Kimber Kable 8TC Speaker Cable - 1.5 Meter - Banana to Spade - Pair

Kimber Kable 8TC Speaker Cable

Kimber Kable 8TC is a braided copper speaker cable from Kimber's Ascent Series. It uses 16 strands of 19.5 AWG oxygen-free electrolytic copper, eight per leg, which Kimber rates at about 9 AWG per leg. Kimber describes it as a good fit for longer runs and tough speaker loads.

Kimber terminates the cable itself, and lists "Nitrogen assisted hand soldered termination" among its features. Each listing’s title names the connector on each end, and the bi-wire versions say so in the title.

What Is Inside a Braided 8TC?

Kimber's page for 8TC calls it a "high current braided loudspeaker cable". The 16 strands are arranged in a "16 wire counter opposed helix", and the copper is Kimber's VariStrand conductor. Kimber lists a low loss fluorocarbon dielectric and prints, per meter, 346 pF of capacitance, 0.09 uH of series inductance, and 0.008 Ohm of dc loop resistance.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Paul Seydor, in The Absolute Sound's 2013 Guide to Cables, Power Products, Accessories, and Music, praised 8TC's "great neutrality, transparency, and musicality" and "that elusive ability to remain musical no matter what's happening fore or aft".

Hi-Fi Choice gave 8TC an Editor's Choice award in its 2003 awards issue, calling it "particularly good at imaging and with firm bass."

Stereophile also lists Kimber Kable 8TC among its Recommended Components for cables, in both the 2025 edition and the 2026 edition of that list.

Who Is This Speaker Cable Best For?

• You have a long run or a demanding speaker — Kimber suggests 8TC for longer runs and tough loads
• You want low inductance — Kimber lists 0.09 uH per meter of series inductance
• You want a neutral cable — Kimber says it is often regarded as neutral, with accurate dynamics
• Your speakers have two pairs of binding posts — bi-wire versions let one run from the amplifier feed both pairs of posts
• Your speakers have one pair of binding posts — order a standard listing, not a bi-wire one, since bi-wire needs two pairs of posts on each speaker

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect one end to your amplifier's speaker outputs and the other to your speaker's binding posts, red to red and black to black. Do the same for the second speaker.

The Measuring Mistake That Leaves You Inches Short

Speaker cable is cut for one room. Measure the path the cable will really take, around furniture and along the baseboard. Then add a little slack. As Cardas puts it, "A cable that's just long enough usually turns out to be just not long enough." Keep the left and right runs the same length, as Cardas recommends, even when one speaker sits closer.

Spade, Banana, or Bare Wire?

Kimber's standard connectors are a 1/4-inch silver spade, which Kimber calls SPADE, and a silver banana, which Kimber calls S-BAN. Spades clamp under a binding post and hold tight. Bananas push straight in, so they connect fastest. Bare wire has no connector and fits almost anything, but we suggest avoiding it. Bare copper oxidizes quickly, and Cardas notes that copper oxide is not a good conductor. Re-strip bare ends when the copper darkens.

Two Pairs of Binding Posts? Here's What That Means

A bi-wire cable has four connectors at the speaker end instead of two. It is made for speakers with two pairs of binding posts. Your speaker's manual shows which links to remove.

When Is It Time to Upgrade?

Speaker cable often stays put for years, so it tends to be the last thing upgraded. Look again when something else changes. Moving from bookshelf speakers to floorstanders is the big one. In our experience, about nine in ten people who make that move keep their old speaker cable. A stronger amplifier, a longer run, or darkened ends are the other signs.

Pairs Well With

A speaker cable joins your amplifier to your speakers. These are the categories on either end of it.

• Floorstanding Speakers — the best time to rethink your speaker cable
• Bookshelf Speakers — the speaker end in a smaller room
• Integrated Amplifiers — the amplifier end in most stereo systems
• Stereo Amplifiers — the amplifier end when you run separates

Frequently Asked Questions

Who terminates Kimber 8TC?

Kimber does. Every Kimber cable is terminated by Kimber, and its page lists nitrogen assisted hand soldered termination as a feature.

What is 8TC made of?

Kimber lists 16 strands of 19.5 AWG OFE copper, Teflon insulation, and a 16 wire counter opposed helix, about 9 AWG per leg.

What is the difference between a pair and a single?

Kimber defines it this way: a pair of speaker cables goes from an amplifier to a pair of speakers, and a single speaker cable goes from an amplifier to a single speaker.

Do I need the bi-wire version?

Only if your speakers have two pairs of binding posts. Kimber describes an internal bi-wire cable as one terminated specifically to pair with a bi-wired speaker. With one pair of posts, choose a standard listing.

Does Kimber 8TC have a warranty?

Yes. Kimber offers a lifetime warranty on its factory-terminated cables, with proof of purchase from an authorized dealer. Audio Advisor is an authorized Kimber dealer.

Need a Different Length or Connector?

The most popular configurations are shown on this page. If your system requires a different length or termination, call our audio experts. We’ll help you choose the right configuration and arrange a custom cable for your system.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about speaker cables, speaker placement, or matching an amplifier to your speakers? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.