Questions about Speaker Wires

nuttapillar on 03/01/2021 - 12:28

I'm planning on getting some new speaker cabling for my lounge room, and my current crappy ones that I got with some cheap garage sale speakers are 24AWG. The longest runs I'll be doing is about 5-6 metres. My dad suggested 12AWG cables, but I'm thinking it might be overkill, and might go with 14AWG instead. My current speakers are 8ohms, but I'll likely upgrade to 6ohm speakers eventually.
My receiver is pretty good, so it'll handle an upgrade of speakers just fine.

So firstly, should I go with 14AWG so save a bit of money, or go with my dad's suggestion of 12AWG?

And secondly, What's the best brands to go for, when it comes to cables? Don't wanna sacrifice much quality, but also don't want to spend loads. I'm currently looking at
25M of 12AWG for $65:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/25m-50m-100m-Ugly-12AWG-Speaker-…

If you know of better options, please let me know! I don't know much about audio systems and cabling.
Thanks!

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • skid on 03/01/2021 - 12:36
    +1

    Bunnings sell some up to 14AWG. Dunno if you know how thick the cables are. Might be worth popping down to Bunnings and having a look, checking that the cable will fit in your current speakers.

    • nuttapillar on 03/01/2021 - 12:38

      I did not even think of bunnings haha. I have a bunnings super close by.

    • bdl on 03/01/2021 - 12:52
      +1

      If the cable doesn't fit, can always use lug connectors/banana plugs depending on terminals - i've used the "fospower" branded bananas from Amazon with no issue

  • bdl on 03/01/2021 - 12:51
    +1

    I've had no problems with Selby cabling over the years, go with 14awg considering runs are no longer than 5m

    Also check out Amazon

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 03/01/2021 - 12:52
    +3

    (in my best HN/JB salesman voice) …. you need monster cables…

  • apsilon on 03/01/2021 - 12:59
    +1

    14AWG will handle 4ohm speakers for the distances you're talking about so will certainly handle your current 8ohm. It doesn't hurt to use more than you need other than costing a bit more and being a slightly thicker cable so you can use 12AWG if you want.

    As for brands I don't think most speakers will show a difference with any cable. I've been using QED but only because it was the only black cable I could easily get at the time. I didn't want the usual clear copper, white or other bright colour so it was a purely aesthetic decision.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/01/2021 - 13:10
    +1

    Just get the cheapest 14AWG. Your speakers won't benefit from anything more. If you had top of the range you wouldn't be posting on OzBargain.

  • nuttapillar on 03/01/2021 - 13:10

    I also would appreciate some advice on speakers. I have tower speakers, and will go for a similar style. But I'm guessing I should go for slightly fatter ones with larger diameter drivers? And aim for about 6ohm and at least 90db accuracy?

    • nuttapillar on 03/01/2021 - 13:11

      And watt should I aim for when it comes to watts?

  • brendanm on 03/01/2021 - 14:59
    +1

    https://www.musicdirect.com/cables/shunyata-anaconda-zitron-…

    Anything less is not good enough.

  • plmko on 03/01/2021 - 15:26

    There is no answer for your question.

    • If you are motivated by price then get the cheapest with a graded OFC rating with the correct gauge by distance.

    • If you don't want to sacrifice quality then it isn't about which is 'more expensive' you have to try each cable and listen to the differences. But within reasonableness price may suggest what you're getting.

    The bottom line is cables do change sound quality, it's proven. But they provide the least improvements so it's really the last thing to think about in a setup.

    • apsilon on 03/01/2021 - 15:50

      The bottom line is cables do change sound quality, it's proven.

      If you're using equipment to analyse the sound then sure but for the vast majority of people and hifi systems it makes no real world difference. Look at any number of real blind tests and it'll be split essentially evenly. As long as the wire is sized to handle the power requirement it'll be fine.

      • plmko on 03/01/2021 - 19:02

        Absolutely they make real world difference, it's not about simply equipment analysis. But I don't expect people to perceive the value it could bring which is why I said it provides the least amount of improvements and should be the last thing to consider.

        • apsilon on 03/01/2021 - 19:37
          +1

          What's the value if you can't hear the difference? Bragging rights on how much you spent or how fancy looking they are? People into audio are an odd bunch. They'll insist there's all sorts of voodoo, especially with cables.

    • brendanm on 03/01/2021 - 18:23

      The bottom line is cables do change sound quality, it's proven

      I would love to see a link to a scientifically accurate test that shows this.

      • plmko on 03/01/2021 - 19:02
        -1

        Have a Google around, or better yet try it for yourself.

        • brendanm on 03/01/2021 - 19:44

          I did, couldn't see anything legitimate. I was hoping you had some sources. I won't be able to tell the difference, as I'm not an "audiophile".

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