Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

M

Mitch Miller

Sophomore
Oct 30, 2012
121
2
18
In cases where your passive speakers aren't right next to a source of AC, is it preferable to to run a longer extension cord and place the amp right next to the speaker, or keep the amp near the power source and run a longer speaker cable? In this case, we're talking about a single ~2000 watt PA to a delayed speaker about 50'-100' from the stage (just going from memory on the distance).

My first thought is to run a longer extension cord and place the PA next to the speaker pole -- however, the other side of the amp will likely be used for another speaker (either a delay or the stereo mate). And, doing this now means the amp stack is exposed to lots of folks walking nearby.

The alternative is to keep the amp up near the stage (where the power is) and run longer speaker cables. I like that the amp is out of harm's way, and we have to run only one long cord (speaker only vs. signal + power). That is actually what I've seen done at this venue in the past.

-- Mitch
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

Mitch Miller said:
In cases where your passive speakers aren't right next to a source of AC, is it preferable to to run a longer extension cord and place the amp right next to the speaker, or keep the amp near the power source and run a longer speaker cable? In this case, we're talking about a single ~2000 watt PA to a delayed speaker about 50'-100' from the stage (just going from memory on the distance).

My first thought is to run a longer extension cord and place the PA next to the speaker pole -- however, the other side of the amp will likely be used for another speaker (either a delay or the stereo mate). And, doing this now means the amp stack is exposed to lots of folks walking nearby.

The alternative is to keep the amp up near the stage (where the power is) and run longer speaker cables. I like that the amp is out of harm's way, and we have to run only one long cord (speaker only vs. signal + power). That is actually what I've seen done at this venue in the past.

-- Mitch
Click to expand...

Looks like the advantage goes to longer speaker cables in this case. Even better, if you had powered boxes- but that's only better if you have a source of a/c nearby. Balanced line level signal is no prob for long distance, as you are probably already aware.
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

You have to balance convenience with what's better. Shorter speaker cables would be better, as the loss of signal in the speaker line is a minor issue. A 100' run of 12 gauge wire will result in about a 10% loss of power on an 8 ohm speaker. I'd take that over having an amplifier out in the middle of the room where people can mess with it.
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

Ah,the choice between increased voltage drop (long AC) or reduced damping factor (long speaker cord).
Assuming you use adequate gauge wire, neither is a big problem for 100 feet, especially since delayed speakers usually don't require much low frequency output, which is more sensitive to voltage or damping losses.
Plus, delay speakers can only be exactly aligned to the mains in one position, so other sonic problems will tend to outweigh cable differences.

Do what works best for you logistically.
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

Security trumps damping factor. In situations where the delay speaker position can be secured, I'd vote for longer AC and shorter speaker cables, but not in this case.
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

Brian jojade said:
You have to balance convenience with what's better. Shorter speaker cables would be better, as the loss of signal in the speaker line is a minor issue. A 100' run of 12 gauge wire will result in about a 10% loss of power on an 8 ohm speaker. I'd take that over having an amplifier out in the middle of the room where people can mess with it.
Click to expand...

I'd agree with accepting some loss rather than leaving the amp in a compromised position.
However, a 100' run of 12 gauge wire results in only about a 4% loss of power on an 8 ohm speaker, or 8% for 4 ohm, or 16% for a 2 ohms load.
A 16% loss would be about one dB less level, but the reduced damping factor from that length and gauge could make it sound like a greater loss than the power loss would suggest.
 
Re: Shorter extension cords or shorter speaker cables?

Both have negatives, but I believe the negatives of long power runs are greater than those of long speaker cable runs.

JR is right though, a powered speaker would be better for a delay position.
 
Top Bottom