12 best gauge speaker wires

Gauge speaker wires, often referred to simply as speaker cables, are essential components in audio systems, connecting amplifiers or receivers to loudspeakers.These cables are designed to transmit electrical signals from the audio source (e.g., amplifier) to the speakers, enabling the conversion of electrical energy into sound. The gauge of a speaker wire refers to its thickness or cross-sectional area, typically measured in American Wire Gauge (AWG) or millimeters squared (mm²). Here are some key points about gauge speaker wires:

  1. Wire Gauge: Speaker wires come in various gauges, with common options ranging from 12 AWG to 18 AWG. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wires have lower electrical resistance, which can help maintain signal integrity over longer distances.

  2. Resistance: Speaker cables with a lower gauge (thicker wires) have lower electrical resistance. Lower resistance means that more of the audio signal's power can reach the speakers, resulting in potentially better sound quality.

  3. Length Matters: The length of the speaker cable can impact its performance. Longer cables tend to have higher resistance, which can lead to signal loss and reduced sound quality. It's essential to choose an appropriate gauge based on both the length of the cable run and the power requirements of the speakers.

  4. Stranded vs. Solid: Speaker wires can be made from either stranded or solid conductors. Stranded wires are more flexible and are often preferred for longer cable runs or installations that require bending and maneuvering. Solid wires can offer better electrical conductivity but are less flexible.

  5. Insulation: Speaker wires are typically insulated to protect against electrical interference and damage. The type and quality of insulation can vary and may affect the cable's durability and performance.

  6. Terminations: Speaker cables usually come with various termination options, such as banana plugs, spade connectors, or bare wire ends. The choice of termination depends on the compatibility with your audio equipment and personal preferences.

  7. Cost vs. Performance: Thicker-gauge speaker wires tend to be more expensive than thinner ones. However, it's essential to strike a balance between gauge, cable length, and your specific audio system's requirements to achieve the best performance without overspending.

  8. Bi-Wiring and Bi-Amping: Some high-end audio systems support bi-wiring or bi-amping configurations. This involves using separate speaker cables for different frequency ranges or amplifier channels, potentially improving audio quality.

In summary, choosing the right gauge speaker wire is crucial for optimizing the performance of your audio system. The gauge selection should take into account factors such as cable length, speaker impedance, and your specific audio setup to ensure that you achieve the best possible sound quality.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best gauge speaker wires on the market
  

RCA AH100R 100 Ft. 24-Gauge Speaker Wire

RCA

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This 100 foot 24 gauge speaker wire is designed for smaller speakers that cannot accommodate the thickness of a heavier gauged wire and works great for connecting economy speakers to amplifiers or receivers.

  • Connects speakers to an audio receiver or amplifier
  • Delivering quality sound from your home theater equipment
  • Insulated jacket helps deliver undistorted signals
  • Polarity identified wire for correct speaker phasing

User questions & answers

Question: What is the real material. Copper or aluminium? Or aluminium plated with copper
Answer: I’m not a good person to ask mine is stuck and won’t rotate and not been up on roof to check why I have one cable going to antenna I used cable company cable and mast
Question: Is this cable CL2 rated? i.e. safe for In-wall use
Answer: I went to Lowes and bought a mast pole and is on my roof approx. 40 from ground.
Question: Is the wire copper
Answer: The 12 VDC power supply that is sent with the antenna is AC 120:DC 12v. I don’t see any reason why an a 12 VDC automotive power supply wouldn’t work as long as you have the right jack to plug in and you keep the polarity correct.
Question: how does this perform compared to monster cable
Answer: There is not a pole that comes with it, my husband used the bracket from our old satellite dish and welded something together to make it work

InstallGear 14 Gauge AWG 100ft Speaker Wire Cable - Red/Black

InstallGear

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • 100 feet (30.5m)
  • True Spec Stranded Wire
  • Rugged Red/Black PVC Jacket
  • Two Color Jacket for Easy Polarity Identification
  • Copper Clad Aluminum Conductor (CCA)

User questions & answers

Question: Does anyone know the specific mm diameter of the wire? i am hoping to sleeve them and would love to know before i order
Answer: 4mm each color; therefore 8mm side-by-side
Question: what is the maximum wattage it can handle
Answer: I have 900 watts running through it, and no problems yet.
Question: Can this wires be cut
Answer: Yes, you can cut it easily to make your connections. I have used many types of wire and I like how easy this wire is so easy to cut and trim as well as it lays flat and does not curl up. I have in the past straightened wire to make it lay flat, it can be a difficult job, but this was very wast to work with. Good luck on your project
Question: Can I use these wires to hook up my kicker 500watt amp and my single 10inch kicker 600watts subwoofer
Answer: NO. You can't use any wires to hook up a stereo that will vibrate my house when you are two blocks away. But if you insist on doing it, use 22Ga wire.

Product features

100ft of 14 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 100 feet (30.5m)
  • True Spec Stranded Wire
  • Rugged Red/Black PVC Jacket
  • Two Color Jacket for Easy Polarity Identification
  • Copper Clad Aluminum Conductor (CCA)
  • Compact Spool for Easy Storage

Perfect for Car Audio Systems

  • Rugged PVC Jacket Makes it Easy to Route through Car Panels
  • Easily Installs into Most Crimp Terminals
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Great for Home Theater Systems

  • Low Memory Jacket Makes it Easy to Route Close to Wall Moldings
  • Easily Installs into Most Banana Plugs
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Amazon Basics 100ft 16-Gauge Audio Stereo Speaker Wire Cable, 100 Feet

Amazon Basics

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

  • Connects audio speakers to your A/V receiver or amplifier
  • The plastic jacket around the speaker wire helps deliver high-quality undistorted signals to and from all of your audio equipment
  • One side of the wire is marked with a white line, making it quick and easy to distinguish the polarity for a proper audio system set up
  • Comes wrapped around a hard plastic spool, making dispensing convenient and easy
  • Product Dimensions: 100 Feet x 16-gauge

User questions & answers

Question: Is it 100% copper or is it copper coated aluminium (CCA
Answer: There IS a difference between CCA and OFC in terms of speaker wire. If you are running high wattage over a long (>50ft) run length, the cheaper grade CCA will likely become hotter and not handle it well. This 16ga wire should have the same sonic clarity as a smaller 18ga pure copper wire. You get what you pay for.
Question: Any updates on CL2 or CL3 rated? There is no straight forward answer on it yet
Answer: There is NO fire risk when using this wire for low voltage applications i.e., speaker connections. Most jurisdictions don't care about CL2/CL3 unless you are running 110VAC. This is speaker wire. Don't sweat it!
Question: what is the difference in watts when it comes to speakers wires
Answer: The answers here are variably correct and incorrect!! The resistance of the speakers (ohms) needs to match the impedance the amplifier circuit is rated to handle. Too small a wire (length is a variable) will induce a resistance that the amplifier will face, like a speaker, and this will alter the "balance" of the intended match!!!! Pushing speakers rated at 500 watts under a constant load of 250 watts will induce heat "resistance" if the line between the amp and the speaker is very small and sound quality will be compromised!!!! Up to 100 feet of lead at a constant load of 500 watts would ideally be handled using 10 gauge copper, braided wire facing from 4 ohms to 16 ohms. Bottom line: Discriminating "audiophiles" popularly tout the use of 12 gauge braided lead for almost all in-home installations ... this allows for component upgrades in the future! As said here, 16 gauge braided lead, in most installations, will produce results that are completely acceptable in matching power and impedance and results!!!
Question: Is it oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire
Answer: No need for OFC; The high-end speaker wire industry markets oxygen-free copper as having enhanced conductivity or other electrical properties that are supposedly advantageous to audio signal transmission. However, conductivity specifications for common C11000 Electrolytic-Tough-Pitch (ETP) and higher-cost C10200 Oxygen-Free (OF) coppers are identical. Much more expensive C10100, a highly refined copper with silver impurities removed and oxygen reduced to 0.0005%, has only a one percent higher conductivity—insignificant in audio applications. OFC is nevertheless sold for both audio and video signals in audio playback systems and home cinema.

Product features

16 Gauge Speaker Wire

This 16 gauge speaker wire with spool from Amazon Basics lets you easily connect your speakers to amplifiers or receivers.

Marked Polarity

One side of the wire is marked with a white line, making it quick and easy to distinguish the polarity and get your audio system set up properly.

Easy to Use

The Amazon Basics speaker wire comes wrapped around a hard plastic spool that makes dispensing convenient and easy.

No Distortion

The plastic jacket around the speaker wire helps to deliver high-quality undistorted signals to and from all of your audio equipment.

InstallGear 14 Gauge AWG 100ft Speaker Wire True Spec and Soft Touch Cable

InstallGear

Based on 9 reviews Check latest price
  • 100-FEET (30.5m) [FROSTED BLUE/BLACK 14 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE ] - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - CCA wiring provides a good conductor for transmitting audio. This is the most economical option when choosing speaker wire.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

User questions & answers

Question: Can this wire be used for in ceiling speakers
Answer: it is regular speaker wire. i installed in wall speaker with it, which is similar. You will need to check with your local building codes on the installation. some places require all wiring to be stapled if it will impede with your travel in the attic. if you overhang some of them, you will not need to staple.
Question: Can it handel 1000watt surround sound system
Answer: I have it connected to a new Sony Home Theater 750 Watt System and I love the sound. My best guess is yes.
Question: Is this thin enough to run through a drop ceiling to not effect the tiles? Want to use to run rear surround speakers
Answer: Not exactly sure what you mean by "through a drop ceiling to not effect the tiles". If you mean without having to cut a notch in the tile, or tile framework, for the wire to run thorough--maybe. The wire dimensions are roughly 1/8" (3.175mm) by 1/4" (6.35mm), so it depends on the amount of play you have between your tiles and their framework, or the frame work and your wall depending on how you intend to route the wires. Good luck! BTW: It is more flexible than a 100% copper wire of equal gage.
Question: Is this wire good for outdoor speakers
Answer: Seems to me the jacket is sufficient enough to protect the wire outdoors, but you'd certainly have to take extra measures to protect the connections.

Product features

100ft of 14 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 100 feet (30.5m)
  • True Spec Stranded Wire
  • Rugged Blue/Black Frosted PVC Jacket
  • Two Color Jacket for Easy Polarity Identification
  • Copper Clad Aluminum Conductor (CCA)
  • Compact Spool for Easy Storage

Perfect for Car Audio Systems

  • Rugged PVC Jacket Makes it Easy to Route through Car Panels
  • Easily Installs into Most Crimp Terminals
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Great for Home Theater Systems

  • Low Memory Jacket Makes it Easy to Route Close to Wall Moldings
  • Easily Installs into Most Banana Plugs
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

PYRAMID 100ft 18 Gauge Speaker Wire - Copper Cable in Spool for Connecting Audio Stereo to Amplifier, Surround Sound System, TV Home Theater and Car Stereo - RSW18100

Pyramid

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pyramid Model : RSW18100 18 Gauge 100 ft. Spool of High Quality Speaker Zip Wire 18 Gauge 100 ft. Spool of High Quality Speaker Zip Wire Pyramid offers a new line of speaker wires in its finest to accommodate DIY stereo to amplifier installation needs. It is 18-gauge to offer just enough resistance and electrical flow without the risk of overheating. The wire is surrounded by a plastic jacket for insulation and undistorted signal. There’s even a red mark to distinguish polarity easily. For convenience and dispensing, the 100 feet long wire is neatly wrapped around a plastic spool.

  • 18 GAUGE THICKNESS: This 18-gauge copper speaker wire offers very easily connection for speakers to amplifiers or receivers. The thickness is just enough for resistance and electrical flow without the risk of overheating
  • CUT AS DESIRED: The wire can be cut as desired for specific installation needs. If the plastic jacket is removed, the wire can be left bare or use wire crimp accessories to connect to stereo and speakers
  • UNDISTORTED SIGNAL: Made with plastic jacket surrounding the speaker wire to help deliver high-quality undistorted signals to and from all of connected audio equipment. This also helps with insulation
  • POLARITY MARK: There’s a red mark outlined on one side of the cable wire. Its purpose is to easily distinguish the polarity and help properly set up any audio stereo, surround sound system, TV home theater and even a car
  • 100FT CONVENIENT DISPENSE: This very long 100ft speaker wire is neatly wrapped around a hard plastic spool for easy and convenient dispensing. It can be used without hassle and instantly too

User questions & answers

Question: Can this speaker wire be used behind drywall? Does California state code permits this
Answer: not for inside wall use just basic speaker hook up outside of the walls.
Question: Dose this work with fire alarms
Answer: I can tell you that this is pure copper very good speaker wire I use it on my McIntosh / sonus Faber speakers and have cut through it there is no aluminum the first answer is bull s!
Question: What color is the wire covering
Answer: It's better, as you can spend the extra $300 it would have cost to buy monster cable that is literally the exact same stuff on better speakers instead.
Question: copper or aluminum coated
Answer: If you are talking about the power adapter cord, use a good common extension cord. The tv cords are just RG6 cables. You can use a connector and another cable to make these longer. (sold here and other stores with electronics/tv accessories)

InstallGear 16 Gauge Speaker Wire Cable, 100 feet

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • 100-FEET (30.5m) [ RED/BLACK 16 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE ] - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - CCA wiring provides a good conductor for transmitting audio. This is the most economical option when choosing speaker wire.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the width of the cable when flat, i need to thread it through a small pipe
Answer: For the size I bought (16 ga), it was less than 1/4 inch - but larger than 1/8 inch - from what I recall.
Question: Will it work with Yamaha audio reciver
Answer: It should work just fine
Question: Is this ok for outdoor speakers
Answer: Yea I use it out side
Question: Its a real 16 gauge
Answer: Absolutely not. 20 gauge. It's mostly all jacket.

Product features

Features of 16 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 100-FEET (30.5m) [ RED/BLACK 16 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE ] - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - CCA wiring provides a good conductor for transmitting audio. This is the most economical option when choosing speaker wire.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

100ft of Premium 16 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 16 Gauge Red/Black Jacket
  • 100ft (30.5m)
  • Easy Polarity Identification
  • Cooper Clad Aluminum Conductor (CCA)
  • Compact Spool for Easy Storage
  • Stranded True Spec Wire

Great for Home Theater Systems

  • Low Memory Jacket Makes it Easy to Route Close to Wall Moldings
  • Easily Installs into Most Banana Plugs
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Perfect for Car Audio Systems

  • Rugged PVC Jacket Makes it Easy to Route through Car Panels
  • Easily Installs into Most Crimp Terminals
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Amazon Basics 14-Gauge Audio Speaker Wire Cable - 99.9% Oxygen-Free Copper, 100 Feet

Amazon Basics

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

  • 100 feet of 14-gauge speaker wire for connecting speakers to an A/V receiver or amplifier
  • 99.9% oxygen-free copper (OFC); delivers high-quality undistorted signals to and from audio equipment
  • Color-coded (red and black) for clear polarity; durable yet flexible white insulated exterior jacket
  • Backed by an Amazon Basics limited 1-year warranty

User questions & answers

Question: Can is be used outside? Direct 14/4 direct-burial speaker wire
Answer: The wire that I purchased was 14/2 and was not rated for direct-burial or in-wall use. You should look for wire specified for that application. This would not be suitable for that, though I would be comfortable hanging/stringing it along under eaves or a patio roof, so long as it was reasonably sheltered.
Question: i realize this states for in wall but does not specify if UL approved, is it actually UL approved so it will pass building code for in wall use
Answer: Attached is an excerpt from UL.com guide card for AVLV2 category code. It describes how certified wire should be marked. You can check for UL certification at UL.com on-line certification directory if you know manufacturer name or file number. The seller may be able to get you this information for proof of certification. REQUIREMENTS The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is ANSI/UL 758, "Appliance Wiring Material." In addition, IEC TS 60695-11-21, "Fire Hazard Testing - Part 11-21: Test Flames - 500 W Vertical Flame Test Method for Tubular Polymeric Materials," may also be used. UL MARKING Components Recognized under UL's Component Recognition Program are identified by markings consisting of the Recognition Mark of UL (shown below) on the attached tag, the reel, or the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged. In addition to the above tag, reel or container marking, the Recognized Component Mark may optionally be surface printed on the appliance wiring material. When used, the product name "Appliance Wiring Material" (or "AWM") will also be surface printed adjacent to the Recognized Component Mark , followed by the Recognized company's identification and/or file number. If the Recognized company's file number is an element of the surface printing, the Recognized Component Mark is required to also be surface printed. The Listing or Classification Mark of UL is not authorized for use on, or in connection with, Recognized Components. Only those components that actually bear the "Marking" should be considered as being covered under the Component Recognition Program. UR APPLIANCE WIRING MATERIAL or UR AWM
Question: Does anyone know the diameter of the whole cable shield included? Is
Answer: 5/16”
Question: How many strands
Answer: Not asking number of conductors (which is two), but asking how many STRANDS of fine wire in each conductor. An IMPORTANT consideration for speaker cable. A seller should know this info.

Product features

Copper Construction

Made of 99.9% oxygen-free copper (OFC), the quality speaker wire provides excellent conductivity for a pure signal to and from audio equipment.

Protective Jacket

Durable, yet flexible, the speaker wire’s white exterior jacket wraps around the red and black wires for added protection and smooth, easy handling.

CL2-Rated

CL2 rated for in-wall use, the speaker wire can be used safely and efficiently along floorboards, up and over obstacles, and hidden behind walls.

Easy Dispensing

Featuring a hard plastic spool that neatly contains unused wire and allows for convenient dispensing. Available in a variety of gauges and lengths.

14AWG Speaker Wire, GearIT Pro Series 14 AWG Gauge Speaker Wire Cable (100 Feet / 30.48 Meters) Great Use for Home Theater Speakers and Car Speakers Black

GearIT

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Overview: GearIT Professional Grade Premium High Quality Speaker Wire Cable. The GearIT Professional Grade Premimun High Quality Speaker Wire Cable is designed to provide high quality signal from A/V receiver to speaker. Wire is rolled on spool for easy and convenient installation. Warranty: Lifetime Replacement Warranty.

  • PREMINUM SPEAKER WIRE – Use this GearIT Pro Series Speaker Wire Cable that’s build quality stranded conductors to build this professional grade speaker wire audio cable
  • CUSTOM INSTALLATIONS – You can use this speaker wire to pair with banana plugs, spade tips, or bent pin connectors to connect your speakers to your A/V receiver or amplifier with this GearIT Pro Series speaker wire.
  • ADVANTAGE OF CCA (COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM) – Here are the facts about CCA vs Oxygen Free Copper. CCA wire offers the same signal frequency and reliability in terms of corrosion resistance to copper wire. The advantage of the CCA speaker wire is lighter and more flexible than copper wire. The cost of CCA vs Oxygen free copper is much lower and you can enjoy the same functions and reliability as copper wire without paying the extra cost for the installation.
  • HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIAL AND TIER 1 MANUFACTURE PROCESS - The cable is made of CCA Copper Clad Aluminum, ensuring high fidelity sound quality and providing maximum's conductivity and durability without paying the additional cost. The product go through many states of testing to ensure the highest performance and reliability of the products.
  • PRO SERIES LIFETIME GURANTEED – We stands for the highest quality product and customer satisfaction. If you are not happy with the product in anyway we offer an easy return policy. All product come with our top rated lifetime warranty service.

User questions & answers

Question: is this wire flat enough to run under wall to wall carpet
Answer: Wire run directly under carpet is unsafe, even for speaker wires. Wire run under carpeting gets stepped on crushed and ground by the fine grit that passes through the carpet, and the soft vinyl insulation fails under the carpet where heat builds up until the carpet ignites. It's a major source of electrical fires and the primary reason why the electrical code now requires new installations to use arc fault circuit breakers that detect the failing insulation and shut off the power. When speaker wires are run under the carpet the fault power is limited only by the output power of the amplifier. Any audio amplifier you'd buy 14AWG speaker wire for can deliver far more than enough power for failing insulation to build up heat and ignite a fire under a carpet. Amplifiers don't pass the high frequency current noise of a developing fault to the power line so an arc fault circuit interrupter won't shut off the power. The safe solutions are all boring, unpleasant, or difficult to implement. You can route the wires a different direction to follow the perimeter of a room, even around a door frame to avoid an opening. You can use one of the products that protects wires under a carpet together with under-carpet padding to keep a flat carpet surface. You can also route UL listed cable (NB: this product isn't) through walls, above ceilings and under floors to emerge where you need it, although a renter may need the owner's consent to do something like that. You may find that concealing wires is easier when the wire is smaller. This is a CCA wire, which has same resistance as aluminum wire. Pound for pound Aluminum is one of the best conductors, but it isn't a dense metal. In the same wire size aluminum or CCA is only half as good a conductor as copper. A 14AWG aluminum or CCA wire has the same resistance as a 16AWG copper wire that's much smaller and more flexible and far easier to conceal.
Question: Why does the package not tell us which is positive and which is negative? That hard to put on there
Answer: Hello Erik,Typically when connecting speaker wire as a standard the solid or dashed white lines on the individual wire indicate that that particular cable carries the positive (+) polarity. The other cable that is unmarked (without dashes or white lines) is the negative (-) cable. As long as you use the cable with the white line as possitive across your entire setup, your equipment should all be setup properly and perform the way its intended using our GearIT speaker cable.Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly.
Question: is true as thicker the copper better the signal ir what is thanks
Answer: Hello William,Thank you for your question! Generally, the thicker gauge will transfer signal better than the thinner gauge. Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions and I will be happy to assist you.
Question: Can this wire be buried directly in soil
Answer: For my in ground install I bought the cable they use for low voltage outdoor landscape lighting (bought it at Home Depot). It is inexpensive, carries the signal fantastically, and is designed for direct burial. Unless properly insulated, aluminum doesn't do well when it is in direct contact with the soil. FYI - I am an electrical contractor with 35 years experience so I know a little about direct burial cable. Hope that helps.

Product features

Easy to Setup

  • Spool for easy dispensing, measuring, cutting & storing
  • Sequential foot marking for precise installation
  • Clearly marked with a “red line” for proper polarity identification
  • Compatible with banana plugs, spade tips, or bent pin connectors

High Performance Clear, Rich, Detailed Sound

  • High quality undistorted sound for your equipment
  • Perfect for home theatre, car, RV and audio systems
  • Flexible and insulated PVC jacket surrounds the wiring to help deliver maximum undistorted signals
  • Effortless installation into nearly all crimp terminals and banana plug connectors

Specifications

  • 14 gauge Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) conductors
  • High strand count 41 strands
  • Flexible and insulated PVC jacket

Choosing The Right Speaker Wire

Gauge refers to the thickness of the wire in the cable. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. In order to choose the correct gauge speaker cable, the speaker impendence rating will need to be considered. Speaker impendence refers to the resistance a speaker offers to the current supplied by an amplifier.

Impendence (like resistance) is measured in ohms, and choosing a wire that an amplifier or receiver can handle is important.

An important consideration is that the wire gauge is suitable for the impedance of speakers and the wire length. Please follow the chart provided as a guideline to assist in finding the best gauge for your system’s performance.

**NOTE: for most household speakers, 14 gauge CCA speaker wire will work for running each cable length of 50ft or less.

InstallGear 12 Gauge Speaker Wire (30-feet - Blue/Black)

InstallGear

Based on 988 reviews Check latest price
  • 30-FEET (9.1m) [ BLUE/BLACK 12 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE ] - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - CCA wiring provides a good conductor for transmitting audio. This is the most economical option when choosing speaker wire.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the black negative
Answer: the coating is clear with a red stripe on one side, looks copper wire color because of the clear insulation.
Question: This product water proof to used outside
Answer: No. It's NOT copper. Look at the price. Copper wire would be five times that price. You can't get copper for this price no matter how hard you search. This junk is copper coated aluminum.
Question: Does this product qualified for in wall or ok for concealed wiring
Answer: This wire is CCA, which stands for Copper Coated Aluminum. When connecting speakers you are always better off running pure 100% copper because of oxidation and more importantly conductivity. The difference in price is about $7/100ft. So for 7 cents a foot get the best that you can for your amplifier and speaker performance. Save yourself future system failure. Google CCA vs pure copper and you will learn the importance of the latter for speaker use. Hope this helps future buyers. Amazon carries both, its your choice.

Product features

Features of 12 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 30-FEET (9.1m) [ BLUE/BLACK 12 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE ] - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
  • COPPER CLAD ALUMINUM (CCA) - CCA wiring provides a good conductor for transmitting audio. This is the most economical option when choosing speaker wire.
  • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
  • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
  • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

30ft of Premium 12 Gauge Speaker Wire

  • 12 Gauge Blue/Black Jacket
  • 30ft (9.1m)
  • Easy Polarity Identification
  • Cooper Clad Aluminum Conductor (CCA)
  • Compact Spool for Easy Storage
  • Stranded True Spec Wire

Great for Home Theater Systems

  • Low Memory Jacket Makes it Easy to Route Close to Wall Moldings
  • Easily Installs into Most Banana Plugs
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Perfect for Car Audio Systems

  • Rugged PVC Jacket Makes it Easy to Route through Car Panels
  • Easily Installs into Most Crimp Terminals
  • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

Theater Solutions C100-14-4 CL3 Rated Speaker Wire 4 Conductor 14 Gauge 100 Feet Roll UL Listed

Theater Solutions

Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Theater Solutions C100-14-4 four conductor 100 foot roll of 14 gauge CL3 rated speaker wire

14 gauge wire with 105 strand count

4 conductor has four insulated wires wrapped in Spec Ultra flexible insulation

ul listed for all in wall and in ceiling applications

sunlight resistant and Burial grade for all outdoor applications for all class 2 and 3 circuits

rohs compliant for a cleaner environment

etl certified and oxygen free copper (ofc)



applications

whole house audio systems

outdoor audio systems

business/ retail/ office audio systems



what's in the box1 continuous 100 foot roll of CL3 rated wire

  • 100 feet of 4 conductor 14 gauge CL3 rated wire - 14 gauge wire with 105 strand count and 4 conductor has four insulated wires Wrapped in Spec Ultra flexible insulation
  • Versitile - UL Listed for all in wall and in ceiling applications, Sunlight resistant and burial grade for all outdoor applications, use for all class 2 and 3 circuits
  • Highest Quality - RoHS Compliant for a cleaner environment and ETL certified and oxygen free copper (OFC)
  • Applications - whole house Audio systems, outdoor audio systems, business, Retail, office Audio systems
  • What's in the box - 1 Theater Solutions C100-14-4 continuous 100 foot roll of wire

User questions & answers

Question: Does "Burial Grade" mean it is suitable for direct burial or would it need to go in a conduit
Answer: It was used for car audio in my application. So I am not sure on in the wall, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use it for that too if this helps
Question: Is each pair of wires separately twisted together
Answer: I would use this speaker wire behind drywall in my house, but I would use it in flex conduit, just to make more secure. I don't know about California state code law, I live in Texas !
Question: I need to run this under carpet past a doorway. What is the diameter of the cable
Answer: By code in our area, I had to use 14-2 house wire for my smoke alarms. I don't believe this wire would be recommended.

50ft 18 Gauge Speaker Wire - Waterproof Marine Grade Cable in Spool for Connecting Audio Stereo to Amplifier, Surround Sound System, TV Home Theater and Car Stereo - PLMRSW50

Pyle

Based on 584 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pyle Model : PLMRSW50

18 Gauge 50 ft. Speaker Zip Wire

18 Gauge 50 FT Stereo Marine Grade Speaker Wire

  • 18 AWG Stereo Wire
  • Blue White Marine Grade Insulation
  • Ideal for new Marine Installation
  • 50ft Length Spool


  • Pyramid offers a new line of waterproof speaker wires in its finest to accommodate DIY stereo to amplifier installation needs. It is 18-gauge to offer just enough resistance and electrical flow without the risk of overheating. The wire is surrounded by a plastic jacket for insulation and undistorted signal. There’s even a white mark to distinguish polarity easily. For convenience and dispensing, the 50 feet long wire is neatly wrapped around a plastic spool

    • 18 GAUGE THICKNESS: This 18-gauge waterproof speaker wire offers very easily connection for speakers to amplifiers or receivers. The thickness is just enough for resistance and electrical flow without the risk of overheating
    • MARINE GRADE CABLE: Very convenient to use indoors or outdoors because it is marine grade. Offers a waterproof feature so it can be used by the pool, on water base vehicles and more
    • UNDISTORTED SIGNAL: Made with plastic jacket surrounding the speaker wire to help deliver high-quality undistorted signals to and from all of connected audio equipment. This also helps with insulation
    • POLARITY MARK: There’s a white mark outlined on one side of the cable wire. Its purpose is to easily distinguish the polarity and help properly set up any audio stereo, surround sound system, TV home theater and even a car
    • 50FT CONVENIENT DISPENSE: This very long 50ft speaker wire is neatly wrapped around a hard plastic spool for easy and convenient dispensing. It can be used without hassle and instantly too
    • 18 AWG Stereo Wire
    • Blue White Marine Grade Insulation

    User questions & answers

    Question: which color is the positive and which one is the negative? the package does not say
    Answer: There are four individual wires in the jacket. You decide how to pair them up.
    Question: What gauge speaker wire and what speaker and radio connnectors are needed to place the speakers farther away
    Answer: The diameter is 1/4"
    Question: Why is this listed as "marine" but answeres below say not rated for marine
    Answer: You can set’em up either way as long as the rest is the same color. Bulk/ blue can be either one. I went blue pos. Bulk. Negative myself.
    Question: Is the wire tinned or bare copper
    Answer: As long as your connections are waterproof, yes.

    InstallGear 10 Gauge Speaker Wire - 99.9% Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) - Blue/Black (50-feet)

    InstallGear

    Based on 496 reviews Check latest price
    • 50-FEET (15.2m) / 10 GAUGE SPEAKER WIRE - The lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wire presents less resistance to current flow.
    • OXYGEN-FREE COPPER (OFC) - Oxygen Free Copper wiring provides a superior electrical conductor to aluminum because it does not expand or contract with heat and can carry a higher current load.
    • RUGGED PVC JACKET - Allows free, wide and seamless adjustment of the required physical properties of this wire such as flexibility, elasticity, and impact resistance.
    • EASY POLARITY IDENTIFICATION - This two color jacket allows for easy polarity identification. Making a polarity mistake could be damaging to your audio equipment.
    • SOFT TOUCH JACKET - The jacket on our cable is designed with the installer in mind. The flexibility of this jacket allows for easy routing and has a low memory.

    User questions & answers

    Question: Will this work for carrying dc or ac power? if so is there a amp rating
    Answer: Audio signals are AC, therefore it can be used on AC current. However, why would you use it to wire your mains? Much cheaper wire is available for that. Look up your local electrical codes for safe current ratings for a given gauge wire. Or did you mean something else by "power"?
    Question: Is this Copper-clad aluminium wire or pure copper
    Answer: This is oxygen free 100% copper. Very good wire.
    Question: What size speaker wire do i need for a 4000watt amp
    Answer: High Current needs least possible resistance to thrive...Research experts...It appears that low gauge (8-10) well connected OFC speaker wire makes a major difference. An Audio Engineer on a site re the relevance of amplifier damping factor spec. , demonstrated how thin CCA speaker wire used out of a high current power amp with a 500 damping factor could lower the net benefit of that low freq. driver control to a d. factor equiv. of
    Question: Where is it made
    Answer: 79 Express Street Unit I Plainview, NY 11803 [email protected]

    Product features

    50ft of 10 Gauge Speaker Wire

    • 50 feet (15.2m)
    • True Spec Stranded Wire
    • Rugged Frosted PVC Jacket
    • Two Color Jacket for Easy Polarity Identification
    • Oxygen-Free Copper Conductor (OFC)
    • Compact Spool for Easy Storage

    Perfect for Car Audio Systems

    • Rugged PVC Jacket Makes it Easy to Route through Car Panels
    • Easily Installs into Most Crimp Terminals
    • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

    Great for Home Theater Systems

    • Low Memory Jacket Makes it Easy to Route Close to Wall Moldings
    • Easily Installs into Most Banana Plugs
    • Jacket Strips Easily for a Quick Install

    Latest Reviews

    View all