Speaker wire

**Jason Whiddon** · 06-07-2008 08:16 AM

So, is gauge of speaker wire the most important (proper for a certain length of run) than buying the name brand.

I'm asking because I have some mish mash speaker wire that Id like to replace. Was looking at monoprice's low oxgen stuff and wondering if this was just fine. I ASSume it is, but not too familiar on speaker wire needs.

I had to replace my surge protector this week so I bought a nice APC protector/filter, waiting to hear the audio improvement from the filter (sarcasm)

**knasty** · 06-07-2008 11:01 AM

Read this, should help.

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

**jayn_j** · 06-07-2008 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by elwaylite

So, is gauge of speaker wire the most important (proper for a certain length of run) than buying the name brand.

I'm asking because I have some mish mash speaker wire that Id like to replace. Was looking at monoprice's low oxgen stuff and wondering if this was just fine. I ASSume it is, but not too familiar on speaker wire needs.

I had to replace my surge protector this week so I bought a nice APC protector/filter, waiting to hear the audio improvement from the filter (sarcasm)

gauge is the most important factor, within reason. I've seen people use #00 and then solder adapters to make it fit the wire clips on the back of speakers. Any 14 gauge or better wire should do.

The theory on low oxygen stuff is that it will prevent the individual copper strands from corroding and thus adding resistance. However, in my 30+ years as an electrical engineer, I have NEVER observed corrossion of copper stranded wire inside an intact jacket that is used in normal lab or household conditions. I have seen it when some clown has tried to bury it for 5 years and the jacket has deteriorated. The normal vinyl jacket is more than enough to protect wires from corrossion. I would say that if this low oxygen stuff from monoprice costs significantly more than buying the same gauge zipcord down at Ace Hardware, it is not worth it.

**jayn_j** · 06-07-2008 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by knasty

Read this, should help.

Speaker Wire

Good article.

**Jason Whiddon** · 06-07-2008 11:28 AM

Thanks guys. I ordered 50ft of 14ga from Monoprice.

**silvestris** · 08-27-2008 04:17 AM

Hmmm.

**jayn_j** · 08-27-2008 10:14 AM

Originally Posted by silvestris

Hmmm.

Is your Hmmm about our advice, or about purchasing from Monoprice? Happy to discuss either one.

**Paul Wozniak** · 08-27-2008 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by jayn_j

gauge is the most important factor, within reason. I've seen people use #00 and then solder adapters to make it fit the wire clips on the back of speakers. Any 14 gauge or better wire should do.

The theory on low oxygen stuff is that it will prevent the individual copper strands from corroding and thus adding resistance. However, in my 30+ years as an electrical engineer, I have NEVER observed corrossion of copper stranded wire inside an intact jacket that is used in normal lab or household conditions. I have seen it when some clown has tried to bury it for 5 years and the jacket has deteriorated. The normal vinyl jacket is more than enough to protect wires from corrossion. I would say that if this low oxygen stuff from monoprice costs significantly more than buying the same gauge zipcord down at Ace Hardware, it is not worth it.

The only oxidation I've experienced has been at the exposed area of the wires, which I disconnect, clip and reattach twice a year. I also disconnect and clean all the contacts on my interconnects at that time. Amazing what that does for the sound of my system. Good to see that the good people here, are solidly grounded (pun intended) in audio science and not voodoo. Good post.

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