Hi Matt,
The other posters all had good advice. I would only add the following as something to consider:
The CONNECTIONS are always the weak links in any type of wiring. As an electrician for 40 years (also worked in the IT business), I can't count the number of times problems were traced to the connections.
Unless the wire/cable is damaged or defective, a direct run (only terminated at the source and destination) will always be the most reliable.
Intermediate connections (ie..terminal plates, patch panels, splices, etc.) mainly exist for convenience, future changes or cosmetic reasons, but, each one introduces a potential failure point.
Ultimately, it is a compromise. So you might, as an example, run the cables directly to the remote speakers and install a termination panel at your equipment location. Just be sure to use quality terminals such as binding posts (as on Axiom's speakers).
Also, the other poster's suggestion of using metal conduit (EMT) is an excellent idea for the reasons given, and using 12 gauge cable is smart.
Hope this helps,
Dave
