Speaker Cable question

bemgolf

I have Monitor 30's for my bedroom HT. Wife has given me the go ahead to convert our den into a dedicated HT. All walls will be reinsulated and new drywall. This will enable me to run new cable for my speakers and I was wondering what if any cable is better than the other. I have heard positives and negatives both ways. Also The room is not too large and I was wondering what gauge wire would be best for the monitor 30's. I was going to get 12 gauge and really didn't mind the cost since the room was not that large and the run would be in the walls and in the attic. I have read the sound quality is a little better with thicker wire if you can get it. Would that be too much for the monitor 30 series. Any input about cables and where to buy would be great thanks.

transmaster

I have an easy and inexpensive answer for you, Monoprice. This has been my go to place for anything cables for several years, they ship fast and have excellent customer support. Below is the link to 12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable (For In-Wall Installation) the conductor is high purity oxygen free copper. 100 feet of it is $31.94, 250 feet is $80.60, etc. Better yet; 100ft 12AWG CL2 Rated 4-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable (For In-Wall Installation) 100 feet, $63.36, 250 feet for $156.44 etc. I have directly compared the above cable with Monster Cable and except for brand markings the cable is the same. Both cables are available in 14AWG, 16AWG, and 18AWG. Note this cable is UL listed and meets the CL2 rating for building code compiiance. Finish the job with the below listed wall plates and your wife will love you for the professional look your work will have. The 12AWG 2 conductor in wall cable is my go to choice for speaker cable period. I have been told the 4 conductor cable is just the ticket for bi-amping speakers.:cheesygrin:

Speaker cable:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239

Banana Binding Post Wall Plates:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10425#1042503



Here is the Spec's for 100 feet of the 2 conductor cable.

100ft 12AWG CL2 Rated 2-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable (For In-Wall Installation)
Cable Type: Loudspeaker cable
Conduit: High Purity, Oxygen-free Copper
Gauge: 12AWG
Length: 100 ft
Strand count: 65 wires
Conductor count: 2
Strand size: 0.254mm +/- 0.008
Outer Diameter: 8.5mm
Twist type: Multi-twist, rope lay
Outer Jacket Color: White
Polarity markers: Yes, inner conduits are covered by red and black jacket.
Rip cord: Nylon thread
Conductor resistance (20 ℃) Max: 5.43Ω/KM
Insulation resistance (20 ℃) Min: 0.75Ω/KM
Spark Test: 3.0KV/ Sec NOBREAKING
Cold bend test: - 10?1℃/4HR NO CRACKING
Heat shock test: 121?1℃/1HR NO CRACKING
Jacket marking: MONOPRICE E323003 (UL)C(UL) AUDIO CABLE 12AWG*2 STRANDED XXFT CM OR CL2
UL listed
CL2 rated

Here is the spec's for the 4 conductor cable.

100ft 12AWG CL2 Rated 4-Conductor Loud Speaker Cable (For In-Wall Installation)
Cable Type: Loudspeaker cable
Conduit: High Purity, Oxygen-free Copper
Gauge: 12AWG
Length: 100 ft
Strand count: 65 wires
Strand size: 0.254mm +/- 0.008
Conductor count: 4
Outer Diameter: 9.0mm
Twist type: Multi-twist, rope lay
Outer Jacket Color: White
Polarity markers: Yes, inner conduits are covered by red and black jacket.
Rip cord: Nylon thread
Conductor resistance (20 ℃) Max: 5.43Ω/KM
Insulation resistance (20 ℃) Min: 0.75Ω/KM
Spark Test: 3.0KV/ Sec NOBREAKING
Cold bend test: - 10?1℃/4HR NO CRACKING
Heat shock test: 121?1℃/1HR NO CRACKING
Jacket marking: MONOPRICE E323003 (UL)C(UL) AUDIO CABLE 12AWG*4 STRANDED XXFT CM OR CL2
UL listed
CL2 rated

Please note I have nothing to do with Monoprice except being a loyal customer for good reason.