Newsgroups: rec.audio.tech
Subject: Re: Questions About Cables and Interconnection
References: 
"sm"  writes:

> Can anyone recommend some good websites that deal with the basics of
> cabling/equipment interconnection (i.e. from an electrical point of view -
> Although I am connecting domestic hi-fi, I would like sensible information,
> not the apparent rubbish talked about in hi-fi circles)

Yes. 
My ePanorama.net web portal (www.epanorama.net) has sections
on audio equipment wiring. Take a look at
http://www.us-epanorama.net/wire_av.html
http://www.us-epanorama.net/audiopro.html#wiring

 
> Some specific connections:-
> 
> What should I get for connecting amp to speakers - would 79 multistrand be
> appropriate, or would 129 or 252 strand be necessary? (what difference do
> the number of strands make?)

More strands makes generally more flexible cable. 
I would not see any notcable difference between those number of
strands on the audio quality.

> Does it depend on the spec of the amp (power? max current? etc.) and/or
> speakers (impedance? sensitivity? etc)

No. That does not have an effect of number of strands.
The only thing where amplifier power ratings depends is that
the wires much be thick enough to handle the current
(do not connected multi kilowatt PA amplifier to thinniest
cable wire from your multimedia speakers...),.
The less is speaker impedance, it is preferred to have less resistance
on calbe (thicker cable).

> What about interconnects? What should I be looking for? 

Good connectors. Good shielding. Good mechanical construction.
Reasonable capacitance for your application (effect noticably only
with high impedance audio sources).

> Low impedance?

No.

> Screened? 

Definately screened cable. Othewrwise the cable will pivk up
easily all kind of interference.

> What about impedance matching? etc.

Impdance matching is not used in normal audio equipment analogue
audio interconnections! Those systems are voltge matched.
 
> Does any of the above matter, or will bellwire do?!

For equipment interconnections bellwire is not suitable
because of lack of shielding. 

If it is wery thick bell wire, it might be usable as spaker cable
for short runs.

---
Take a look at my electronics web links and documents at 
http://www.epanorama.net/