alt M22 stands; speaker wire - Axiom Message Boards

Hello,

Thank you to all who helped me with the decision. Axiom phone experts were also very helpful and convinced me M22s will be more than adequate.

So I bought two M22s, one VP150 and two QS8s. Purchasing the more affordable and formidable M22s, I can spend a little more on the sub. With the help of Rick and others I decided on the HSU VTF-2 MK 3.

I haven't bought the FMS 16 stands, because I thought there might be something cheaper out there.

1. If you don't use the FMS16s for the M22s, please tell me what stand you use/recommend.

2. The longest speaker wire run (not in wall) will be 30'. What wire gauge will be enough? What recommended online stores?

3. Do the QS8 come with any brackets?

Thanks again,
Rodney

Rodney, congrats on the new purchase! You're going to have one killer system. As far as the stands go, check out this site for options. Before you buy, find out what height is good for you. Ideally, you want the tweeters to be at ear level. I suggest using magazines and boxes or crates to create makeshift stands so you can experiment--find out what sounds best to you.

2) This wire table will tell you what gauge for different ohm ratings and distance.

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

Rodney, yes you should experiment with stacks of stuff at various heights to see what you like. Reading Mr. Russell's entire article is pretty informative on the speaker wire question. Considering shipping charges when ordered online, it may be more cost-effective to just get some 16ga cord at a local source such as Home Depot or Lowes.

John,

Thanks.

Wow. Home Depot, huh? I was just there for home remodeling stuff. I doubt they have banana plug or spade connector.

I'll look tomorrow.

Thanks again,
Rodney

Our Menards, HD, and Lowes have a nice collection of audio accessories and you can buy speaker wire off the spool pretty cheap.

If you live in Canada, Ctown posted a link on another thread to Quest stands that are reasonably priced and come in a couple of heights.

Paul

If you look at Home Depot they have speaker wire in bulk much cheaper than buying a roll. The have 12 and 14 ga usually at very good prices.

Hi Rodney,

The QS8s do come with free brackets that allow mounting them flush against the wall. You have to drill holes in the wall. The speakers "hang" on a T-shaped bracket. You must use bare wire connections (no room for banana plugs) if you use the supplied brackets.

I'd err on the side of caution and use 14-gauge (or 12 gauge) for a 30-ft run, to eliminate resistance as a factor.

Regards,

Rodney,

I know you asked for online stores, so I will give you some suggestions:

1. Monoprice.com is SUPER cheap, if you need any other AV cables, I would order ALL your cables through monoprice. They are by far the cheapest source of cables in North America. You can also get banana plugs through them to go with your 14 guage (the 12 guage from monoprice.com insulation needs to be trimmed down to fit into the banana plug according to some sources).

2. Bluejeanscable.com has awsome speaker wire (very thick strands) and I would recommend them as I am using their 12 guage Belden wire and I love it.

So if you are ordering more than just speaker wire (HDMI cables, component cables, banana plugs, VHA cables, RCA cables, etc) I would do a one stop shop at monoprice.com and save probably over $100USD.

I'll second the Blue Jean's Cable & Monoprice suggestion.

I use Belden 12 ga from BJC with the compression banana plugs from Monoprice for my center and rears (6', 25'). No fit problems what-so-ever and it looks great. My only complaint with the Belden cable is that it is somewhat hard to work with because is a pretty firm cable and it likes to wrap up on itself - it's difficult to get it to neatly lie on the floor.

One thing to consider is that if you are going to run the speaker cable in the wall, the Belden wire is UL/NEC rated for in-wall use. A spool of lamp cord may not be. Some folks care, other's don't. Just an FYI.

Quote:

So if you are ordering more than just speaker wire (HDMI cables, component cables, banana plugs, VHA cables, RCA cables, etc) I would do a one stop shop at monoprice.com and save probably over $100USD.

what the heck is that? Sheesh I must have been tired...don't even know what I was meaning to say... I think RCA, then i typed RCA after it, DOH!