50' Rear Speaker Wire Run ?

[James NM]

I'm in the process of overhauling my HT system. I currently have a 50' run of 16 gauge speaker wire to my furthest rear speaker. So, should I upgrade the wire to a lower gauge? If so, what gauge should I go with?

 

[highfigh]

I'm in the process of overhauling my HT system. I currently have a 50' run of 16 gauge speaker wire to my furthest rear speaker. So, should I upgrade the wire to a lower gauge? If so, what gauge should I go with?

For low power or distributed audio applications, 16ga is OK. For higher power and SPL operation, I would go at least 14ga. 12ga would be good, too. If you're running new cabling all around, I would use 4 conductor- it gives you more options.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I'm in the process of overhauling my HT system. I currently have a 50' run of 16 gauge speaker wire to my furthest rear speaker. So, should I upgrade the wire to a lower gauge? If so, what gauge should I go with?

If it is an easy to replace cable, I would, not that much for cable and use 12ga. And, if the other back one can be replaced, might as well.

 

[Rickster71]

You need to know the distance and the load. How many Ohms are your speakers?
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable
Check the chart in the link above. It also has some info about wire runs over 50-ft.

 

[markw]

I'd go with no less than 12 gauge for that length. Technically, 16 gauge might be "adequate" but resistance does add up with length.

 

[highfigh]

From the article, here's the spec I was looking for:

"It can be solid, stranded, copper, oxygen free copper, silver, etc.--or even "magic" wire--as long as the resistance is kept to be less than 5% of the speaker impedance. There is no listening difference as long as the wire is of adequate size." The effects of the wire gauge comes into play when high current is carried and some 4 Ohm speakers, as noted in the article, will cause this.

This is all moot if you just want to listen to the music and not your equipment.

 

[James NM]

Thanks for all the replies.

The rears are B&W 685's which are 8 ohm and 88db sensitivity.

 

[njedpx3]

+1 for Highfigh recommendation

For low power or distributed audio applications, 16ga is OK. For higher power and SPL operation, I would go at least 14ga. 12ga would be good, too. If you're running new cabling all around, I would use 4 conductor- it gives you more options.

Good recommendation, I agree with highfigh


Forest Man

 

[mtrycrafts]

...

This is all moot if you just want to listen to the music and not your equipment.

I don't know about those guys who listen to their equipment
I tired it but I didn't hear a thing, not even the music I did hear some outside noises though

 

[highfigh]

I don't know about those guys who listen to their equipment
I tired it but I didn't hear a thing, not even the music I did hear some outside noises though

Mine clicks when it turns on and off, as well as when I use the various switches for changing sources and speakers. Some of the most open and transparent clicking I have heard. The mid-range isn't overly aggressive and I would say the general sound qualifies as 'chocolatey'. If I was from Joisey, I would say "It's like buttah".

 

[James NM]

So 12awg it is. 100' and 10 pair banana plugs via monoprice for < $40 delivered. What a deal!