which speaker wire would you use?

[PENG]

If random doubt makes you happy.

Not really random, how would you know that table had allowed for at least one or two of the "other" factors I referred to when I had not stated any at the time of your post? Noticed that the table also shows the effects of impedance. I thought the table alone may have difficulty allowing for impedance dips of various speakers.

And are wrong to do so.

Yep, I thought so, but somewhat surprised that you said so as well.

And you said go one size larger: so you are accepting 3%. How did you decide that 3% was OK and 5% was unacceptable?

I wouldn't accept any "drop" if I can help it, 3% is better, 1% even better so I would go further, as far as I practically could and I am not going to ask you why wouldn't you accept 6% either. I think going one size larger is just heading in the right direction, again just my opinion.

I have no idea why you seem like picking fight with me, often enough that I finally noticed. I hope I did not inadverently started this previously but if I did I am sorry. I do enjoy open discussion, even debates, but I must admit there is a limit. So my last point is simply this, respectfully, you go with the table to size your wire accordingly, I use it as a guideline/starting point and then factor in my "over" sizing preference, others go with their own preference/beliefs. Happy New Year!!

 

[Paul Jubick]

so 16 is not good enough?

IS 14 good enough? some are now saying 12g. Again, I have a Denon 1612 receiver , energy 5.1 classic surround speakers. 16? 14? 12? what wire do I need for optimal sound?

 

[Adam]

Paul, how long will your speaker wires be?

 

[Steve81]

IS 14 good enough? some are now saying 12g. Again, I have a Denon 1612 receiver , energy 5.1 classic surround speakers. 16? 14? 12? what wire do I need for optimal sound?

I'd expect 14 gauge will be adequate for pretty much any run under 40 feet in your setup, and that's with a bit of leeway to spare. I wouldn't really recommend wire runs beyond that in any case.

 

[markw]

You've gotten a lot of answers to your question.

IS 14 good enough? some are now saying 12g. Again, I have a Denon 1612 receiver , energy 5.1 classic surround speakers. 16? 14? 12? what wire do I need for optimal sound?

Now, it's up to you to choose the one (or ones) that you want to believe.

Sometimes, there is not any one simple, concrete, correct answer. There can be several ones, all equally valid and "correct".

Any of the suggestions provided will provide you with "optimal" sound for that receiver/those speakers but if that's your goal, you better start looking at speaker placement and room treatments.

The truth is out there, but opinions are like anus', but sometimes some people do like to turn these open questions into uriniating contests.

Now, had you lurked a little and read a few posts on this subject before jumping in with a question that's asked almost daily, you might have had a better idea about what to expect but when you jump in cold and post before reading the forum first, you leave yourself open to this. You can always ask for your membership fees back if you don't like the service you've receiver here.

 

[Paul Jubick]

banana plugs?

the wires will be roughly 20to 25 ft on the surround speakers. dont even really know what banana plugs are but somebody on this thread said it would be best to get'em. Do I really need them? the energy speakers I will be using have screw on connecters. is that not adequate?

 

[JerryLove]

I wouldn't accept any "drop" if I can help it, 3% is better, 1% even better so I would go further, as far as I practically could and I am not going to ask you why wouldn't you accept 6% either. I think going one size larger is just heading in the right direction, again just my opinion.

I wouldn't toss cables for being 6%. 5% was chosen to give a comfortable margin of error. I wouldn't disagree with a different chart that set it at 4% or 6% (indeed: I know of another chart that target's 10% and I've not started a dispute when that's been posted); but I would respond to someone calling the 5% chart wrong without good cause... which is what I did.

 

[gmichael]

100' of 12 gauge (in-wall rated) for $32.00 - It will be more than sufficient for about anything you can throw at it.

Or 100' of 12 gauge (not in-wall) for under $30.
For only $27.12 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 100ft 12AWG Enhanced Loud Oxygen-Free Copper Speaker Wire Cable | 12AWG Loud Speaker Cables

For that price, why use anything less?

 

[Steve81]

dont even really know what banana plugs are but somebody on this thread said it would be best to get'em. Do I really need them?

No; they make connection/disconnection easier, but bare wire is adequate. Just be mindful of loose strands to avoid a short.

 

[Adam]

No; they make connection/disconnection easier, but bare wire is adequate. Just be mindful of loose strands to avoid a short.

Yep. Paul, your speakers can accept either bare wire or banana plugs - it's what you prefer. I like banana plugs because it makes connecting/disconnecting the wires faster for me, and it helps prevents against shorts like Steve mentioned.

You can get plugs for ~$1/pair, but I recently got some of these Sewell Deadbolt banana plugs based on a recommendation from a member here, and I'm very happy with them. I also have Monoprice plugs that I got for $1/pair on sale, but the Sewells are a lot easier to put together for me and look nicer, IMO.

 

[nibhaz]

You can get plugs for ~$1/pair, but I recently got some of these Sewell Deadbolt banana plugs based on a recommendation from a member here, and I'm very happy with them. I also have Monoprice plugs that I got for $1/pair on sale, but the Sewells are a lot easier to put together for me and look nicer, IMO.

+1 QFT

I just helped a friend of mine out with his system and was amazed at the value those Sewells represent.



BTW I have 10ga wrapped in pretty techflex going to my mains...because I can

 

[markw]

You can get plugs for ~$1/pair, but I recently got some of these Sewell Deadbolt banana plugs based on a recommendation from a member here, and I'm very happy with them. I also have Monoprice plugs that I got for $1/pair on sale, but the Sewells are a lot easier to put together for me and look nicer, IMO.

OK Adam, you convinced me. On your say-so, I just sprung for two dozen of these to replace the cheapo Rat Shack ones i've had for over ten years. I've had to spread the tips of these on occasion over the years to keep te contact tight and I'm sick and tired of doing that.

Now, if that aren't as good as you say, i'll be lookin' for ya. Better yet, I'll sic Alex on ya.

 

[gmichael]

I'll sic Alex on ya.

He'd like that.

 

[Adam]

OK Adam, you convinced me. On your say-so, I just sprung for two dozen of these to replace the cheapo Rat Shack ones i've had for over ten years.

I hope that you like them, Mark! Well, not only so that you're happy...but Alex scares me.

I wrote this in my review on Amazon, but the first time that you insert one, it will take a good amount of force (at least, all 24 in the one pack that I've used so far were like that). After that, they insert a lot easier. So, you can cycle them through a binding post that you don't care about (or that's robust) if you have any concerns about putting a lot of force on any of the other posts.

And, yes...I expect misquotes.

 

[agarwalro]

I have a Denon 1612 receiver and energy 5.1 classic surround system... the wires will be roughly 20to 25 ft

Based on these measurements of the speakers (impedance dips down to 4 Ohms at times) and this AH cable gauge guide, 14 will be just fine.

My opinion: If you want to be in the 'guaranteed with margin to spare perfectionist' zone, and because the cost is negligibly more, you might as well go with 12 gauge wire.

 

[markw]

Oh, I know what you mean

And, yes...I expect misquotes.

We have a lot of these out here too.

 

[JerryLove]

Bah!

Mosquito is our state bird. Get back to me when you've lost cattle to mosquito-induced exsanguination.

 

[markw]

You've never been to Jersey, have you.

Bah!

Mosquito is our state bird. Get back to me when you've lost cattle to mosquito-induced exsanguination.

Exsanguination, my tuchus. Here they carry away small pets. Don't even get me started about green-headed flies.

Hoccum you're humping everyone's leg today?

 

[BMXTRIX]

Or 100' of 12 gauge (not in-wall) for under $30.
For only $27.12 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 100ft 12AWG Enhanced Loud Oxygen-Free Copper Speaker Wire Cable | 12AWG Loud Speaker Cables

For that price, why use anything less?

Yep, either one is fine.

If the wire is to be run in-wall so it can't be seen, then a in-wall rated (CL2/CL3) cable is required by electrical code and is what really should be run. It is not as easy to work with as non-CL2 rated cable, but if you have a fire, your insurance company can't look at your crooked about it.

14 gauge cable will work just as well and will save you a few bucks. Literally a few bucks. I would simply run 12 gauge and call it a day.

I would strongly recommend banana plugs at the A/V receiver for ease of connectivity at the Denon side. You don't really need it for you speakers since they are easy enough to move around and get to, but at your A/V receiver, where you have 10+ wires you need to connect in a very tight space, you will be very thankful for having a quick and easy connection to the Denon.

 

[markw]

Amen, Brother.

I would strongly recommend banana plugs at the A/V receiver for ease of connectivity at the Denon side. You don't really need it for you speakers since they are easy enough to move around and get to, but at your A/V receiver, where you have 10+ wires you need to connect in a very tight space, you will be very thankful for having a quick and easy connection to the Denon.

This qualifies as the understatement of the year. Real estate is at a premium on the back of modern receivers and you really, really don't want a short, even a tiny one.

Consider it cheap insurance.