, this will make the sound of the mids and highs somewhat raw. Anybody upgraded a Heresy II filter ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted December 19, 2003 Author Share Posted December 19, 2003 Yes. I will tell you later. I have not seen a KG5.5 filter upgrade until I had the time and courage to open mine. I then took the original components values and replaced them with better parts minus the protection circuit. Silver wire costs $$$ so I used an .99% oxygen free flat copper wire. Check www.alkeng.com Here is your future x-over. ---------------- On 12/19/2003 3:30:38 AM Jitze wrote: I would just use a pure copper wire, such as Monster OMC or a Kimber wire, never a silvercoated wire, this will make the sound of the mids and highs somewhat raw. Anybody upgraded a Heresy II filter ? ---------------- 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jitze Posted December 20, 2003 Share Posted December 20, 2003 This ALK filter is for the Heresy I, I contacted Al, he told me just to upgrade the components......................... Jitze Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
levir Posted December 23, 2003 Author Share Posted December 23, 2003 Hmmm...I thought I saw your speakers in their website. You can upgrade your x-over components by replacing the parts with high quality parts like I did. Happy Holidays! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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