HT Construction: Is it worth it to bi-wire L-C-R locations?

wolfman1138

Hi Folks,

Here is another question for my HT rebuild that I am doing. I am trying to figure out if it is worth it, during construction, to add two sets of 12ga wires to the L-C-R positions. I don't intend on bi-amping in the near future, but I don't know what the future holds.

To me, it seems like a fairly small cost that gives me backup redundancy if needed as well as the ability to bi-amp in the future if it seems necessary. For better or worse, I am going to use Monoprice 12ga speaker cable, so the cost isn't huge.

Thanks in advance

BlueFox

You answered your own question. You can always use both pair of wire at the same time for an even larger gauge.

wolfman1138

Thanks. I think I am getting over paranoid on this build.

gp4jesus

+1 bluefox

PSOVLSK

Personally, I'd just use a higher quality cable and make one run.

Here's some that I've found to be very good and not too expensive.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

rooftop59

Yes I would second better wire depending on what speakers you are running. Monoprice is fine (I use it for my in-ceiling speakers because with inexpensive in-ceiling speakers the difference would be negligible at best) but if you are using higher-end in wall or ceiling speakers - and certainly if you are using decent quality bookshelf speakers with decent amplification - you WILL notice an obvious difference with better wire, like the BJC 10 linked above. It will be a little more expensive, but that would be my concern over the possibility of bi-wiring.

Good luck!

kcoc321

If you have the access I would suggest running 1 1/2" flexiable tubing, "smerf tubing" they call it... maybe even a couple of runs... never know what you might want down the road....Just keep the holes in the middle of the studs, and add nailing plates, in case a knuclehead runs a screw too deep.

That way you can change out the speaker wiring to whatever you want, short of 'garden hose' variety..... It is pretty cheap and you can get it from any low-voltage electrical supplier...that is what I have done....OH and remember to run a piece of parachute or other chord in there while you are at it..makes it alot easier to pull the wires later...Just keep the bends to at least 12" radius...

BTW: Trick I learned from my electrician, is you can use a vacuum to suck a small string through first and then attach the parachute chord to it. And remember to keep a pull string it then any time you change out the wires.

I also suggest taking pictures before they install the insulation and sheetrock.

wolfman1138

Along the front of the theater I will replace the drywall behind the baseboard with a cable channel. I plan on using this to get video cables to the TV mounted on the wall. I figure that these are the most likely thing that need to be changed. I can always use this as by backup solution for later upgrades.

I like the smurf tube idea, but I have had issues in the past need to push too big a connector through them.

I'll look into the Beldin wire. (I have built signal cables with both Belden and Canare wire in the past and it is great) I already have a bunch of the Monoprice 12ga stuff, so I will have to figure out if it is worth buying new cable.

Thanks for all the great advice!

PSOVLSK

I didn't realize you already had the cable. In that case, I'm going to say +1 to BlueFox.