updated -what size and type of speaker wire should i use ?

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:27 pm

Monster cables are overpriced for sure. The only "monster cables" that I would use would be the rca type for auto applications. With all the noise generated by alternators and the effects of worn steelbelted tires, you want good rca cables to ensure a clean signal to the amp. I have used the cheap ones and they are crap, I have had the same set of monster cable RCAs in about 5 different vehicles in the last 6 years and have had nothing but good luck. Speaker wire is far less critical than a low signal cable, Depending on the wattage will determine your required gauge. I have found it is a lot safer to run a larger gauge wire than a smaller one. If you are not running much for watts then a large gauge wire will actually hurt you.

Jim Z · Post by **Jim Z** » Wed May 18, 2005 8:20 pm

but cables do in fact make a difference.

No, they don't. Not as long as they're of sufficient gauge to minimize voltage drop over your run.

I bought some $200 silver wire interconnects for my stereo setup and I could instantly tell that the sound signature had changed from the $25 cheap-o copper interconnects I used before.

Either your "cheap-o copper" interconnects were broken or you succumbed to the placebo effect.

If you are not running much for watts then a large gauge wire will actually hurt you.

Not at all.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Wed May 18, 2005 8:51 pm

If you are not running much for watts then a large gauge wire will actually hurt you.

Let the former sound engineer chime in on this too. RUBBISH. You can't have TOO LARGE a wire guage. It's just a waste of money if you use a larger guage than you need (and larger gauge cables are more cumbersome).

but cables do in fact make a difference.

Speaker cables DON'T except for the guage and stranding which equates to having minimal resistance and sufficient power handling for the wattage you're using. Also you definately want oxygen free cables if they're used outside otherwise the wires will eventually coorode ALL THE WAY THROUGH.

At the power levels and cable lengths any home user is EVER going to achieve, there is absolutely no difference between plain old tinned wire and any of the "premium" gold, silver, monster or whatever wires.

I bought some $200 silver wire interconnects for my stereo setup and I could instantly tell that the sound signature had changed from the $25 cheap-o copper interconnects I used before.

I assume by "interconnects" you mean RCA to RCA line level patch cords? Yes I will agree that the quality of the patch cords ARE important. I would definately use gold plated over plain tin.

However if you spent $200 on patch cords then you wasted your money. $35 gold plated would be just as good.

If you really think that it made a difference, there's a WHOLE lotta people out there that want to sell you a WHOLE lotta other crap (like "Monster" cables). Spend more money please - there's a whole industry of losers out there relying on people like you to buy their over-priced stuff

Pugsley · Post by **Pugsley** » Wed May 18, 2005 9:46 pm

Originally posted by Key Keeper
With all the noise generated by alternators and the effects of worn steelbelted tires, you want good rca cables to ensure a clean signal to the amp.

So wait... RCA cables > good tires? Thats about all i got out of that. Im sorry to rip on you but I have to laff at people whos stereos are worth more then their car.

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Wed May 18, 2005 11:45 pm

Speaker cables can make a small difference, but it's only in certain scenario's such as amplifier design.

I would go with 12g for that distance.

theophilusmousse · Post by **theophilusmousse** » Thu May 19, 2005 12:19 am

With all the noise generated by alternators and the effects of worn steelbelted tires

...am I missing something? tires?

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Fri May 27, 2005 9:28 pm

using 16 gage wire on the speakers got them today .
there fantastic got one problem do . can't turn up the reciver past 3 maybe 4 and the walls in the house start to shake .

d_b · Post by **d_b** » Sat May 28, 2005 6:43 am

but how do they sound? I've listened to klipsch and while I liked the sound I found them a little to harsh in the high area. Of course this was in a best buys and we all know what great sound rooms they have. What else you have running with that system? A decent sub makes a lot of difference.

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Sat May 28, 2005 7:33 am

no sub woofer right now - but two satilight . and its wonderful ! i may buy a sub down the road !
i have found when we un the tv though the system we have to change the bass and trouble settings . but i know were to adjust the settings now on the receiver . but for music cds and radio the setting on my reciver is perfect at just dead center . my reciver is a sony 400 watt per channel with 8 oms and 195 per channel using 4 oms - seeing these are 8 oms speaker i must be getting 400 watts min .

b-man1 · Post by **b-man1** » Sat May 28, 2005 9:07 am

your receiver is probably 4x100W or something...not 400W per channel. i've never heard of an integrated receiver with that much power per channel.

that will be peak output too, not anywhere near what the speakers will ever see. klipsch speakers are very efficient...so you need little power to get "loud". the extra juice is needed for dynamics and bass in movies, etc, but i bet you'll hardly ever push more than 1W to the speakers (unless you want to go deaf...hehehe)

robbie · Post by **robbie** » Sat May 28, 2005 12:35 pm

I'd say 14.
But that's just me.

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:21 pm

Originally posted by Pugsley
So wait... RCA cables > good tires? Thats about all i got out of that. Im sorry to rip on you but I have to laff at people whos stereos are worth more then their car.

I guess tires last longer than the average stereo??? I need some of your tires then, had the same alpine deck in my Silverado for a year and my tires are gettin worn. Guess I should buy a more xpnsive vehicle.

Key Keeper · Post by **Key Keeper** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:27 pm

I guess if you own a brady wagon with a walmart system anything will do. Who would think about putting a 3000$ system in a 38,000$ truck with 750$ worth of tires?

d_b · Post by **d_b** » Sun Jul 24, 2005 12:52 am

You should only use Monster cable with Bose speakers.