In wall speaker wiring question?

trj

This is a question for my friend who is getting his basement finished and getting wiring done for 7.2 system. Not sure what speakers he is going to use yet. The longest runs he would have is of about 50ft.
So, the contractor is going to use Logico in wall 12 AWG 122 strand cable. I think he gets it from sears with all other stuff he uses for his business.
http://www.tektel.com/SWC3106/In-Wall-12Awg---2C-Speaker-Wire-Cable-250-Ft.html

If my friend wants to use any other cable, contractor asked him to buy it himself (extra at my friend's cost).
I use blue jeans 12 AWG, but my run is not in wall runs. I have no idea about these logico speaker cable, never heard of it. I was about to suggest him the blue jeans 12 AWG cables. But has anyone had any experience with these logico cables? or are blue jeans cable any better than the logicos? He should be buying about 250 ft, so just wanted to know what you guys think? Just want to help him make a good decision.

PS: He hasn't decided on the speakers and components yet, but just wants to get the wiring done and female banana plugs readied before the drywalls are up. Most probably he will end up with RTi towers. He really likes my setup.

D'prived

Depending on your area building codes dictate that you use wire that is rated for in wall use. Can't use just any wire. I ran in to that when I had my house built in 1999. The building inspector wouldn't pass it otherwise.

trj

Since contractor is recommending/using Logico wire, I believe it should be good for building code. But is that a good wire? I mean, my friend doesnt want to install something that he is going to have to remove in a year. Hence my question, if that logico wire is comparable to the blue jeans cable?

helipilotdoug

We have some excellent 12AWG in wall rated cable in 250' reels The price includes shipping to any CONUS address, and we give a discount to Polkies. PM me if interested.

Speedskater

That Logico cable is aluminum! OK, it's copper clad (plated) aluminum, but it's still aluminum.
Any safety rated 12AWG all copper will do just fine.

trj

helipilotdoug wrote: »

We have some excellent 12AWG in wall rated cable in 250' reels The price includes shipping to any CONUS address, and we give a discount to Polkies. PM me if interested.

I will let my friend know about it. Not sure what he wants to do, but if wants to go with your cables, will definitely PM you Doug.

trj

Speedskater wrote: »

That Logico cable is aluminum! OK, it's copper clad (plated) aluminum, but it's still aluminum.
Any safety rated 12AWG all copper will do just fine.

Thanks Speedskater, how about Blue Jeans Cable Belden 5000UE (Gray jacket, 12 AWG)? Thats what I have right now. And my friend was interested on the same.
I am apartment dwelling so, I am not concerned much about cables right now, since its not permanent. Are they full copper though? They don't mention it in their website. I hear they are better than monoprice. I used monoprice cables before with a different set of speakers and blue jeans with the RTi's I have right now. So, don't know if I would have heard any difference.

Speedskater

Blue Jeans only sells great cables, Monoprice sells good budget priced cables.

This from the Logico page:

Our 12AWG/2C in-wall speaker wire, which is made from 122 strands and is CL2-rated for use inside walls
*2 x 12 guage stranded conductors (CCA)
It's the (CCA) Copper Clad Aluminum - that's bad.

trj

Speedskater wrote: »

Blue Jeans only sells great cables, Monoprice sells good budget priced cables.

This from the Logico page:

Our 12AWG/2C in-wall speaker wire, which is made from 122 strands and is CL2-rated for use inside walls
*2 x 12 guage stranded conductors (CCA)
It's the (CCA) Copper Clad Aluminum - that's bad.

Thanks, I will let him know. Probably he will go with blue jeans cables. But if he wants to use Doug's cables, even better.
Or I can give my blue jeans cable and buy some Doug's cable myself.

mrloren

I would not use that CCA stuff at all.

1. Call Doug, the 12AWG Furez is a great wire. I have the 10AWG and love it. it is kind of thick but it will work great.
2. Blue-Jeans I have never tried but have read good reviews that it's a step above Monoprice
3. Monoprice. this is about how low to go

trj

mrloren wrote: »

I would not use that CCA stuff at all.

1. Call Doug, the 12AWG Furez is a great wire. I have the 10AWG and love it. it is kind of thick but it will work great.
2. Blue-Jeans I have never tried but have read good reviews that it's a step above Monoprice
3. Monoprice. this is about how low to go

Thanks mrloren.
As you can see, I am not very familiar with better speaker cables.
If it was me finishing the basement, I would definitely take the advice here and go with Furez cables. But its for my friend trying to see if logico cable his contractor is pushing is any good. Hopefully he will want to go with Furez. If not, I will certainly advise him to get blue jeans cables.
I am using blue jeans cable 12 AWG grey jacket with longest run at about 40 ft and I have no room to complain. Well, I haven't tried furez cables yet. But don't find blue jeans cables oxidizing as monoprice cables that I used in my previous setup.

Would anyone happen to know if Blue-jeans 12 AWG cable are all copper and not copper plated over aluminum?

Speedskater

Blue Jeans Cable only sells speaker cables with all copper Belden & Canare bulk cable.

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

trj

Speedskater wrote: »

Blue Jeans Cable only sells speaker cables with all copper Belden & Canare bulk cable.

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

Thanks. That means I can not worry about the cables till I move since I have Blue-Jeans 12 AWG grey cable.
Well, I will suggest my friend furez or at least blue jeans cable and skip the logico cables that his contractor is pushing.
Thanks everyone for your help.

PS: I am getting my stands for RTi4s today or tomorrow. So, finally I can have the surrounds placed properly.

grimmace19

I'm using the belden right now as I just sold off my MITs and it's great. I was using it for my rear speakers but since those are gone, I cut it to length and am having great results. Sounds great to me.

trj

Thanks everyone. He is ordering the 12 AWG grey jacket blue jeans cable for the in wall and 12 AWG white jacket for the runs from wall plates to speakers.
I am happy that at least he didn't "OKAYED" the logico his contractor was insisting to use.
If he goes with polk speakers, I am sure he will join the forum.
Have a good weekend everyone.