Belden 5100UP Vs. 5100UE

[maxse]

guys quick question. Both of these are 14GA. I used the 5100UP for my speakers but was short one speaker and westlake did not have it in stock for a while and they suggested the 5100UE is the same electrically just not as flexible.

Well when I got this cable it is MUCH smaller then the UP!!! The UP is nice and thick and I even had to use plyers to twist the end, with the 5100UE It is pretty skinny that I basically dont have to do any twisting. How can they both be 14GA? And is it okay that I am using a different wire for one speaker?

 

[mtrycrafts]

guys quick question. Both of these are 14GA. I used the 5100UP for my speakers but was short one speaker and westlake did not have it in stock for a while and they suggested the 5100UE is the same electrically just not as flexible.

Well when I got this cable it is MUCH smaller then the UP!!! The UP is nice and thick and I even had to use plyers to twist the end, with the 5100UE It is pretty skinny that I basically dont have to do any twisting. How can they both be 14GA? And is it okay that I am using a different wire for one speaker?

Well, the base number is the same so the insulation must be different and the diameter difference. But, the copper's diameter should be the same. Even if it isn't, just solder that length to it, insulate it and use it. It might serve you better to stagger the splice several inches.

 

[maxse]

huh? Sorry didnt really understand what you said. Im just confused why the 5100UP is MUCH thicker than the 5100UE if they are both 14GA! How can that be?

 

[jcPanny]

Belden speaker wire

Check the belden website for more specs but here are the basics.

5100UE - less quantity, larger copper strands (15-20).
5100UP - more smaller copper stands (50-70).

The higher strand count of the 5100UP makes it slightly more flexible. Both are the same gauge, same insulation, and both make great inwall speaker wire. There is no problem with different wire for one speaker.