Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Speaker Wire - Dumb Question

I'm pretty much a newbie and this question may show it. I'm running my speaker wire through my wall, up to the attic, and down the side walls to my QS4's. The runs are 50' & 40'. I've read that I need to use UL listed wire since it's in the walls, but what gauge would you suggest? I was guessing 12GA due to the distance, but would 14GA work since it's only going to be sent to the surrounds? Like I said, it may be a dumb question, but I had to ask!
Any help is GREATLY appreciated!
KOSMOS

I don't doubt that you could get away with 14 ga, but I wouldn't follow the argument that surrounds need lower gauge wires. Since they're farther away, it's more important to have high gauge going to them.

KOSMOS, Ken is spot on and I've got 14 ga running 35 and 40 feet to my QS8s. Not only is the audio superb, I believe the setup is non-life threatening.

I've also got to chant my mantra. There are several sources of wire. You can argue various merits all day long. After years of arduous research and personal consultation with the Pope himself, I bought my 14 ga speaker wire at Home Depot. STo my ears, it sounds just as good as Monster Price wire. Plus, it was something like 20 cents per foot. Go back to the bulk wire and have them cut it to the length you need.

Amen. Can I have a hallelujah?

Thanks for the push in the right direction! I've used Home Depot for my previous wire purchases, just wasn't sure about the gauge!
Thanks again for the help! Can't wait to get it all hooked up!

Kos, Ray is right on target. When I was in Rome His Holiness also advised me that God didn't make no bad copper and that it was sinful to waste money on the high-priced stuff. As Ray said, a good source would be the section in Home Depot where they have the big spools and can cut what you need. As to gauge, it's probably time to cite the speaker wire article again. You'll note from the table that 14ga should be plenty for your needs.

Are you suggesting that the Pope's grammar is going downhill along with his health?

Have they rehabilitated Galileo yet? Shades of Giordano Bruno!

Peter, I know what I heard. I trust my ears.

You're amazing.