Hey I'm building a house and have to decide on 12 gauge wire for surrounds in the next 2 days so I can get them to pull the wire. Should I just run out to Radio Shack or Best Buy and buy some or is there more I should know about this. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your input!

Likely the wiring will need to meet "In Wall" electical code specifications, assuming you meant for these cables to be run in the walls, ceiling or flooring. Cable not designed to be In-Wall may still meet electical code In-Wall if it is run through the proper conduit. I suggest you check with someone who knows your local codes.

Assuming you are not looking for exotic cable, a home improvement store may have bulk reels for sale at a savings over cut wire.

[This message has been edited by bestbang4thebuck (edited May 18, 2004).]

There have been some posts online recently about Home Depot offering some decent 12 gauge electrical wire that is perfect for speaker wire. Here's an "Absolute Sound" review of the 14 gauge Home Depot wire:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/newsletter/147/cable_survey2.html

Otherwise, the regular stuff should do just fine.

Good luck!!

I was also wondering if 12 gauge is more overkill for surrounds. Can I just use 16 guage. I will be using the 770/950 combo with Axiom speakers.

For the in ceiling speakers which will be run off the last 2 channels of the 770(surround will only be 5.1) can I just run 16 gauge?

Thanks

.

How long will the wire run be? Pushing 200 Watts from your 770 I would say with a run up to 10 ft you could go with 16 gauge OK, for a 15 to 20 ft. run 14 guage, and 20 to 30 ft needs to be 12 guage. This is for a maximum power drop of .5 db over the given length of wire. For less power the guage could be reduced. System damping factor (including the empidance of speaker wire) needs to come out to at least 20, but the higher the better, so I would err to the side of bigger wire if it were me.

OK 12 guage it is. How about my ceiling speakers in various rooms? We are talking pulls of 100+ ft for some of them. I got the guy running 16 guage. Usually they run 18 guage. I'm not going to be putting in real high caliber speakers in the other rooms.

FWIW, I was looking at the manual for a Niles speaker distribution hub, and there they recommended 14ga for runs in excess of 80ft and 16ga for the shorter runs.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited May 19, 2004).]

OK I think I'm clear on that particular subject. I'll be running the surrounds through the walls. Should I run the speaker wire for the sub and the 2 front speakers throught the wall as well or just connect them to the amp directly? My wife would like this all to be very clean looking.

Also, what other in wall wire runs should I make while I have a chance? Future use type of stuff.

Sorry for all the questions but the most of the wiring will be done tomorrow.

you could run the front l/r through the walls, but i wouldnt if its not needed. sub i wouldnt either. center i wouldnt unless you have a pull down type screen for tv... there will be more .1s in the future, ceiling and floor would be the next logical progression rather than farther back.

What is a good brand (Beldin? Canare?), model number and online source for buying in wall style speaker wire.

Lots of folks here like the generic Home Depot 12g speaker wire they stock.... Does HD have 12g speaker wire for in wall use?

Thanks,

Justin

i wouldnt use home depot wire if i was paid a small sum to use it. why dont you do a search for canare or belden (after visiting their websites) that is in-wall rated. the starquad that they both offer is nice, i dont recall it being cl3 though...

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[This message has been edited by curegeorg (edited July 02, 2004).]

Canare is great cable, however you should find a in wall rated product. I also like the belden.

Have you seen the Liberty Ultra Cap? It is CL3 rated. I'm using it now. 12-1p-uc-wht and 12-2p-uc-wht.
www.libertycable.com
This is very easy to pull and has a very thick jacket.
You should be able to get it cheaper than the cable you mentioned.

Good Luck!