16 gauge okay ??

[sab30]

Im just getting a little worried that everyone talks about 14 gauge, I was told by a Hi Fo speciality store that 16 gauge would be fine. I do plan on running a 7.1 through it with some good wattage and high quality bookshelfs..do I need to start tearing down walls and re-wiring?

Will I even notice the difference between 16 and 14.

Thanks,

SAB

 

[Leprkon]

if you go 50 feet or more, you should probably use 12 gage wire. A 100 ft roll is only about $ 3 more than 14 gage.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=100-155

 

[ruadmaa]

16 gauge is more than adequate for most home applications unless you have an extremely long run. As for how much amplifier wattage you are going to use on these lines it really makes no difference. I have yet to see someone heat up a speaker wire with too many audio watts!!!

 

[MBauer]

16 AWG - works for me

The run distance is the key thing to consider. 16 will be fine, especially if it already there, unless you have runs longer than 50 feet. In an ideal state, bare wall, new construction, running 14 AWG or even 12 AWG is a good idea, the wire and connector costs are close and the lower AWG number could be a good investment, same as extra outlets, Cat 6, etc. But, if the 16 is there I don't think you will notice a real world difference, You may, if the type of listening is especially critical, if not I wouldn't worry. I use 16 for my family room HT setup and it works great.

Installing wall connectors is a good thing to do (I had good luck with Leviton Snap Locks) and it allows me to change things around pretty easily when and if I need to

 

[sab30]

Wheww..okay that soothes the nerves..the runs are very short in a dedicated HT room. The longest run is 16-20 feet of wire the rest are probably more like 10-15.

SAB

 

[Shinerman]

Your fine with 16ga. for those distances.

Shinerman