I know there is a lot of controversy on branded/non-branded, expensive/cheap wire, and I know the last thing we need is another discussion on that. I've already made my decision, I'll be going with the cheap stuff (just happy my wife will let me run anything at all). I can't decide which size to use.

I'm using an Onkyo TX-SR601 85W/Ch @ 8ohm with the 6.1 Onkyo speaker package 100W MAX each - so it doesn't have extreme power.

Garage, patio, and master bath will be $100/pair outdoor and in wall speakers. The longest run will be about 100' to the garage.

Will 14g carry enough power for my current application? Would 12g be better for the theater room which I hope to one day upgrade?

Yes. You should be fine with these gauge wires. 14 awg for the outdoors and 12 awg would allow you room to grow your theater.

We use 14g all the time for runs of that length. As far as the home theater, I would use 12g. Some would say you could use Cat 5, and I would slam the door as hard as I could on anyone who would suggest that.

The higher gauge seems to (no science here) open up the dynamics a little more. A little deeper, more defined bass, and richer highes without to much extra expense.

Its all relative though, if the wife is okay with it and you can sit back and enjoy, then LIFE is good.

Roddy

So 12g won't be to heavy for the receiver I am using right now?

Thank you for the "non-scientific" input, which translated means "bull-shit". People used to pray to the weather gods before they understood meteorology. (for those of you in Rio Linda, that's the study of weather, not meteors). Since you freely admit that you don't know what you are talking about, Rooddddy, I suggest you shut up, slam the door as hard as you can, and run away. You are not qualified to give advice. My advice, run the cheapest zip cord you can get, stay away from electrical, and make you AND your wife happy.

Did I hurt your feelings boo fu**** hoo, Cat 5 I take it. Ten years of installs and hundreds of happy customs. Thats where my advice comes from.

Roddy

Thank you Roddy and avgenius1, I appreciate YOUR help.

kr...

I have an onkyo 989v2, running a full JBL Synthesis system....

My fronts (which I hope to upgrade soon) are on 14 Gauge 99% OFC...for about 30' (of wire that is)

My rears are on 16 gauge 99% OFC...for about 60' (of wire)

I have no problems with my highs, or my lows....and can turn EVERYTHING up to earsplitting volumes without anything catching fire...or even warming up much...

BTW....I am looking at upgrading to Triad InRoom Platinums...and have NO fear of my current wire...now that I have been more properly enlightened by the science of things...

I still maintain a core group of thoughts, but I can definitely see the physics behind it, and save some dough later on!

I would never use Cat-5, but a good 16 or 14 gauge will more than adequately handle everything you're doing (especially the background music)

And contrary to what others believe (including me until VERY recently) I would venture that the speaker wire manufactures out there sell more 18 and 16, by a 4:1 margin, than they do 14 or 12....

avdude

p.s. Roddy...you are a self proclaimed "techie" in your profile...I would suggest in kind that you (as I once did) have stepped in it here....you are going up, and slamming against, a wealth and depth of knowledge that I myself did not understand until I posted a couple of debate starting questions a couple of weeks ago...you should check THOSE out, and post your shots there...if you dare...

Awright, Roodddy, It's on now, brother. I got your ten years, swingin'.

Needless to say "EngineerFriend" should change his name to "EngineerAss". Roddy never said to go with outrageous wiring or expensive crap. He just said going with a thicker guage, if anything, would help with a clearer sound. In extreme circumstances and with crazy equipment he is right. But can you hear a difference in a situation where you have a 25' run and swap 16AWG with 12AWG? I doubt it. But no need to be a totally rude ass about it. He just gave his opinion and wasn't being arrongant about it either. I would slam my door on anyone who said to use CAT-5 as well.

How do I reply to that, did someone steal your lunch money this morning?

Roddy

Ten years sure is a long time to swing

ohhh yikers!

Much worse Roooddddy, it was my beer money. Why stop at 12g wire? If your bass depthness and sound stageness are better at 12g isn't 6g even better? The problem I have with you jokers is that you never quantify ANYTHING. How much better is my sound going to be? Do I even care? Why not run solid copper rebar? I've heard really good things about 13g wire, great for the odd harmonics! Cheers.

Just keep typing, you are making a room full of friends. Since when did I have to live up to your expectations?

Please show some respect and spell my name right.

Roddy
ps

avdude,

I threw in my 2 cents, it only my humble opinion so take it for what is worth. Couldn't pass up the dare, hope I do not create so much hate with that 1.

kr8z1

my pleasure.



This message was edited by roddymcg on 12/02/03 02:34.