xtc-raver-xtc

does anyone know if it's ok to use 8 gauge power wire as speaker wire?? is there any difference or problems with running a power wire as a speaker wire?? the reason is, I have 11 gauge speaker wire for my subs but i want to run larger wire. I've heard that there is a difference in the quality of the copper or something.

The A Team

iTrader: (1)

Well I know just about every hardcore SPLer likes to use 8 gauge wire for speaker wire, I know I do. [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] And I don't believe there is a difference in copper quality.

Pioneer Guy

^ X2.

I'm not an SPL'er but with the Premier amps & subs that I run it just makes sense to take advantage of the maximum power transfer & the cool look of 8 gauge power wire as speaker wire.

King Dynasty

iTrader: (-1)

yes if your running amps with alot of current u would want the largest speaker wire u can get for max transfer to and from the amp

X3

A3-VR6

If you don't need it why bother ? Sure it may "look" cool to you but 8 gauge does not fit nicely into most speaker outputs on amps and you run the risk of shorting out your amp if a single frayed wire touches + to - .


You current wire is MORE than adequate for your needs, you can run larger wire but you will not see any benefit. So yes its ok but it will be purely cosemetic and may bite you in the *** down the road if something comes loose and shorts.

King Dynasty

iTrader: (-1)

i dont think he is talking about running a small amp that produces 500 watts but more like something 2000+ yes the wires are just conductors but if u use high strand count u can get the most out of your music. Lets say u drove on a road trip and it takes u 4 hours to get there , while crank'n your system at half way , im sure the spagetti wires would tend to get hot . Only thing the smaller wire is good for is that it bends into tight places while larger gauge wires are only used for subs

hope that helps a little

Kinslayr

iTrader: (2)

I would say it also depends on the length of wire in question.

xtc-raver-xtc

alright thanks a lot guys, and by the way, the subs and amp im running can both handle 8 gauge speaker wire, so i guess im just better off using the 8 gauge

Vanilla Gorilla

I use 12 gauge.. since the stuff I use is rated to 2000 watts per wire... but I'm sure if you could use 8 gauge.. then might as well.