Even if you had a 1 or 2 dB loss using, say, 16g instead of 12g for your rear surrounds, your receiver's auto-EQ (or manual EQ) will adjust those levels anyway. Very good point Jon. Think I am just going to use 14 AWG all the way around. Even for my rears. Besides, I am much more of a 2-channel stereo guy anyways. HT is not so important to me. But, I do like to watch a movie every now and then. When watching tv, I usually just do so w/o using my surround set-up. Don't feel as though that I am missing much either. Thanks for pointing that out. Cheers, Phil