If I splice two speaker wire together, will it decrease sound quality?

Question

It is very good quality speaker wire, if I splice it once, and more than once (eg 3 times on same cord) will I notice a difference in the quality of sound?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

The average person most likely wont hear any drop in sound quality.  There is the potential for some interference to enter at the splice points so you want to keep them away from electronic sources but other wise go for it.  Also make sure they are clean splices and the wires are isolated from each other.

Answer 3

i dont think so...my boyfriend did it to our surround sound and it is real loud!

Answer 4

as long as you do it well you will not notice a difference. I would not reccomend doing this if you are running the cable longer than 30ft then you will notice a slight difference. And if this is for an in wall installation you shouldn't do it. If their is a fire and the cause is the cable insurance will not cover you.

Answer 5

I could simply say "no problem, go for it", but I believe you should consider the pros and cons before acting.

Bottom line: Purists don't recommend it and will tell you to run new high quality, oxygen free cables. But I've spliced speaker wires for years and didn't notice any ill effects (although I have not had more than one splice!).

The issue is the possibility of corrosion at the connection interfering with the signal. But with oversize wire the chances that will have any significant effect are minimal. That said, solder or crimp the connection (if a crimper isn't available use wire nuts).

See the article at the link.

The previous respondent's comment about insurance is bunk, insurance can be invalidated by improperly done house wiring, but not speaker wires in no way associated with house wiring.

Answer 6

Are you trying to connect 3 sections of speaker wire together

OR

Splitting the output of your amp to 3 speakers?

If you are just making a wire longer - no you wont have any audible difference.  Just make sure to strain-relief the breaks, and make sure bare wire from the + to the - side can never touch or cause a short.

Years from now - the exposed copper from the splices will oxidize and you should leave some slack to cut-resplice.