Speaker Wire - what to consider

[jackdean101]

I was planing on buy speaker wire on ebay, but I was suprised by so many different options. I think I need about 100' to run my 5.1 system. What things are there to consider when purchasing? What should I be looking for? To run my front and center I think it will take about 25' each, could something that long effect the quality of sound?


Canton LE series speakers
RX-V661 receiver

Thanks for the help!!

 

[MDS]

25 feet is actually considered a short run and 16 gauge wire you can buy at Home Depot will perform just as well as mega-bucks esoteric speaker wire (but may not look as pretty).

Read this page for everything you need to know about speaker wire: http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

 

[jackdean101]

25 feet is actually considered a short run and 16 gauge wire you can buy at Home Depot will perform just as well as mega-bucks esoteric speaker wire (but may not look as pretty).

Read this page for everything you need to know about speaker wire: http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

That was great info... thanks

 

[majorloser]

If you're planning on running through your walls or ceiling, make sure you use UL-CL2 or CL3 rated cable.

 

[jackdean101]

If you're planning on running through your walls or ceiling, make sure you use UL-CL2 or CL3 rated cable.

ok, thanks... but why? What is the difference?

 

[MDS]

CL-2/3 and higher (like CM) are fire ratings. Building codes usually require CL2 or higher rated wire for in-wall or in-ceiling installations because normal wire catches fire easily and spreads toxic fumes.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The home depot wire is CL3. I used 500 feet of it.