Speaker Wires for Surrounds Vs Fronts - Blu-ray Forum

SDBlu · 11-07-2008, 07:31 PM

I'm getting ready for my surrounds, which i should be getting towards the end of the year. I wanted your guy's opinions on what to use for the surrounds as far as speaker wires. BTW my surrounds will be wall mounted on the wall behind my main seating area (look at my HT gallery). It's these

I got these for my fronts and center. And although I am quite happy with them, I don't feel the need to use that particular wire for the surrounds.

Any suggestions?

Pelican170 · 11-07-2008, 07:33 PM

your going to find alot of different thoughts about this. My theory is to just use basic speaker cable for regular set ups. if i had like a $10,000 pair of fronts or a super crazy setup, then id spring for the expensive cables, but just my opinion...

Moefiz · 11-07-2008, 07:33 PM

Is your Sub in the back of the room...

Moefiz · 11-07-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican170

your going to find alot of different thoughts about this. My theory is to just use basic speaker cable for regular set ups. if i had like a $10,000 pair of fronts or a super crazy setup, then id spring for the expensive cables, but just my opinion...

Agree also...16 to 12 AWG and you are set to go.

SDBlu · 11-07-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moefiz

Is your Sub in the back of the room...

yes, and that is due to space constraints. But it still sounds good

Johk · 11-07-2008, 08:04 PM

First of all, determine the size of the cables depending on the length and the impedance of your speakers (6 ohm) (check this article for more info).

For example 12 AWG gauge will do 45 ft and 10 AWG will do 75 ft (for 6 ohm speakers).

Remember to get in-wall rated (CL2 or CL3) cable if you plan on fishing them through your walls.

Then, if I were you I would get it from monoprice or from Blue Jeans cables.

After that if you want you could sleeve them to get a more professional look (look at the thread in my sig).

Driver_King · 11-07-2008, 08:05 PM

Here.

RazorBlade · 11-09-2008, 04:31 AM

If you can swing it, always go bigger.... keep in mind that the longer the run, the more need for thicker wire!

BUT, BUT, if it's gonna stand out and look like crap, go thinner... if you can hide it, go big!

Beta Man · 11-09-2008, 01:11 PM

Are you going to try to run in-wall?

If not, I'd say get the 12G from Monoprice..... I'm running all of my speakers with that, and it works fine for me

I can't tell an audible difference between 12G or 20G for that matter, so I think most people experience the differences in their heads.....

Driver_King · 11-09-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I can't tell an audible difference between 12G or 20G for that matter, so I think most people experience the differences in their heads.....

Really?!? So HTIB wire would sound the same as 12 gauge wire?

SDBlu · 11-09-2008, 03:04 PM

I'd really like to run the wires in-wall for that clean look, but i'm not so sure i can pull it off myself (DIY). Otherwise I will have to use one of those wire management strips for each surround

My ultimate goal though, is in-wall.

Beta, what wire were you gonna suggest for in-wall?

And BTW thanks for the replies guys...

Driver_King · 11-09-2008, 04:29 PM

Here. If you even need that much...

Beta Man · 11-09-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Really?!? So HTIB wire would sound the same as 12 gauge wire?

I'm just saying that I can't tell the difference...... but then again, my equipment isn't the be-all-end-all....... but I can tell subtle differences in various speakers, receivers, amps/tubes/blocks

I just have a hard time hearing an ACTUAL difference in wires

as for in-walls.... just get anything from monoprice that is rated for in-wall use

Johk · 11-09-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcosG

I'd really like to run the wires in-wall for that clean look, but i'm not so sure i can pull it off myself (DIY). Otherwise I will have to use one of those wire management strips for each surround

My ultimate goal though, is in-wall.

Beta, what wire were you gonna suggest for in-wall?

And BTW thanks for the replies guys...

Running cables in-wall is fairly easy... First of all running the cable behind baseboards will get you a long way. After that if you need to fish the cables, you have to be prepare to patch some holes. But it really isn't that hard with a fish tape, you need a bit of patience and it's easier if someone can help you...

BTBuck1 · 11-09-2008, 09:07 PM

I know many "Diss" Monster (And i can understand this theory with Digital Cabling) but their analog cabling & Monster power products are excellent And IMO worth every penny...

They have a pantented design in their speaker wire and CL rated spools are sold at Best Buy and other retailers.

Just a thought.

ozzman · 11-09-2008, 11:06 PM

14 gauge for b,surround.
I have 12 gauge for my rears and ten gauge for center and front.
It should tell you in the manual what gauge the company recommeneds for each speaker

My back surround speaker wire was bought at walmart(Phillips brand)
no problems ,sounds great and the best part it didn't break me in the wallet.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226027008

https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226025897

https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226028717

Ranger-R · 11-10-2008, 01:03 AM

I had my rear surround backs with 16g, but wanted to ceiling mount them and couldn't do it in wall so I had to go with some 18g ghost wire(which is totally awesome) anyways they still sound just as good. My concern would be going too thin on a long run.

Johk · 11-10-2008, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozzman

It should tell you in the manual what gauge the company recommeneds for each speaker

I don't want to be rude or anything but the gauge of the wire depends on the speaker impedance and required wire lenght than on manufacturer recommendation... It's physics.

ozzman · 11-10-2008, 02:18 AM

Johk ,I agree with you to some degree and i never find you rude buddy

.

So iam useing 14 gauge,i guess about 25 feet for my backsurrounds.in your opioin do you think iam doing O.K.

Iam not really to worried.
My fronts and rears are taken care of.With my backsurround i just took my audio dealers recommenation (and after reviewing the manual of Paradigms ADP-170 it recommened 14 gauge as well (Thats all). So i can live with it.

But what i say is ,"when indecided,Just go bigger gauge"

It's not really a big problem

when talking about speaker wire ,You just don't have to spend big bucks for quality product

11-07-2008, 07:31 PM	#1
SDBlu Special Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:So Cal Blu-ray collection:171	Speaker Wires for Surrounds Vs Fronts I'm getting ready for my surrounds, which i should be getting towards the end of the year. I wanted your guy's opinions on what to use for the surrounds as far as speaker wires. BTW my surrounds will be wall mounted on the wall behind my main seating area (look at my HT gallery). It's these I got these for my fronts and center. And although I am quite happy with them, I don't feel the need to use that particular wire for the surrounds. Any suggestions?

11-09-2008, 01:11 PM	#9
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Are you going to try to run in-wall? If not, I'd say get the 12G from Monoprice..... I'm running all of my speakers with that, and it works fine for me I can't tell an audible difference between 12G or 20G for that matter, so I think most people experience the differences in their heads..... Last edited by Beta Man; 11-09-2008 at 05:23 PM.

11-09-2008, 11:06 PM	#16
ozzman Power Member Member since:May 2008 Location:St. Catharines ONT Home Theater Gallery:37	14 gauge for b,surround. I have 12 gauge for my rears and ten gauge for center and front. It should tell you in the manual what gauge the company recommeneds for each speaker My back surround speaker wire was bought at walmart(Phillips brand) no problems ,sounds great and the best part it didn't break me in the wallet. https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226027008 https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226025897 https://forum.blu-ray.com/attachment...1&d=1226028717 Last edited by ozzman; 11-09-2008 at 11:27 PM.

11-10-2008, 02:18 AM	#19
ozzman Power Member Member since:May 2008 Location:St. Catharines ONT Home Theater Gallery:37	Johk ,I agree with you to some degree and i never find you rude buddy . So iam useing 14 gauge,i guess about 25 feet for my backsurrounds.in your opioin do you think iam doing O.K. Iam not really to worried. My fronts and rears are taken care of.With my backsurround i just took my audio dealers recommenation (and after reviewing the manual of Paradigms ADP-170 it recommened 14 gauge as well (Thats all). So i can live with it. But what i say is ,"when indecided,Just go bigger gauge" It's not really a big problem when talking about speaker wire ,You just don't have to spend big bucks for quality product Last edited by ozzman; 11-10-2008 at 02:29 AM.

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11-07-2008, 07:33 PM	#2
Pelican170 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Newtown, CT 4K collection:127 Blu-ray collection:735 DVD collection:256 Trading Score:13	your going to find alot of different thoughts about this. My theory is to just use basic speaker cable for regular set ups. if i had like a $10,000 pair of fronts or a super crazy setup, then id spring for the expensive cables, but just my opinion...

11-07-2008, 07:33 PM	#3
Moefiz Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:288 DVD collection:20 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:70	Is your Sub in the back of the room...

11-07-2008, 08:04 PM	#6
Johk Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:645 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	First of all, determine the size of the cables depending on the length and the impedance of your speakers (6 ohm) (check this article for more info). For example 12 AWG gauge will do 45 ft and 10 AWG will do 75 ft (for 6 ohm speakers). Remember to get in-wall rated (CL2 or CL3) cable if you plan on fishing them through your walls. Then, if I were you I would get it from monoprice or from Blue Jeans cables. After that if you want you could sleeve them to get a more professional look (look at the thread in my sig).

11-07-2008, 08:05 PM	#7
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Here.

11-09-2008, 04:31 AM	#8
RazorBlade Active Member Member since:Nov 2008 4K collection:1 Blu-ray collection:632 DVD collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 3	If you can swing it, always go bigger.... keep in mind that the longer the run, the more need for thicker wire! BUT, BUT, if it's gonna stand out and look like crap, go thinner... if you can hide it, go big!

11-09-2008, 03:04 PM	#11
SDBlu Special Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:So Cal Blu-ray collection:171	I'd really like to run the wires in-wall for that clean look, but i'm not so sure i can pull it off myself (DIY). Otherwise I will have to use one of those wire management strips for each surround My ultimate goal though, is in-wall. Beta, what wire were you gonna suggest for in-wall? And BTW thanks for the replies guys...

11-09-2008, 04:29 PM	#12
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Here. If you even need that much...

11-09-2008, 09:07 PM	#15
BTBuck1 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jun 2006 Location:Oceanside, CA. Blu-ray collection:507 DVD collection:1	I know many "Diss" Monster (And i can understand this theory with Digital Cabling) but their analog cabling & Monster power products are excellent And IMO worth every penny... They have a pantented design in their speaker wire and CL rated spools are sold at Best Buy and other retailers. Just a thought.

11-10-2008, 01:03 AM	#17
Ranger-R Power Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Washington Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:1808 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:80	I had my rear surround backs with 16g, but wanted to ceiling mount them and couldn't do it in wall so I had to go with some 18g ghost wire(which is totally awesome) anyways they still sound just as good. My concern would be going too thin on a long run.

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