Does speakers cables need to be of the same length in a surround set-up?

[TKratz]

When I bought my first surround set-up 9 years ago I was lectured about the importance of having speakers cables of the same length, all the way around! (Except for the center speaker, which apparently could be shorter...) This has created quite an excess of caple material for my front speakers! I had to move down in quality for the same reason.

Now 9 years later I wonder if this is still of vital importance? (If ever). I see the logic in having matching lengths for both fronts and backs, but with the advanced surround receivers of today, shouldn't it be possible to level out any difference there might be as result of this difference?

Appreciate your thoughts and comments on this.

 

[JoelSim]

No, it's not important at all. I had same length cables until recently I decided it was a waste of money and just added to the mass of spare cable sitting behind my rack. Now I have unequal lengths and not a jot of difference.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

JoelSim:No, it's not important at all. I had same length cables until recently I decided it was a waste of money and just added to the mass of spare cable sitting behind my rack. Now I have unequal lengths and not a jot of difference.

What Joel said....

 

[pete321]

I think it probably matters if you're listening in stereo pure audio mode, i.e. all calibrations off, but otherwise I would imagine most AV amps work out the delays automatically during the setup procedure.

 

[TKratz]

Thank you all for the fast responses.

I considered making cables for the front speakers of the same length and the same for the surround speakers. Just like to get rid of the massive excess of cable for the front speakers, and it sounds like I can safely do that.

 

[Anonymous]

Personally I cut cables to length, not a jot of difference to my ears from equal length Kimber 4TC @ £26 per mtr as I used to have on my High end stereo system!

Live and learn, oh the money I've spent running blind over the years.

Spend the cash on cleaning up the Mains for significant musical gains IMHO.

 

[Anonymous]

Just cut it to length based on where your speakers are positioned.

 

[moonfly]

pete321:I think it probably matters if you're listening in stereo pure audio mode, i.e. all calibrations off, but otherwise I would imagine most AV amps work out the delays automatically during the setup procedure.It doesnt matter even in a stereo setup since the signal moves down the cable near the speed of light. The speaker distances is more important as the speed of sound is much much slower. Its here the AV stuff works its magic, and even in stereo mode they can apply this correction.

 

[TKratz]

Hmm, does it now?

Well, I never was very good at this area of Physics, but as this is not an electromagnetic signal I would assume it must be considerably slower than the speed of light.

Anyway, we can definately agree that it runs 'very fast', and therefore, cable length should really be of minimal importance.

 

[digigriffin]

When I bought my amp and speakers plus cables the dealer said that I should have better cables to the front and centre and longer cheaper ones to the surrounds.
I think they said most of the audio is from the fronts so that is where you would notice the benefit of the improved cable.

So In my case longer cables for the surrounds plus lower quality ones as well?
In any case I am happy with how it sounds.

 

[Big Aura]

I have my speaker cables exactly the same length (plus/minus 0.000000004mm), and have the national weights and measures department independently verify this every 2 months. I can hear faster than the speed of sound, so this is critical for me.

I think you'd need one to be several hundred meters longer than the other to notice a difference!

 

[professorhat]

The only practical consideration I can think of for equal cable lengths is it gives you more flexibility if you ever decide to move your system around.

Whether it makes any audible difference I leave each to his own opinion.

EDIT - I'll add, I use equal length for the fronts (including the centre) and equal length for the rears, but the fronts are certainly not the same length cable as the rears!

 

[TKratz]

Big Aura:

I have my speaker cables exactly the same length (plus/minus 0.000000004mm), and have the national weights and measures department independently verify this every 2 months. I can hear faster than the speed of sound, so this is critical for me.

Lol

I thought you were the one to persistenly insist on not having funny remarks on what you write Big Aura?

 

[Big Aura]

all my remarks are based on comedy, but it's extremely subjective.

 

[TKratz]

Well, this one made me laugh more than usual and tells me Hifi forums doesn't need to be dull

Anyway, I think I am going for the Professor approach. It makes sense to spend some more on the front speakers, as these will function as stereo speakers as well.