Speaker Cable Size

Posted by Ken Simmons [IP: 208.26.190.141] on September 24, 1999 at 19:37:18
Using Mozilla/4.61 [en] (Win95; U):

In Reply to: Speaker Cable Size posted by Julius Miller on September 24, 1999 at 02:19:46:

Well...yes and no.

For "general" use (i.e. stereo receivers up to 50 WPC), #18 is THE SMALLEST I'd use. Forget the real cheap $3 #20 and 22 packs (i.e. "K-Mart specials") - the wire is TOO FRAGILE, tough to strip, and can be easily "severed" by a gnawing pet or teething toddler. Save this stuff for "kiddie" systems with low-power amps and real cheap speakers!

For "serious" (50 WPC and higher) audio use FINELY-STRANDED #16 to #12 (#12 for "Binford-class", super-high watage systems).

Next, use #18 for runs up to, say, 20 feet, #16 for up to, say, 50 feet, and larger for longer runs. Again, consider the WATTAGE you're driving (more watts usually equates to larger wire).

I, personally, consider #18 good-enough "for everything" (intercom runs are rarely over #18). I recently replaced my "mongrel" #18 speaker runs (i.e. spliced lengths, etc.) with Monster #16. Good stuff and I got it on sale ($5 for 50 feet). :)

Wire selection is really a personal preference. I see no reason to pay more than $1/foot - and that for #12 wire!

Check out MCM Electronics (www.mcmelectronics.com) and Parts Express (www.partsexpress.com) for their speaker wire selections. :)

Ken

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