Speaker Wire Size: What Gauge Wire?

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What wire size and length are you using? Is there a specific size you only use? What about in wall runs? Did you use a different size for that? Let us know what you use in the comments section and why. Thanks for watching!

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[totalplonker]

I've changed the cables on my 5.2.4 multiple times. I started with cheap skinny 18 gauge, and after 12 months of putting up with a very faint but very annoying electrical sound, I changed the cables to the 14 gauge (Amazon basics). Yes, there was a slight improvement in sound quality. However, and even after auditioning three separate AVR's, the same ambient sound of the room was still present. That told me it's not just about the thickness of the conductor (gauge) but how one goes about protecting the conductor.

Cables often act as antennas for attracting RF, and the longer the cable, the better the antenna. Probably explains why when I used to disconnect my heights and surrounds within 10 minutes, the faint background signal noise (RF/EMI) within my small room used to disappear/dissipate.

When friends used to come around, I used to show them how loud the system goes. Now I show them how quiet it goes.

None of them gets it, of course 😂

[michaelslocumbsr.]

Hey Joe!

I wish I had that site years ago...I did the ear test about 15 years ago...I switched from 16 gauge to 10 gauge... Initially, I swapped my center cable...Big difference... Years later, I switched everything to 10 gauge...And you're right, it can be hard to hide depending on the runs...

[traumadisaster]

a/b blind randomized testing prob few could notice a difference between wire.

[ukspawn]

wire gauge can effect amplifier damping factor. if you use to thin, you are losing damping factor, meaning the amp has less control over the drivers.

Bigger (lower gauge) has no downside other than cost and if it physically fits in the connectors and as the guys said, routing the cable can be harder.

[lbudt]

Monster Cable 12 gauge all the way around for fronts, center, rear.

[Masterslessons]

Lamp Cord for the win with the melted off white jacket

[babymakerth]

I ordered the 12 awg for the fronts 6 ft I have a small room Channa knows that lol 8x9 room with 7.2.4 lol😅

[babymakerth]

Smaller the number the thicker the wire right

[bikdav]

What is all the hatred against 18 gauge cable? I've been using 18 gauge lamp cord for years and have had no problems.

[mrpmj]

wires make a difference.
if u can’t hear a difference then your speakers or amp or preamp or dac or ears or source (compressed spotify instead of lossless like Apple Music) are not good enough