Speaker Wire Gauge

[daveslounge]

Hi, I just bought a new system, and I'm in the process of hooking up the wiring to the seven speakers. This is a LOT of wiring!
I've spent a lot of money on speaker wire, 16 gauge. But I have run out of the good stuff, so here is my question...
Does it really matter?
I finished the back speakers off with a few feet of radio-shack generic stuff, and it seems to work fine, as sound comes from them!

[ixlegitballinxl]

if it sounds good, your good to go

[daveslounge]

Originally Posted by ixlegitballinxl

if it sounds good, your good to go

Sorry if I messed this up!
So the gauge of the speaker wire doesn't matter?
If this is true, I'm kinda ticked!
I imagine it does matter when hooking up a centre or front.
Thanks....this new surround is nothing but a pain in the bum (Denon AVR-588)...
Not recommended for newbies (such as myself!)

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by daveslounge

Sorry if I messed this up!
So the gauge of the speaker wire doesn't matter?
If this is true, I'm kinda ticked!
I imagine it does matter when hooking up a centre or front.
Thanks....this new surround is nothing but a pain in the bum (Denon AVR-588)...
Not recommended for newbies (such as myself!)

Really it's more important to have thicker cable for the longer runs (i.e. surrounds) but I use larger wiring all-around, but it's not going to make a big difference regardless (or noticeable difference I should say)

[Moefiz]

I used 16GA and it work's great.I got it from Amazon for 30.00 bucks for 100ft and I also used banana plugs which are a pain in the ass to plug into the reciever but its worth it.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Moefiz

I used 16GA and it work's great.I got it from Amazon for 30.00 bucks for 100ft and I also used banana plugs which are a pain in the ass to plug into the reciever but its worth it.

If it's a pain to connect them, how is it worth it?? The only real benefit is the "convenience" they give you to connect/disconnect.

[johnnymech]

When it comes to speaker wire, do a Google search for the test where someone used a metal coat hanger to attach speakers. People listening couldn't tell the difference between the speakers that used the coat hanger, and Monster brand cable.

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Really it's more important to have thicker cable for the longer runs (i.e. surrounds) but I use larger wiring all-around, but it's not going to make a big difference regardless (or noticeable difference I should say)

Agree!

[jkwest]

the more wire you have in the line, the more juice that you can supply to the speaker at one time. I have 14 on all of my speakers, except my outside ones. I used 16 for that and if I used my speaker switch from one side of the outside to the other, or both, then you can hear the actual degradation of sound coming from the speakers.

The longer the run, the fatter the wire. Anything over 50 ft do not use less than 16...thats the rule of thumb.

[rogman]

Originally Posted by daveslounge

Hi, I just bought a new system, and I'm in the process of hooking up the wiring to the seven speakers. This is a LOT of wiring!
I've spent a lot of money on speaker wire, 16 gauge. But I have run out of the good stuff, so here is my question...
Does it really matter?
I finished the back speakers off with a few feet of radio-shack generic stuff, and it seems to work fine, as sound comes from them!

I'd never use anything less than 12 gauge. Especially for longer runs. Sure, you'll still get sound, even from a coat hanger, but is that really the way to go?