Another speaker cable question...

[desmo900rider]

So I've googled, I've searched, I've read, and now I'm more confused then ever...

My addition is being built, and it's almost time for me to pull wire for the audio. I am going with a set of Magnepan MMGWs and a MMGC center, driven by a mid-fi receiver, probably a Yamaha or a Denon. I need to decide what speaker wire to buy.

The fronts will have about a 12-15 foot run, the rears will have about a 30 foot run. I was looking at the 10awg from bluejeanscable, but I was also looking at big fat lamp cord. There is also standard 12awg speaker wire from monoprice.com, and that site is recommend by hometheaterhifi.com...

I'm not spending an arm and a leg for 100 feet of speaker cable, the stuff from bluejeans is about $75 shipped for all I need, the other 2 are obviously much less. Any other places I should look or are there any great sites with good wire to use on a budget?

Right now I am leaning towards the stuff from bluejeans...the Belkin 5000 series...
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Thanks!

 

[zumbo]

Bluejeanscable is a good option.

Here is a helpful link, incase you haven't read it:

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/buyingguides/cablebudgetguidelines.php

 

[Warpdrv]

Lamp chord from Home Depot...
14ga for less then 30 ft. runs.
12ga for runs up to 100 ft

thats it..

No snake oil.. !!!

 

[j_garcia]

I think this was mentioned before, but a mid level receiver won't be quite enough for the Maggies. There is also no need for 10AWG wire; 12 should be more than enough from bluejeans.

 

[zumbo]

I think this was mentioned before, but a mid level receiver won't be quite enough for the Maggies. There is also no need for 10AWG wire; 12 should be more than enough from bluejeans.

Actually, I was saying the same thing. But, if you read the review of the 659, it seems that it can.

From the review:
Editorial Note about the Impedance Selector Switch

I recommend the "Minimum 8-ohms" setting even for 4-ohm speakers of moderate efficiency (>89dB SPL). Yamaha includes a" 6-ohm" setting to satisfy UL heat dissipation requirements when driving 4-ohm loads, as well as easing consumer concerns about driving low impedance loads. These switches step down voltage feed to the power sections which can limit dynamics and overall fidelity. My advice is to keep the switch set to "Minimum 8-ohms" regardless of the impedance of your speakers and ensure proper ventilation of the Receiver. Using the 6 ohm setting will reduce power output to your speakers about 15-20% and thus cause higher frequency of amplifier clipping if driven too hard which can damage your speakers

 

[emorphien]

Yamaha with Magnepan? That wouldn't have been my first thought. I'd honestly look at something that handles low ohm speakers better, and at least from what I have experience with that won't drive your budget way up, I've seen NAD surround receivers (T754 for example) driving 5 and 4 ohm loads all day with no trouble and without sounding strained.

The bluejeans cable is good stuff though, I'd say that's a safe way to go although any of the options you've mentioned will work. I agree you probably don't really need more than 12 gauge.

 

[desmo900rider]

Yamaha with Magnepan? That wouldn't have been my first thought. I'd honestly look at something that handles low ohm speakers better, and at least from what I have experience with that won't drive your budget way up, I've seen NAD surround receivers (T754 for example) driving 5 and 4 ohm loads all day with no trouble and without sounding strained.

I would love to go with an NAD, but they are way out of the budget right now, unless I could find a great deal on a used/refurb...

 

[zumbo]

I have said this over-and-over. But, I will say it again.

I have four speakers rated @ 4ohm, 87dB. Center speaker is 4ohm, 90dB.
It don't get much harder to drive than that.

I ran them with no problem what-so-ever off my Yamaha 1400. It seems that Audioholics was impressed with the 659's amp section. Doesn't look like it will be a problem. I felt the same way because it is a lower model #, but it seems to be up to the task.

 

[mtrycrafts]

So I've googled, I've searched, I've read, and now I'm more confused then ever...

My addition is being built, and it's almost time for me to pull wire for the audio. I am going with a set of Magnepan MMGWs and a MMGC center, driven by a mid-fi receiver, probably a Yamaha or a Denon. I need to decide what speaker wire to buy.

The fronts will have about a 12-15 foot run, the rears will have about a 30 foot run. I was looking at the 10awg from bluejeanscable, but I was also looking at big fat lamp cord. There is also standard 12awg speaker wire from monoprice.com, and that site is recommend by hometheaterhifi.com...

I'm not spending an arm and a leg for 100 feet of speaker cable, the stuff from bluejeans is about $75 shipped for all I need, the other 2 are obviously much less. Any other places I should look or are there any great sites with good wire to use on a budget?

Right now I am leaning towards the stuff from bluejeans...the Belkin 5000 series...
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Thanks!

While BlueJeans are fine and are nice, it may be more than you want or need to spend.

Either as was mentioned above about the Home Depot cable would be sufficient cabling of that ga recommended, about .30$/ft.