12-2 or 12-4 for conduit runs

[acurtas]

Just installed some conduit under my riser in preparation for a major remodel of my HT.

I have been debating several different options for my speaker wire run. This is for the main LCR+sub in the front, fed from the gear in the back. Run will be about 50 feet. 4 Ohm, constant load speakers (magnepans).

The current run that was there for the rears was 16-4 bundles (x3) for the rears and sub. I paired up the 16 gauge for about 14 gauge equivalent. I just don't think that's enough for my fronts so I want to upgrade.

Two questions:
for a 3/4" cable conduit, would two runs of 12-2 even fit? They say 1/4" nominal diameter at most places, but that looks like it'll be tight. 12-4 is a bit more reasonable, but a lot more expensive.

Next question: is there any interference or crosstalk problems with using 12-4 cable to make two speaker connections? I've had multiple speaker wires in conduit without any problems before, but they were not in the same "bundle".

Thanks for any and all help.

A

 

[majorloser]

You will not have a problem with "cross talk" with 12-4 cable. As long as that's the only thing your running through the conduit, no 120VAC. It may be a little tougher to make bends with fatter cable, though.

I assume your going to terminate the cable to a wall plate(?). If so, it's the same difference as two separate 12-2 runs.

 

[acurtas]

Thanks,
I figured as much on the 12-4, but I was not sure. I may just leave the 16-4 in there for now and upgrade later. Now that I have the conduit run, upgrading when I can afford to do it right will be much easier.

A