If you need to go past 14ga you have ... a) a rather large room/long runs b) very hungry speakers c) both IMHO, 16ga is totally sufficient for 95% of setups. Braided is primarily marketing aesthetics. (Appreciate your vids dude. Just keeping it 100)
Wow....another stunner!...Pretty nice to learn sth. about the American system....In Germany we count in millimeters...my cables for the Front speakers and the Center speaker are 4mm thick...in your system it is around 11 Gauge....and they do some fine work...I use 100 % OFC Cables....oxygen free copper.. this is pretty important, too...Love your videos! If you want to check them out, I could send you one....around 11 Gauge. I got one left.
Generally thicker cables are better, 16 is fine for most things, 12 is definitely needed for long runs and high output systems. Bulk cable is also fine for everything, the only thing about bulk cable is that it doesn’t always come with expensive shielding which would improve longevity, sound quality, and looks. For good sound you will need to spend a bit but I truly don’t believe anyone needs $1000 cables. Electrical engineering experience and audio technician experience I’ve never heard any difference from a high quality $100 cable and a $1000+ cable. Above a certain price, quality is the same and the only differences you will find are looks and marketing.
One more thing I totally forgot Techno Dad is definitely want to steer people clear of [CCA] Copper Clad Aluminum cables, they're cheap and totally not worth the low price.
@@TechnoDad Thank you so much for this video!! I have tirelessly searched online for what to use on my exact set up!! So much so that I've warn myself out. Big time!! I have the same plan in the near future to upgrade to a standalone amplifier. Case closed now! DONE!! I can move on to the next thing..😂 You are my go to for all future information in regards to my pleasure/hobby...! Thanks✌️
This is my first ever home theater system so im learning and researching as i go. Im waiting on 12awg knukonceptz OFC speaker wire for my klipsch setup. I have the klipsch towers 2, 12 klipsch subs, klipsch center channel, klipsch book shelf speakers. Yes maybe overkill for 12awg but i like the added security. Also have monoprice banana plugs on both ends. $55 for 100 feet of knukonceptz 12awg OFC and there very flexible. Great video. Should show us your setup, and what you think about my setup? Thanks for the info.
Thank you for the insightful video. I'm planning to establish a Yamaha 5.1 system, including the RX-V6A receiver, 2 NS-555 speakers for FL and LR, 2 NS-333 speakers for SL and SR, and an active/powered subwoofer. Could you kindly recommend the suitable AWG wires for this setup? The FL and FR speakers are 10 feet away, while the SL and SR speakers are approximately 30 feet from the receiver. Thanks
The thing that gets me when I see someone using 12 or 10 gauge speaker wires going to the doors or whatever is that the wire on the speaker itself is pretty darn small. So, it really matter about amperage through the speaker wire, the voltage, and the resistance. ---I don't understand how the Ohm of the speaker affects the speaker size needed. I get that 4 Ohm pulls more power than 8 Ohm, but if my amp is outputting the same amount of power, regardless of the Ohm, then what's the difference?
So could you use 12 guage for entire surround system. Left, right, center, and surround? I have Logitech z906 5.1 surround sound system coming tomorrow.
Just discovered this video...use to have an 2012 Onkyo 5.1 surround HTIB but the AV receiver died so bought newer Pioneer AV that has binding posts.....can I connect banana plugs on the Pioneer end and straight wire to the older Onkyo speakers? Also seems that I have to replace my 10 year old wires since not all the speakers work when connected directly(center speaker)
5 years have passed do you still recommend speaker wire from monoprice was looking at blue jeans cable but jeez 🤑🤑🤑. Building out my home theater don't want any concerns what I put in the walls. Another ? Is RG6 Coaxial cable good enough for subwoofer cables. Thanks
Hi there I have a question about bi wiring and amp, I have watched your video about speaker cable and what gauge to use. You said you have a 6 foot cable on one front speaker and a 4 foot one on the other speaker with the same 4 foot on the central one. I need to get 2 different sized cables similar to your measurements, but want to bi wire my 2 front speakers, should I get two cables of the longer length so they are both the same length for bi wiring. Thanks in advance hope you can help
Always look at wire gauge distance chart. 18 awg max length 32 feet. Yamaha cooperation says any cable over 50 feet you diminish high frequency what ever gauge size. They say move amp closer to speaker. Most people never use max volume. 100 watts max you may use half or less most times everyday listening volume.
Hi Technodad. I'm pretty sure I want to start of with the T series of Speakers from Polk Audio in a 7.1 or 7.2 setup (based on a video you did) and pairing with the Yamaha RX-V683BL AVR I want to do two T50's as my front left and right , a T30 center channgel, two pairs of T15s for surrounds and surround back and wall mount those, and a pair of PSW108 subwoofers (My volume is around 2800 cubed feet 16W, 22L, 8H if everything was a perfect rectangle) The T50s and T30 are listed as having 86ohms impedance and only the T15s are listed at 8ohms. Since the impedance varies so differently what speaker wire would you suggest? Should I get two different gauges? Willing to pay more for better runs. If my wife has her way than our viewing position is about 12 feet back from the screen so runs would still be under 50 feet for the rear channels.
So, this whole time I thought the red and black labeled wires were actual different materials. It seems that I have learned now that as long as you connect each of the 2 ends of wires to the corresponding red or black input on your speaker and av receiver, it doesn't matter?
Hi! That’s correct! Some cables will have white writing on just one of the cables and some have a black stripe. But you’ve got the idea, just have to match up.
Hi i do have a sony home theatre rts3 and the satellite speakers needs to be installed behind for which the given lenght is not enough. The speaker is of 2.5 ohms.The sony electrician suggest me to use same ohm cable to extend it, whereas sony wire is not available in market anywhere,any suggestion please?
Great video. I'm a newbie at home sound systems. I just purchased the Pioneer SP-FS52 Floor Standing Speakers. What would you recommend as a starter receiver to push these 2 speakers. Not really looking for a huge surround sound system. Thanks.
Should the cables for left and right rear speakers be the same length? I need to run them along the left wall of my basement though they will sit on either side of the room. If I used the right lengths to reach them, the left cable will end up almost 10 feet shorter
Dear Sir, For your reference - My setup : Arcam FMJA19 amp (50 W per channel), Dali Zensor-3 bookshelf (nominal impedance 6 ohms). I am using an Audioquest G2 speaker cable (16 gauge) - 2.4 metre long for each Speaker. While preparing the edges (stripping the cable ends) of my speaker cables, 2 or 3 copper strands are getting cut (lost) from the ends of the cables (getting cut by mistake while stripping the cable ends - sorry I am not a pro. i am stripping using home tools). Will this affect the sound output/quality from the speaker in any manner? (I reckon it will be silly in your standard but sorry to ask you as I have no experts in my circle to ask this). Thanking you in anticipation, Arun S
Thank you so much for your video. I just bought Klipsch RP-600M and looking to buy cables it seems I cannot plug Banana plugs directly into the posts since the post do not have a hole in the cap for me to plug into like other speakers. Do I use bare wire , spade connector or should I just put the Banana plug in the hole where the post is and screw the cap onto the plug. Thank you for all your help!
Hello Tai! So with all Klipsch speakers there are red and black caps on the ends of the binding posts. Use a flat metal surface or if you have long enough finger nails to get the caps off. You’ll see a little circle on the back. That’s where you will get in between to pry off. Once that is done you should be able to use the bananas.
Please give me your opinion on copper clad aluminum (cca) vs pure copper wire for speaker wire . Is there any issue using cooper clad aluminum wire or should I only use pure copper wire ? I know when running electricity thru "cca" wire there is a noticeable drop in power when running long distance. But I dont know if there is a drop in signal when using a speaker signal. Because I'm running my rear and surround back speaker wires thru my walls and attic ,its going to be over 70 feet approximately for each speaker. I'm concerned about signal loss to my surround speakers. But if I can and there is no issue I can save considerable money on the "cca" wire vs the pure copper because of the long run. Thanks in advance for your answer!!
Im thinking of making of making my own diy premium speaker wire for a SVS 5.1 system. Can I twist two 14 gauge wire for the neg and two 14 guage for the positive. I plan on using Monoprice Access Series 14AWG CL2 Rated 4-Conductor Speaker Wire. Will this be to thick to run to my satellite speakers? The longest run is 20' to 25' (rears) 3' to 6' (fronts). Any response is appreciated - Thanks
Hi! I use 16 gauge to get to my surrounds. In my newest build in the studio, I went with 14 gauge, but I’m not really trying to hide my cables in my studio. I did pull up my carpet and ran the 16 gauge cable in there, so it was super easy due to its size and shape.
Does the brand of speaker wires matter in terms of sound quality? For example do Monster brand speaker wires sound better than standard RCA wires? Please help!
Sir I have Denon 2 Chanel receiver and bowers and wilkins 606 speakers. What to you think of buying QED terminated banana plug cables? Is it a good choise for my setup?
Hey I have a question do you need a specific speaker to have surround sound or can I use a regular speaker. Or do I have to buy a surround sound speaker?
How can I find what kind of wires do I need for my JBL Venue Series STAGE 3-Way, 6" Floorstanding Loudspeaker , please ? Where should I find that ? Thank you.
I Bought 12 gauge wire for all 6 ohms speakers with 200 amplifier 5 ft. for left and right fronts, center channel 3 ft, rear sounds speaker 30 ft. and 40 ft. was it ok for little bit extreme setup?? I can settle in middle and go with 34 ft both rear sound speakers
I bought a new philps SBA8000B 12000W 5.1 Speaker,i want to place my both surround speakers atleast 15 feet away from the woofer/receiver, what kind of cables should i get?. They come with new aux type cables with the speaker that are too short for surround speakers..
With 8 ohm speakers most people can't tell the difference between wire for 12 ft or so runs. For 6 ohm or 4 ohm speakers they sure can, but only somewhat. If you add 1 ohm of DC resistance to a speaker setup with a 4 ohm impedance it's more of a big deal vs adding 1 more ohm of DC resistance to an 8 ohm impedance speaker. As to the amplifier having to work harder, well sort of. It has to produce more voltage (turned up) to produce the same wattage across the load with the load being the speaker plus the DC resistance of the wire itself. In the end you'll get less wattage with tiny speaker wire vs heavy wire at a giving volume setting, so really the amp isn't working harder, it's working less efficiently. Get the big wire folks if you can afford it, if you go with CCA make sure you go bigger, OFC vs CCA all boils down to ohms law. Keep in mind your 200 or 300 amp service to your home most often is coming in over aluminum wiring, not even CCA.
Hi, I've ordered Onkyo 5915 and it would be installed at my home within a week. I wanted to understand, should i use the same wires which come as a default with the home theatre in box or should i purchase thick wires of 14 gauge? Does changing wires really matter apart from durability?
So true. I keep mine next to my board-stretcher in case I cut lumber too short. Luckily there’s enough space there to store a headlight-fluid changer, hammer grease, metric crescent wrench, and left-handed screwdrivers.
I'm running sony core series speakers that are 6 ohms on on sony str-dn1080 reciever. The runs are less than 20 feet for all the speakers. What guage should I use?
Is there a problem if I run 12 g from my amp to the wall terminals, then 16 g from the terminals to the Polk 8 ohm speakers in my ceiling (no more than 20ft from wall terminals to speakers)?
I bought a mono price speaker cable and I made my own but it’s not clean at all. I borrowed my friend Svs speaker cable and the sound is like day and night difference have u had any issues with other speaker cable
Not really. I have used Monster, Monoprice, and some whatever junk they sell at DIY Center here in town. I like the SVS since they are 12 gauge and have pre terminated ends.
Referencing my previous post. Is there a setting on dtv sat box I can set? I spoke with dtv and they sent me email with all codecs they use when in Dolby 5.1 or is there a setting on avr I missed? I appreciate any help.?
14 awg for center and front 16 awg surround dolby atoms 18 awg ? I have 8 ohm speakers from Fluance Elite Series Compact Surround Sound Home Theater 5.0 Channel Speaker System Including Two-Way Bookshelf, Center Channel, and Rear Surround Speakers - Walnut (SX50WC)
Hi thanks for your video but I need your help. The cable wires(back speakers) for my Onkyo HT-S9800THX 7.1 is quite short so I need to buy a new one. I saw that the cable that's included is 22AWG but i can't find it here in Netherlands 😭 or might be different figures or names I think. You got any idea which wire I need. I need to have 2 sets of 25meter. Pls help... Thank you🙏
I’m over here in Belgium. I would recommend trying a hardware or electrical store and see if you can find wire. Really you don’t need anything special other than the correct gauge for whatever speakers you have. Another option is order online from like amazon or Bol.com and have a roll of wire shipped to your house. As long as it’s red and white to help distinguish from positive and negative. Also banana plugs and all those things can be ordered from amazon or Mediamarkt.
any recommendations for onkyo rz 830 high current avr...... speaker wire gauge size for polk rti a7 8 ohm speakers?? and power inputs for avr.....will home suppy ll work fine or i ve to add online ups?
Hi... Not knowing about speaker cable guage, I bought some thicker cable anyway, so got it right by fluke! What I have heard is that lifting speaker cable off the floor improves the sound quality! Is this true, and if it is true, why and how does this effect the music quality? If it is true, and works, I better get som cable lifters! Frank...
Ok... it may be some bs fed my way, but someone on youtube told me it works, although, my cables are built in anyway! If I can find the comment, I'll let you know TD. Thanks for responding.. Frank... UK.
Ah, found it... The site is "Speaker Builder" A chap called "Batt Man" spoke of lifting speaker cables off the floor! If you read my question why TD he explains it... However, I don't really see how it can make sound quality better! Oh, the vid is called "Top of the Mountain"
Frank James its true they actually make what in simple terms is like a contruction rebar stand to run your speaket cable over . The only positive thing I see in them is you wont step on or catch the wire with the vacuum cleaner, crushing or crimping the wire. So if your the I spent 1800.00 on 20 ft of speaker cable, by all means spend 120.00 on mini speaker wire stands. Your friends will think it awsome. Your father will shake his head!
Hey man, quick question for ya.. Any good recommendations for 16ga speaker wire in 50-100ft bundles? Ive checked churchfield and svs and anything around the 50ft bundle comes with thin, clear sleeves. When I get to that length is it normal not to have good insulation? What do you use for your rear surround speakers? Hopefully you get to see this, thanks for the videos man, much appreciated 👍 **edit** Just watched your home theater tour video and noticed you are running some basic 16ga wire for the atmos and surround. Guess that answers my questions. If its good for you I'm sure its good for me 👍
Hey, I am setting up a 7.2.2 SVS ultra speakers. Can I go with Amazon Basics for speaker cables? Does it really make a huge difference? I have heard that amazon basics are doing really great. But still needed your suggestion. Thank you
Great video! Just ordered some SVS cables last night! So I have a 7.2.2 setup where all of my cables (16 gauge) run behind the wall to a plate behind the receiver. Will there be any issue with connecting that plate to my receiver via the 14 gauge SVS'? Any conflict in pairing the two gauges via banana plugs?
Techno Dad I never looked that up before. Just checked the amazon link and it turns out they aren't lol AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire - 100 Feet www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0W5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fSmkzb4WS91DX
Think I got ripped off by amazon with fake 12 guage OFC wire seems more like CCA. Any suggestions for testing it? Would love to find I'm just crazy paranoid about it.
in my speakers wires have one full black , and other one is black with white stripe cable.Can u tell me how to find which wire is negative and positive.
Hi! You can choose which one is which. If you want the one with the white stripe to be negative, use that as negative. If you designate the white stripe to be positive, then make sure it's positive at both ends.
bro im buying land in the mountains im off the grid but my ? is can i run a 1/4 mile speaker cables .... i looked blue tooth and the range just isnt far enough.... there but how to run speaker a 1/4 mile apart or even an 8th mile apart
Hello Techno Dad, Thank you for this nice informative video in a very short format! I have two questions thought : 1) What's the use of braided cables for connecting speakers? Except for the looks of it, is there any tecnical benefit to braided cables in this case? 2) You mentionned different lengths for your front speaker cables. Aren't left and right channels cables supposed to be the same length to help with the signal path symetry? Thanks for any answer. And keep up the good work!
"2) You mentionned different lengths for your front speaker cables. Aren't left and right channels cables supposed to be the same length to help with the signal path symetry?" I had the same question. How does somebody into music as the maker of this video is, not know this?
I have a small room. Using 18 gauge wires for my front speakers and 16 gauge wires for my rear speaker. Is that ok? Will the sound be better with lower gauges wires??
Hi! That's a tough questions to answer as it's very subjective. I would put lower gauge wire to my front left, center, and front right as they are large and if I'm running a lot of power to them, I would want something like 12 gauge going there. For surrounds and height channels, I'd go with 16 gauge.
Thank Tecno daddy, love your videos, I have the same Klipsch speakers as you, but mine do not have banana plugs, did you change your connections on your speakers?
One of my speakers is closer to the receiver than the other. Would it be smart to make all cables the same length, regardless of the distance, so the speakers have the same level of degradation? Also are there any drawbacks to using a smaller gauge when it's not necessarily needed? For example, 8 ohm speakers, 10-15 foot run and using 12 gauge speaker cable?
I know this is late, and you probably have the answers, but.. With the built-in room and distance corrections you really dont have to worry about having the same length of wire anymore unless its _a lot_ of difference. That said, I'm old school and still try to match speaker pairs, ie. LF/RF, SR/SL, Subs, etc. So if the Left Front is closer to the amp than the Right, I'll make its cable the same length as the Right. Same for Surround Rights and Lefts, and the second or third sub if used. This is just for pairs and _not_ for all speakers. While its simpler to simply use all the same gauge, you are correct in that you dont not _have too_. Just remember that the longer the run, the bigger the wire should be. Also remember that the larger the gauge number, the _smaller_ the wire is. so 10ga is bigger than 12ga which is bigger than 14ga and so on. I personally just use 14ga for everything. Pure copper, high strand and soft insulation for flexibility. Makes it simple knowing that its good for up to ~40'. The Monoprice versions are fine.
I need help with setup. I can't seem to get my new denon audio signal to show Selection of Dolby. I have dtv with hdmi out to denon avr s730s. Dtv audio is set to Dolby 5.1. Avr settings are sound: auto. Signal: pcm. Audyssey: multieq: reference. Dynamic eq: off. Dynamic volume: off. No matter which cable channel I play all programing is pcm when I use direct or direct auto. I then change sound mode to dts neural:x or Dolby surround. Same with any movie I record since it comes from dtv. When I use streaming service like and on remote use the sound mode direct I get signal as Dolby digital +. Any suggestions as to why this is happening?
Just buy 12 or 14 gauge copper wire from mono price. Look no further. All this talk about cables is splitting hairs honestly. Super long runs get 12 gauge. Less get 14. Simple. Do not overcomplicate it and spend obscene amounts of money speaker cables. Seriously
hey i have the klipsch rp 280fs and the rp 450c and want to buy speaker cable, what do you recommend? i was planning on getting mediabrige wire and monster banana plugs.
Sorry dude but I have speaker wire on my speakers,no plug in suckers go into sealed back,lol,do do I match wire which is small or put 14 on a 42 run and just tie into the wires on speakers? FIRST 500w speakers I ever saw like this from China I think ,I’m im Philippines so 99.9% of everything is from freaking China,lol what’s you’re suggestion on this.
Don't get confused people. SVS speaker cables are not braided. A braided cable is Kimber Kable. That is an actual braided cable. SVS just has a sleeving on the wire.
+M S Yeah, totally. It's gonna help, but there are some drawbacks. One of which, for any of your surround or height channels, the cable is going to be very hard to work with. I laid cable down under my carpet for surrounds, and up walls and across beams for my Atmos speakers. I wouldn't have been able to use 10 gauge wire for that.
Sir I HAVE ORDERED Taga Harmony TAV-506 V.2 540W RMS 5.0 SPEAKER SYSTEM TODAY Please help me in buying speaker cable.. My front rt and lt cable are 5 ft away Centre will be 3ft Surrounding will be more than 35 ft.. So which gauges are ok for all.. Please Help me Sir
What is the difference between a 2 usd/meter powercord from the hardwarestore and a 10 or 20 usd speaker wire? Can you really hear the difference on a 2000$ speakersystem?
If you need to go past 14ga you have ...
a) a rather large room/long runs
b) very hungry speakers
c) both
IMHO, 16ga is totally sufficient for 95% of setups. Braided is primarily marketing aesthetics.
(Appreciate your vids dude. Just keeping it 100)
Man I learnt everything in 12 minutes!!! Thanks a bunch!!
@kakauge- You LEARNED everything... except proper grammer as it relates to modern English.
Wow....another stunner!...Pretty nice to learn sth. about the American system....In Germany we count in millimeters...my cables for the Front speakers and the Center speaker are 4mm thick...in your system it is around 11 Gauge....and they do some fine work...I use 100 % OFC Cables....oxygen free copper.. this is pretty important, too...Love your videos! If you want to check them out, I could send you one....around 11 Gauge. I got one left.
You are amazing, I learn so much from you. Lots of love from Pakistan.
You’re welcome!
Generally thicker cables are better, 16 is fine for most things, 12 is definitely needed for long runs and high output systems. Bulk cable is also fine for everything, the only thing about bulk cable is that it doesn’t always come with expensive shielding which would improve longevity, sound quality, and looks. For good sound you will need to spend a bit but I truly don’t believe anyone needs $1000 cables. Electrical engineering experience and audio technician experience I’ve never heard any difference from a high quality $100 cable and a $1000+ cable. Above a certain price, quality is the same and the only differences you will find are looks and marketing.
Totally agree! No use spending so much on cables!
One more thing I totally forgot Techno Dad is definitely want to steer people clear of [CCA] Copper Clad Aluminum cables, they're cheap and totally not worth the low price.
Seems no matter what I'm researching I end up right back here at Techno Dad. 👍🍺👍
Lol! That’s a good thing, right??
@@TechnoDad
Sure helps 👍😊
@@TechnoDad Thank you so much for this video!! I have tirelessly searched online for what to use on my exact set up!! So much so that I've warn myself out. Big time!! I have the same plan in the near future to upgrade to a standalone amplifier. Case closed now! DONE!! I can move on to the next thing..😂 You are my go to for all future information in regards to my pleasure/hobby...! Thanks✌️
hopefully not when your looking for .... p*** ;) muhaha
Ive always used 18 gauge and I'm not convinced there is any loss of sound quality.
Yeah, it'll be hard to hear unless you're doing long runs.
This dude wants that SVS sponsorship so bad :))
Lol! Nope, don’t need a sponsorship, they send me whatever I want.
Tin your speaker cables by soldering the exposed ends. This seals them, prevents fraying and corroding and provides a better connection!
Great tip, thank you!
This is my first ever home theater system so im learning and researching as i go. Im waiting on 12awg knukonceptz OFC speaker wire for my klipsch setup. I have the klipsch towers 2, 12 klipsch subs, klipsch center channel, klipsch book shelf speakers. Yes maybe overkill for 12awg but i like the added security. Also have monoprice banana plugs on both ends. $55 for 100 feet of knukonceptz 12awg OFC and there very flexible. Great video. Should show us your setup, and what you think about my setup? Thanks for the info.
Man loving the videos right now glad I found the channel!
Hi
Can you suggest any brands for high quality subwoofer cables. Is amazon basics a good one?
Thanks alot. Helped me to understand all this way better. Thanks again
Glad it helped!
I use 16 gage with marantz separates, 11.2 atmos system, and klipsh speakers ..... works great!
Great basics. Best, D.
Thank you for the insightful video. I'm planning to establish a Yamaha 5.1 system, including the RX-V6A receiver, 2 NS-555 speakers for FL and LR, 2 NS-333 speakers for SL and SR, and an active/powered subwoofer. Could you kindly recommend the suitable AWG wires for this setup? The FL and FR speakers are 10 feet away, while the SL and SR speakers are approximately 30 feet from the receiver. Thanks
The thing that gets me when I see someone using 12 or 10 gauge speaker wires going to the doors or whatever is that the wire on the speaker itself is pretty darn small. So, it really matter about amperage through the speaker wire, the voltage, and the resistance.
---I don't understand how the Ohm of the speaker affects the speaker size needed. I get that 4 Ohm pulls more power than 8 Ohm, but if my amp is outputting the same amount of power, regardless of the Ohm, then what's the difference?
So could you use 12 guage for entire surround system. Left, right, center, and surround? I have Logitech z906 5.1 surround sound system coming tomorrow.
Hi! Sure you could! It's just that for the surround channels, it can be hard to install that size cabling.
Techno Dad thanks for advice I may do 14guage for ease.
@@skeletorfive5585 I use 14GA for all my speakers.. it's perfectly fine
Just discovered this video...use to have an 2012 Onkyo 5.1 surround HTIB but the AV receiver died so bought newer Pioneer AV that has binding posts.....can I connect banana plugs on the Pioneer end and straight wire to the older Onkyo speakers? Also seems that I have to replace my 10 year old wires since not all the speakers work when connected directly(center speaker)
Thanks for this. What cable suits for Polk T15 bookshelf and T30 center speaker?
5 years have passed do you still recommend speaker wire from monoprice was looking at blue jeans cable but jeez 🤑🤑🤑. Building out my home theater don't want any concerns what I put in the walls. Another ? Is RG6 Coaxial cable good enough for subwoofer cables. Thanks
Hi there I have a question about bi wiring and amp, I have watched your video about speaker cable and what gauge to use. You said you have a 6 foot cable on one front speaker and a 4 foot one on the other speaker with the same 4 foot on the central one. I need to get 2 different sized cables similar to your measurements, but want to bi wire my 2 front speakers, should I get two cables of the longer length so they are both the same length for bi wiring. Thanks in advance hope you can help
Always look at wire gauge distance chart. 18 awg max length 32 feet. Yamaha cooperation says any cable over 50 feet you diminish high frequency what ever gauge size. They say move amp closer to speaker. Most people never use max volume. 100 watts max you may use half or less most times everyday listening volume.
ok here's a question.. How often should we change our speaker cables for new ones? I've bought a new reel of 14GA speaker cable.
I have the real cable bm 400 and 250 t to my xtz cinema speakers then. Sounds really good then.😊👍
Is it any difference the quality sounds of speakers in use of gauge number?
Hi Technodad.
I'm pretty sure I want to start of with the T series of Speakers from Polk Audio in a 7.1 or 7.2 setup (based on a video you did) and pairing with the Yamaha RX-V683BL AVR
I want to do two T50's as my front left and right , a T30 center channgel, two pairs of T15s for surrounds and surround back and wall mount those, and a pair of PSW108 subwoofers (My volume is around 2800 cubed feet 16W, 22L, 8H if everything was a perfect rectangle)
The T50s and T30 are listed as having 86ohms impedance and only the T15s are listed at 8ohms. Since the impedance varies so differently what speaker wire would you suggest? Should I get two different gauges? Willing to pay more for better runs.
If my wife has her way than our viewing position is about 12 feet back from the screen so runs would still be under 50 feet for the rear channels.
So, this whole time I thought the red and black labeled wires were actual different materials. It seems that I have learned now that as long as you connect each of the 2 ends of wires to the corresponding red or black input on your speaker and av receiver, it doesn't matter?
Hi! That’s correct! Some cables will have white writing on just one of the cables and some have a black stripe. But you’ve got the idea, just have to match up.
@@TechnoDad Thanks for the reply! Love your videos by the way! Very direct and logical.
Thank you!
Hi i do have a sony home theatre rts3 and the satellite speakers needs to be installed behind for which the given lenght is not enough. The speaker is of 2.5 ohms.The sony electrician suggest me to use same ohm cable to extend it, whereas sony wire is not available in market anywhere,any suggestion please?
Great video. I'm a newbie at home sound systems. I just purchased the Pioneer SP-FS52 Floor Standing Speakers. What would you recommend as a starter receiver to push these 2 speakers. Not really looking for a huge surround sound system. Thanks.
Should the cables for left and right rear speakers be the same length? I need to run them along the left wall of my basement though they will sit on either side of the room. If I used the right lengths to reach them, the left cable will end up almost 10 feet shorter
Dear Sir, For your reference - My setup : Arcam FMJA19 amp (50 W per channel), Dali Zensor-3 bookshelf (nominal impedance 6 ohms). I am using an Audioquest G2 speaker cable (16 gauge) - 2.4 metre long for each Speaker. While preparing the edges (stripping the cable ends) of my speaker cables, 2 or 3 copper strands are getting cut (lost) from the ends of the cables (getting cut by mistake while stripping the cable ends - sorry I am not a pro. i am stripping using home tools). Will this affect the sound output/quality from the speaker in any manner? (I reckon it will be silly in your standard but sorry to ask you as I have no experts in my circle to ask this).
Thanking you in anticipation, Arun S
Hey mate I was wondering what gauge wire to on use svs ultra bookshelf speakers centre rear ones thanks
Hi! I use the SVS cables which are 12 guage
@@TechnoDad thanks svs ultra bookshelf speakers have amazing reviews I'm pairing it with the Yamaha 2080 receiver
Thank you so much for your video. I just bought Klipsch RP-600M and looking to buy cables it seems I cannot plug Banana plugs directly into the posts since the post do not have a hole in the cap for me to plug into like other speakers. Do I use bare wire , spade connector or should I just put the Banana plug in the hole where the post is and screw the cap onto the plug. Thank you for all your help!
Hello Tai! So with all Klipsch speakers there are red and black caps on the ends of the binding posts. Use a flat metal surface or if you have long enough finger nails to get the caps off. You’ll see a little circle on the back. That’s where you will get in between to pry off. Once that is done you should be able to use the bananas.
@@TechnoDadVery kind of you to let me know of this, I am very grateful for the help, instructions books include are horrible. Best!
No problem!
Please give me your opinion on copper clad aluminum (cca) vs pure copper wire for speaker wire . Is there any issue using cooper clad aluminum wire or should I only use pure copper wire ? I know when running electricity thru "cca" wire there is a noticeable drop in power when running long distance. But I dont know if there is a drop in signal when using a speaker signal. Because I'm running my rear and surround back speaker wires thru my walls and attic ,its going to be over 70 feet approximately for each speaker. I'm concerned about signal loss to my surround speakers. But if I can and there is no issue I can save considerable money on the "cca" wire vs the pure copper because of the long run. Thanks in advance for your answer!!
Im thinking of making of making my own diy premium speaker wire for a SVS 5.1 system. Can I twist two 14 gauge wire for the neg and two 14 guage for the positive. I plan on using Monoprice Access Series 14AWG CL2 Rated 4-Conductor Speaker Wire. Will this be to thick to run to my satellite speakers? The longest run is 20' to 25' (rears) 3' to 6' (fronts). Any response is appreciated - Thanks
Hi! I use 16 gauge to get to my surrounds. In my newest build in the studio, I went with 14 gauge, but I’m not really trying to hide my cables in my studio. I did pull up my carpet and ran the 16 gauge cable in there, so it was super easy due to its size and shape.
I have the same speaker wire on your thumbnail , the white line on the cable is negative ?
Honestly, it can be either negative or positive. Just make sure you use it as the same all the way around.
Does the brand of speaker wires matter in terms of sound quality? For example do Monster brand speaker wires sound better than standard RCA wires? Please help!
Sir I have Denon 2 Chanel receiver and bowers and wilkins 606 speakers. What to you think of buying QED terminated banana plug cables? Is it a good choise for my setup?
Hey I have a question do you need a specific speaker to have surround sound or can I use a regular speaker. Or do I have to buy a surround sound speaker?
i have 180w amp per chanel in 6 oms,do i go with 2.5mm cable or 4mm ?
How can I find what kind of wires do I need for my JBL Venue Series STAGE 3-Way, 6" Floorstanding Loudspeaker , please ? Where should I find that ? Thank you.
I would get a 12 gauge speaker wire for those.
I Bought 12 gauge wire for all 6 ohms speakers with 200 amplifier 5 ft. for left and right fronts, center channel 3 ft, rear sounds speaker 30 ft. and 40 ft. was it ok for little bit extreme setup?? I can settle in middle and go with 34 ft both rear sound speakers
You should be just fine
Thank you
This guy is really good
Thank you!
thanks man.. this is very helpful.
What's the easiest way to tell which one is negative and what's positive.
I bought a new philps SBA8000B 12000W 5.1 Speaker,i want to place my both surround speakers atleast 15 feet away from the woofer/receiver, what kind of cables should i get?.
They come with new aux type cables with the speaker that are too short for surround speakers..
Anything like 16 or 14 gauge.
Are the speaker cables that come in a home theater surround sound in a box any good? Yamaha
They will probably be fine for those speakers, but anything better might need better cables. Not 100% sure though...
With 8 ohm speakers most people can't tell the difference between wire for 12 ft or so runs. For 6 ohm or 4 ohm speakers they sure can, but only somewhat. If you add 1 ohm of DC resistance to a speaker setup with a 4 ohm impedance it's more of a big deal vs adding 1 more ohm of DC resistance to an 8 ohm impedance speaker. As to the amplifier having to work harder, well sort of. It has to produce more voltage (turned up) to produce the same wattage across the load with the load being the speaker plus the DC resistance of the wire itself. In the end you'll get less wattage with tiny speaker wire vs heavy wire at a giving volume setting, so really the amp isn't working harder, it's working less efficiently. Get the big wire folks if you can afford it, if you go with CCA make sure you go bigger, OFC vs CCA all boils down to ohms law. Keep in mind your 200 or 300 amp service to your home most often is coming in over aluminum wiring, not even CCA.
Hi, I've ordered Onkyo 5915 and it would be installed at my home within a week. I wanted to understand, should i use the same wires which come as a default with the home theatre in box or should i purchase thick wires of 14 gauge? Does changing wires really matter apart from durability?
I have Klipsch 6" bookshelves, are 12-14 AWG OFC from Monoprice/Mediabeidge wire good enough for them? or should i spend more or look another brand?
Don’t forget to buy a wire stretcher if you cut your wires too short
So true. I keep mine next to my board-stretcher in case I cut lumber too short.
Luckily there’s enough space there to store a headlight-fluid changer, hammer grease, metric crescent wrench, and left-handed screwdrivers.
I'm running sony core series speakers that are 6 ohms on on sony str-dn1080 reciever. The runs are less than 20 feet for all the speakers. What guage should I use?
Is there a problem if I run 12 g from my amp to the wall terminals, then 16 g from the terminals to the Polk 8 ohm speakers in my ceiling (no more than 20ft from wall terminals to speakers)?
If i use a thicker guage than I need for my speaker could i end up damaging my speakers?
No.
I bought a mono price speaker cable and I made my own but it’s not clean at all. I borrowed my friend Svs speaker cable and the sound is like day and night difference have u had any issues with other speaker cable
Not really. I have used Monster, Monoprice, and some whatever junk they sell at DIY Center here in town. I like the SVS since they are 12 gauge and have pre terminated ends.
I want to know the standard size speaker wire in mm means single or double core of copper (whole wire with insulation).
Referencing my previous post. Is there a setting on dtv sat box I can set? I spoke with dtv and they sent me email with all codecs they use when in Dolby 5.1 or is there a setting on avr I missed? I appreciate any help.?
Bro can we extend a 8ohm speaker 24gauge wire for 18feet or should I change the wire type to 16-18gauge
Hi! I would change to 16 gauge if you could
@@TechnoDad thx techdad for the reply I too had that same thought 👍
14 awg for center and front 16 awg surround dolby atoms 18 awg ? I have 8 ohm speakers from Fluance Elite Series Compact Surround Sound Home Theater 5.0 Channel Speaker System Including Two-Way Bookshelf, Center Channel, and Rear Surround Speakers - Walnut (SX50WC)
Hi thanks for your video but I need your help. The cable wires(back speakers) for my Onkyo HT-S9800THX 7.1 is quite short so I need to buy a new one. I saw that the cable that's included is 22AWG but i can't find it here in Netherlands 😭 or might be different figures or names I think. You got any idea which wire I need. I need to have 2 sets of 25meter. Pls help... Thank you🙏
I’m over here in Belgium. I would recommend trying a hardware or electrical store and see if you can find wire. Really you don’t need anything special other than the correct gauge for whatever speakers you have. Another option is order online from like amazon or Bol.com and have a roll of wire shipped to your house. As long as it’s red and white to help distinguish from positive and negative.
Also banana plugs and all those things can be ordered from amazon or Mediamarkt.
any recommendations for onkyo rz 830 high current avr...... speaker wire gauge size for polk rti a7 8 ohm speakers?? and power inputs for avr.....will home suppy ll work fine or i ve to add online ups?
Hi...
Not knowing about speaker cable guage, I bought some thicker cable anyway, so got it right by fluke!
What I have heard is that lifting speaker cable off the floor improves the sound quality!
Is this true, and if it is true, why and how does this effect the music quality?
If it is true, and works, I better get som cable lifters!
Frank...
+Frank James Hi! I haven't heard of that before! I don't even know if that's a thing!!
Ok... it may be some bs fed my way, but someone on youtube told me
it works, although, my cables are built in anyway!
If I can find the comment, I'll let you know TD.
Thanks for responding..
Frank... UK.
Ah, found it... The site is "Speaker Builder"
A chap called "Batt Man" spoke of lifting speaker cables off the floor!
If you read my question why TD he explains it...
However, I don't really see how it can make sound quality better!
Oh, the vid is called "Top of the Mountain"
Frank James its true they actually make what in simple terms is like a contruction rebar stand to run your speaket cable over . The only positive thing I see in them is you wont step on or catch the wire with the vacuum cleaner, crushing or crimping the wire. So if your the I spent 1800.00 on 20 ft of speaker cable, by all means spend 120.00 on mini speaker wire stands. Your friends will think it awsome. Your father will shake his head!
Hey man, quick question for ya.. Any good recommendations for 16ga speaker wire in 50-100ft bundles? Ive checked churchfield and svs and anything around the 50ft bundle comes with thin, clear sleeves. When I get to that length is it normal not to have good insulation?
What do you use for your rear surround speakers?
Hopefully you get to see this, thanks for the videos man, much appreciated 👍
**edit**
Just watched your home theater tour video and noticed you are running some basic 16ga wire for the atmos and surround. Guess that answers my questions. If its good for you I'm sure its good for me 👍
Hey, I am setting up a 7.2.2 SVS ultra speakers. Can I go with Amazon Basics for speaker cables? Does it really make a huge difference? I have heard that amazon basics are doing really great. But still needed your suggestion. Thank you
Use SVS cables,quality and finish are top notch,and aren’t too expensive.
Great video! Just ordered some SVS cables last night! So I have a 7.2.2 setup where all of my cables (16 gauge) run behind the wall to a plate behind the receiver. Will there be any issue with connecting that plate to my receiver via the 14 gauge SVS'? Any conflict in pairing the two gauges via banana plugs?
Hi! Yeah, that should be fine. About your cables in the wall, are those CL2 or CL3 rated?
Techno Dad I never looked that up before. Just checked the amazon link and it turns out they aren't lol AmazonBasics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire - 100 Feet www.amazon.com/dp/B006LW0W5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fSmkzb4WS91DX
Which wire should I use for my Sony blu Ray 5.1 sound
How is your Svs speaker cable compare to other cable
Can we use double pair finolex telephone wire in place of speaker wire, plz reply ASAP
I mean, if it works, it works...
Think I got ripped off by amazon with fake 12 guage OFC wire seems more like CCA. Any suggestions for testing it? Would love to find I'm just crazy paranoid about it.
If it's made in USA you're good. If not, enjoy your copper-coated tin.
in my speakers wires have one full black , and other one is black with white stripe cable.Can u tell me how to find which wire is negative and positive.
Hi! You can choose which one is which. If you want the one with the white stripe to be negative, use that as negative. If you designate the white stripe to be positive, then make sure it's positive at both ends.
Will banana plugs work for all klipsch
Mostly. There have been plastic caps that need to be removed.
bro im buying land in the mountains im off the grid but my ? is can i run a 1/4 mile speaker cables .... i looked blue tooth and the range just isnt far enough.... there but how to run speaker a 1/4 mile apart or even an 8th mile apart
What the fuck the mountains?
I have all Klipsch speakers 5.2 setup. So 16 gauge is good? Also what brand?.Amazon? Monster?
Blue jeans cable.or SVS .
Hello Techno Dad,
Thank you for this nice informative video in a very short format!
I have two questions thought :
1) What's the use of braided cables for connecting speakers? Except for the looks of it, is there any tecnical benefit to braided cables in this case?
2) You mentionned different lengths for your front speaker cables. Aren't left and right channels cables supposed to be the same length to help with the signal path symetry?
Thanks for any answer. And keep up the good work!
"2) You mentionned different lengths for your front speaker cables. Aren't left and right channels cables supposed to be the same length to help with the signal path symetry?"
I had the same question. How does somebody into music as the maker of this video is, not know this?
@@meme-bd5hk or maybe he knows it is bs.
I have a small room. Using 18 gauge wires for my front speakers and 16 gauge wires for my rear speaker. Is that ok? Will the sound be better with lower gauges wires??
Hi! That's a tough questions to answer as it's very subjective. I would put lower gauge wire to my front left, center, and front right as they are large and if I'm running a lot of power to them, I would want something like 12 gauge going there. For surrounds and height channels, I'd go with 16 gauge.
Phew...hard to watch these older videos. 😅 Good info though. My 14g will be fine.
Yeah, I was still learning to deliver lines…I’m better now!
Thank Tecno daddy, love your videos, I have the same Klipsch speakers as you, but mine do not have banana plugs, did you change your connections on your speakers?
Very helpfull!
Thanks.
Like.
You’re welcome!
One of my speakers is closer to the receiver than the other. Would it be smart to make all cables the same length, regardless of the distance, so the speakers have the same level of degradation?
Also are there any drawbacks to using a smaller gauge when it's not necessarily needed? For example, 8 ohm speakers, 10-15 foot run and using 12 gauge speaker cable?
I know this is late, and you probably have the answers, but..
With the built-in room and distance corrections you really dont have to worry about having the same length of wire anymore unless its _a lot_ of difference. That said, I'm old school and still try to match speaker pairs, ie. LF/RF, SR/SL, Subs, etc. So if the Left Front is closer to the amp than the Right, I'll make its cable the same length as the Right. Same for Surround Rights and Lefts, and the second or third sub if used. This is just for pairs and _not_ for all speakers.
While its simpler to simply use all the same gauge, you are correct in that you dont not _have too_. Just remember that the longer the run, the bigger the wire should be. Also remember that the larger the gauge number, the _smaller_ the wire is. so 10ga is bigger than 12ga which is bigger than 14ga and so on.
I personally just use 14ga for everything. Pure copper, high strand and soft insulation for flexibility. Makes it simple knowing that its good for up to ~40'. The Monoprice versions are fine.
I need help with setup. I can't seem to get my new denon audio signal to show Selection of Dolby. I have dtv with hdmi out to denon avr s730s. Dtv audio is set to Dolby 5.1. Avr settings are sound: auto. Signal: pcm. Audyssey: multieq: reference. Dynamic eq: off. Dynamic volume: off. No matter which cable channel I play all programing is pcm when I use direct or direct auto. I then change sound mode to dts neural:x or Dolby surround. Same with any movie I record since it comes from dtv. When I use streaming service like and on remote use the sound mode direct I get signal as Dolby digital +. Any suggestions as to why this is happening?
Best information.sir speaker inbuilt out wire 0.75 mm 1ft. can I joined 1.5 mm extension wire 30 ft.
From india.
How recommend is to soldering the wire's tips in case I have to connect them directly to my speakers
I wouldn't do it.
You should basically never solder wires in any sort of compression fitting bud. Solder is great in the right situation but pressure makes is break
Waiting for my Klipsch Palladium cable to arrive this week :D
Just buy 12 or 14 gauge copper wire from mono price. Look no further. All this talk about cables is splitting hairs honestly.
Super long runs get 12 gauge. Less get 14.
Simple. Do not overcomplicate it and spend obscene amounts of money speaker cables. Seriously
I run a custom length coaxial for my sub with rca ends
Nice!
What 12 guage do you recommend
What brand cable for the attic
Are Media bridge cables any good?
They do the job!
hey i have the klipsch rp 280fs and the rp 450c and want to buy speaker cable, what do you recommend? i was planning on getting mediabrige wire and monster banana plugs.
Im using ethernet cable, 8 braided, its that ok?
For speakers??
@@TechnoDad yes, cat5 solid core
I would use a 14 or 12 gauge speaker cable. I haven’t heard of using Cat5 cables for speakers.
Sorry dude but I have speaker wire on my speakers,no plug in suckers go into sealed back,lol,do do I match wire which is small or put 14 on a 42 run and just tie into the wires on speakers? FIRST 500w speakers I ever saw like this from China I think ,I’m im Philippines so 99.9% of everything is from freaking China,lol what’s you’re suggestion on this.
Hi! Like your vids! Could you also put in metric sizes in the future for your European viewers? Thanks!
Yes Richard, I will.
Don't get confused people. SVS speaker cables are not braided. A braided cable is Kimber Kable. That is an actual braided cable. SVS just has a sleeving on the wire.
so if 10awg is the thicker wire is it all right to use for your whole setup
+M S Yeah, totally. It's gonna help, but there are some drawbacks. One of which, for any of your surround or height channels, the cable is going to be very hard to work with. I laid cable down under my carpet for surrounds, and up walls and across beams for my Atmos speakers. I wouldn't have been able to use 10 gauge wire for that.
Cool thx
+M S Anytime!
So the thicker the least resistance????
Hello, What size speaker wire and brand do you recommend for say 25 ft run. Parasound A21+ amp and Cornwall IV speakers. Thanks.
16 gauge or 14 gauge.... Which one is best for the entire system????
I would try to run 14 gauge if possible
Sir
I HAVE ORDERED Taga Harmony TAV-506 V.2 540W RMS 5.0 SPEAKER SYSTEM TODAY
Please help me in buying speaker cable..
My front rt and lt cable are 5 ft away
Centre will be 3ft
Surrounding will be more than 35 ft..
So which gauges are ok for all..
Please Help me Sir
Hi! 16 gauge should work for all speakers.
What is the difference between a 2 usd/meter powercord from the hardwarestore and a 10 or 20 usd speaker wire? Can you really hear the difference on a 2000$ speakersystem?
Not sure, hard to say.
what about in wall cables ?
You’ll need to make sure those are CL2 or CL3 rated. Monoprice should have what you’re looking for.
@@TechnoDad thank you