Originally Posted By: 73Bruin
EEMAN and Jimna:

I am more than a little confused about the claims of a skin effect and surface area on 12 gauge wire. I could understand that claim if one were discussing a solid core 12 gauge wire. But most 12 gauge speaker wire is made from dozens, if not hundreds, of smaller strands that I believe have a larger total surface area than the cat5e cable does.


Yeah, that's one of the points of contention between the two camps. One will say there's more surface area. The other will say the strands are touching (making electrical connection) and thus the stranded wire acts electrically the same as solid. I've never seen conclusive data supporting either opinion. It's been said quite a few times on in other posts: Try it. Like it? Keep it. Let your ears decide.

XenonMan: Crimps are pretty robust electrical connections if done right though I understand your concerns about corrsion. This does seem like a pretty cool DIY project and I think I'm going to give it a try this weekend. I'm thinking about using some Crimp Sleeves to terminate the wire bundles. If they corrode or don't work I can just cut them off.