thanks Galen.
Well, I just went ahead and swapped the cables out and I’m very happy with the change.
It definitely seems like there’s an increase in the width of the soundstage; is that plausible?
The “image” we hear is the result of the phase alignment of all the signal at any point in time that superimpose to create the voltage signal that we hear. Time shift with respect to frequencies in a cable is called group delay and can change how we hear the image. Audio doesn’t have a stable linear group delay like RF, so the signals are “shifted” with each frequency and this changes the EM signal going down the cable. When the EM wave is changed, we hear a change. How MUCH it has to change to be important is the debated topic.
The cable LENGTH effects this too. Cables are pretty short, and even with a change in Vp at each frequency the bare numbers seem too small to matter over shorter runs. But cables do influence the image and this suggest the group delay is audible on better systems and recordings.
Best,
Galen
5000UE
11-mil PP insulation.
17 mil UL1666 PVC jacket.
2x12 (19x25)AWG TPC BC
1.6 ohm/1000 feet DCR
24 pF/foot
1313A
19-mil PE insulation.
44 mil UL1666 PVC jacket.
2x10 (259x25)AWG OFHC BC
1.0-ohm/1000 DCR
23.2 pF/foot
1313A is designed to be more rugged with a heavier jacket for outdoor and indoor both, and uses a PE insulation. 5000UE can use a thinner wall insulation because it uses a PP material that is tougher than PE and PP has a slightly lower dielectric constant, 2.25 verses 2.3. 5000UE is indoor rated.
As far as use goes the two will sound very close. The DCR in reasonable lengths won’t be a large contributing factor. 1313A will feel more flexible with the higher strand count and PE insulation. The high stranding and 10 AWG will make 1313A more expensive but neither is exorbitantly priced.
Generally, OFHC copper is warmer sounding than TPC, but the stranding will influence the sound, too. As cheap as they are, generally speaking, try them both and see.
Best,
Galen
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Hi Dan, please forgive the lengthy delay in responding… I’m not sure how I missed your post.
As I see Galen responded below, I concur. Without question, the 1313A is a better grade copper variant. “big step up,” would be subjective and depend on the system and how well it resolves. I have personally used both in systems and made that comparison. I chose 1313A, hands down. Neither are considered costly.
With regard to the spades, I would recommend having the plant send you one of our " welded small spades" to trial fit to your binding post. Though I can tell you that it will fit, it would be better for you to see just how nicely it fit the WBT sized binding post. A quick call to Andrew or Jeff and request a sample spade be mailed to you is totally acceptable. 1313A cord with the welded spades is hard to beat without making a “big step up” financially. Highly recommended.
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Hi Bob,
Thanks for the reply and no worries at all on the delay. Here’s the current situation with my BJC cables.
These are the large spades.
I added heatshrink for fear barrels might touch.
So you can see a few issues, ie gap between post and wider part of spade but bend not allowing full insertion. Not a big deal - the clamp securely holds the spade. This is a standard Cardas post block.
Dan
Good Morning, the heat shrink and Cardas block is a nice touch. Looks to be rock solid.
I’m looking for someone to split a 500 foot reel of 1313a in white with me. PM please, USA only.
Hey Terzinator, wondering how you are enjoying your cables? I have situation similar to yours (amp/speakers location) and am also currently using AQ Slip 14/2 which has been fine, but have been looking to upgrade myself.
I upgraded from some fairly thin Audioquest bulk cable, and the 1313 seems a step up, for sure.
But I will admit, the new cable has been in place for a year, so I can’t speak to nuanced differences. I’ve also changed a few things in the chain.
It seemed to increase the soundstage at the time I replaced it, and I have no interest in upgrading at this point. So let’s say I am happy!
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I realize the OP was asking about a thicker cable for his 25’ distance, but I believe a more accurate cable comparison would be to compare the performance of the Audioquest SLiP 14awg cable to the same guage Belden 1309A 14awg cable. BTW, for a 25 foot cable run, the difference between using a 14awg cable and a 10awg cable is .0375 ohms!