I'm still new to this whole thing. I will be getting a Sony AVD-S50ES integrated receiver, which I believe has binding posts. I already am using the analog RCA output to a headphone amplifier. However, for my speaker setup, I want to hook up a Hsu Research STF-1 subwoofer and some Axiom M2i's for a 2.1 system. What type of cables would I need? (By the way - this is going to be for a small, dorm-sized room).

I'm assuming you have a CD player which you are going to use as the source. So you've already got your L/R RCA/RCA audio cables. You will need an RCA/RCA cable for the sub, and some speaker cable for the speakers. You'll get differing opinions on what kind of speaker cable (and sub cable) to use around here, but since I got here first, I'll say that you should just get some decent 12 gauge generic cable from the usual suspects (Radio Shack, Home Depot, http://www.partsexpress.com, etc.) I personally am planning on building my speaker cable based on the following site: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_2/ultralink-CL414-cable-5-2003.html just 'cause it's cool and it sounds nice and logical. (that's assuming I can afford cables after I get the speakers!)

If you've decided on a combo receiver/player you obviously won't need a player connection and since you don't mention TV we won't talk about that connection. So, since your M2s will only be a few feet away, even 18 gauge lampcord will be plenty and you just strip about 1/2 inch on each end and put them through the openings in the binding posts on the receiver and the M2s. If you get that sub when it becomes available you'll need a coaxial cable of adequate length with RCA plugs on each end; should cost about $1 a foot.

I wouldn't use 18 gauge. I'd go for 16. The quality of the copper seems to be better on 16 gauge spools than on 18 gauge, in general. (that is, the higher quality copper isn't available in 18 gauge). At the very least, you won't be putting little holes in your fingers when you twist it.

Um, so I don't need any connectors on the end of the speaker wires? I just need them stripped / tinned?

Right. Unless you have to change the connections very often, I don't see any real benefit of terminating the speaker wires.

Probably don't even need them tinned. I would wonder whether adding another layer of metal might be not so good. Probably doesn't matter, though...

This was discussed in this forum before and the consensus was that if you are frequently disconnecting/reconnecting your wires, then you need terminators. Otherwise, barewire should be fine.

I agree with Ken that you do not need to tin the ends. Just make sure no wire strand is astray.

And remember to twist your wire ends in a clockwise direction if you live north of the equator, and in a counter-clockwise direction if you live south of the equator. Who knew that electrons were affected by the coriolis effect, eh?

Oh, you're a BIG help...

In reply to:

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I don't see any real benefit of terminating the speaker wires.

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The benefit is an increased hand-eye cooridination.
I guarantee after the first drop of hot solder hits your lap you will never miss again!!

Ow. owowowowowow.

Is the kind of speaker wire available at the bottom of this page appropriate?

http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/speaker-con.html

I was thinking about the 12awg in 100 foot. It's only 29.95 and if I'm following this discussion correctly all I really need to do is strip the ends and attach it right?

It could be that all 12awg is not created equal. I figured I'd better ask.

(Then buy the receiver and speakers to even need it

You should see my "needs" list for all this. It's getting out of control!

-Nick

Yes, Nick, that one will be perfectly adequate. I use this one from partsexpress.com -- essentially the same spec at a similar price.