Does 12 AWG wire make that big of a difference?
09-08-00, 05:13 PM
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The main difference would be in the amount of power you have or the length of the run(i.e. to the surrounds). If you are running 50 watts to each cannel 16awg wire is fine, but if you are running over 100watts a channel 12awg would be a better choice. You may be restricting the flow of current with a smaller wire.
I guess basically if you get 12awg you can rest assured that unless you are running tons of power, like a sunfire amp or something, you aren't restricting current from getting to the speakers.
I am running 16awg to my 5 main speakers, because I only have 50-60 watts per channel and I have to run under carpet so I needed to use the flat cable but I am running 12awg to my passive subs because they are getting about 12-140 watts each and I want to make sure they get the full power when the need it.
I guess basically if you get 12awg you can rest assured that unless you are running tons of power, like a sunfire amp or something, you aren't restricting current from getting to the speakers.
I am running 16awg to my 5 main speakers, because I only have 50-60 watts per channel and I have to run under carpet so I needed to use the flat cable but I am running 12awg to my passive subs because they are getting about 12-140 watts each and I want to make sure they get the full power when the need it.
