Speaking

The new generation of PRS instrument/ instrument-related cables are now available at Davis GMC. I bought myself a 3ft speaker cable from the classic series seen here in alluring blue.

The PRS cable is significantly thicker compared to the default Marshall version that came complementary with an amp purchase. This shows that the PRS is able to carry more signals through at any given time compared to its counterpart. The PRS also feels tougher physically but it's as flexible as the Marshall. The overall insulation here is important in promoting durability of which the Marshall feels thin & skimpy. The implication would be the material giving way easily if stepped on or scratched against the floor surface. 

Plugs-wise, there's very little competition going on. The PRS has Neutrik plugs with tough components to withstand repeated insertions & removal. The barrel is also significantly bigger to contain the thicker conductors. The obvious difference here is that the PRS barrel is removable while the Marshall's plastic version has a terminal wrapping; there's no way to access the internals unless you cut it open leaving the plug useless thereafter. 

I consider having a dedicated speaker cable to be very important as it transfers signals to the speaker directly. The cable must be noise-free & durable. The common mistake among uninitiated players is to use instrument cables to do a speaker cable's job. The instrument cable comprises of three conductors which will harm the amp's transformer over time. Ye.s it still works but it's damaging your amp unknowingly which is not a wise thing to do. If you are doing line level connections, you might prefer a thinner version which is currently not offered by PRS. Also, performance technicians would tell you that speaker cables should promote low visibility for aesthetic purposes so black is preferred but if you ask me, I like easy & immediate visual reference. This is especially useful if you are a backline tech overseeing multiple amps on stage during performances.

Are quality speaker cables expensive? Reputable ones start in the $30 price bracket at its shortest offering which is usually 3ft. I have tried three brands which I personally recommend & are in the stores right now; PRS/ Planet Waves/ Hosa. I have yet to try the Ibanez & Hotone versions in the mean time as they do not come in the shorter offerings (1m or shorter). Do let me know if there are other worthy brands to check out. 😎

Speaker cable

I recently went hunting for a speaker cable, I wasn't looking for a boutique brand name, just something that works & found the 12ft KI Audio (Korea) brand name @ Davis. The length was definitely excessive- why would I need a 12ft unit for a simple head-cab attachment? So I took it too BEEZ & he extracted 1m from the original length & that certainly made my day.

Of course, thumbs up to Beez for the excellent workmanship!

PS: Thanks darling for coming along... :-)

Cable talk: Speaker cable

For those of us employing a head + cab amp format, we'd definitely need a cable to connect the amp head to the speaker cab. The question is, are we using the correct cable? Why this matters:

• This cable carries larger currents (compared to the current produced by the guitar pickups), heavier gauged wires are more appropriate for the job as oppossed to the thinner-wired guitar cables.
• No shielding should be employed (guitar cables are shielded to prevent signal interference- otherwise, your amp would amplify radio signals) as it affects impedence & could cause transformer failure (especially for tube amps)

It is therefore a prudent move to invest in speaker cables like the Planet Waves model depicted above- would you pay a little more for one or spend much more for amp repairs?