Speaker Wire

[MrRoy]

I upgraded my speakerwire from, let's say 20ga to 14ga with banana plugs. I know the plugs are for convenience, but the wire seemed to be a necessity due to what I was reading. I am running a pair of Sony SS-F6000 mains and the corresponding SS-CN5000 center. They are all being driven by a Sony STR-DG920. Am I looking for a sound difference. I want to believe that I heard one, but it could be in my head. Thanks in advance!

[StimpsonJCat]

Opening a can of worms here. Personally I think as long as you are using the correct gauge for the length of wire that is run you are good.

here is a chart:
http://74.50.20.110/wiringdiagram.jpg

You really should only see a difference if you are using too thin a wire for the length you run and you switch to the proper gauge.

[JJ]

There should be a noticeable difference in sound between 20 AWG and 14 AWG wire; but banana plugs make no difference in sound, they only help in convenience.

[MrRoy]

Judging by that diagram, the move from 20 to 14 was the correct move.

My front speakers all had the 20ga wire, same length and all. I wired the center first and it seemed to be stronger the mains after I did that. Once I rewired all 3, I thought I noticed a dif.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

There should be a noticeable difference in sound between 20 AWG and 14 AWG wire; but banana plugs make no difference in sound, they only help in convenience.

Should is the key word here, but if you're going from 20 to 16, 14 or even 12 awg using standard spool-type wire that can be purchased anywhere it will likely make little to no difference. It is the quality of wire used that will gain the most noticeable results, and not necessarily the gauge.

John

[MrRoy]

Originally Posted by John72953

Should is the key word here, but if you're going from 20 to 16, 14 or even 12 awg using standard spool-type wire that can be purchased anywhere it will likely make little to no difference. It is the quality of wire used that will gain the most noticeable results, and not necessarily the gauge.

John

I used monoprice's 14ga wire that is made for in-wall installations (white). I was using the standard wire supplied with some other speakers I purchased.

[StimpsonJCat]

The worms are starting to creep out of the can...

[liquidice]

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by MrRoy

I used monoprice's 14ga wire that is made for in-wall installations (white). I was using the standard wire supplied with some other speakers I purchased.

I have no experience with Monoprice speaker wire, but I suspect that it isn't much of an improvement.

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Should is the key word here, but if you're going from 20 to 16, 14 or even 12 awg using standard spool-type wire that can be purchased anywhere it will likely make little to no difference. It is the quality of wire used that will gain the most noticeable results, and not necessarily the gauge.

John

Yes the quality and design as well as possibly the gauge of the speaker wires all contribute ultimately to audio performance of your system. Longer runs of speaker cable will generally benefit from heavier gauge wire such as 14 or 12 gauge. As far as the audio performance though, that will largely be depend on the associated equipment (as well as it up to the task) as well as the room and the ability of the listener to hear the differences.

In general, you do not use expensive cables (speaker or otherwise) with inexpensive equipment.

Rich

[Sonny]

I have my surrounds hooked up with 18ga wire (doesn't that give you goose bumps, maybe even cry a little ) & 14ga for the front sound stage. I have TONS of different brands & gauges of wire...& the difference is 'nill', piece of mind maybe. Speaker just deserve nice cable!!! & so do your ears!!

[mustang-gt-2002]

dose anyone know what kind of wire is in there speakers? YAMAHA preformance series speakers use monster.

[JJ]

Mustang, you've got to stop capitalizing Yamaha every time you include it in your posts.

For the best blend of price and performance at the entry-level, I suggest BlueJeansCable.com speaker wire.

I use their 10AWG Beldens for my front three, as well as their subwoofer cables for my Dynamo; but for my Polk surrounds I just use 14AWG Monoprice as well as their subwoofer coaxials for my AA sub.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by mustang-gt-2002

dose anyone know what kind of wire is in there speakers? YAMAHA preformance series speakers use monster.

I only know what is in my one of a kind pair of completely rebuilt and upgraded Dahlquist DQ-10 speakers because I did the work and rewired them. I do not think though that most people do. I do not know what is in my Dahlquist DQ-6CI bookshelf speakers, my Nola LCR Reference Center channel, nor my Epik Conquest Subwoofer.

Rich

[liquidice]

JJ, your funny. I must say I noticed your pics as soon as you upgraded your speaker wire, and they look great.

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Mustang, you've got to stop capitalizing Yamaha every time you include it in your posts.

For the best blend of price and performance at the entry-level, I suggest BlueJeansCable.com speaker wire.

I use their 10AWG Beldens for my front three, as well as their subwoofer cables for my Dynamo; but for my Polk surrounds I just use 14AWG Monoprice as well as their subwoofer coaxials for my AA sub.

[MrRoy]

I noticed that BigDaddy recommends the wires/plugs that I used in this thread:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=61637

There has to be some piece of mind here.

[rded]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Mustang, you've got to stop capitalizing Yamaha every time you include it in your posts.

Amen! I have read this in about 3 or 4 threads now.

[mustang-gt-2002]

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Mustang, you've got to stop capitalizing Yamaha every time you include it in your posts.

but I can't. I have to capitalize it becouse thay do it. like Panasonic only the P is capitalized

[MrRoy]

Thread officially derailed. Thanks for everyone's input.

[SPH]

I have 8 ga beldens on my front and 10 on the back. None of my runs are further than 12 feet. I just use big cables, on my guitar rig, my HT, and anything I do in car audio. I just always have.