extending speaker wires

[Srih]

As the re layout being done I found the rear speaker (5.1) wires are short by 3~4 feet.
Can I just buy some wire and joint it using solder/twisting/crimp.
If yes which wire (brand) should I buy and best place to buy.
Currently I have 35 feet of 16 AWG wire
came with my 10yrs old AVR (Strde445).

Appreciate your valuable inputs.

 

[captrajesh]

35' 16 gauge wire as such robs a lot of dynamics from the signal. On top of that, you intend to join a wire which is not a smart thing to do IMO. You are better off buying good quality OFC cable of at least 14 gauge. Check the following info (quoting from forum / net)

Max Distance for a 8 ohm load.
18 AWG 10
16 AWG 20
14 AWG 35
12 AWG 60
10 AWG 100

Max Distance for a 4 ohm load.
18 AWG 5
16 AWG 10
14 AWG 18
12 AWG 30
10 AWG 50

 

[haisaikat]

35' 16 gauge wire as such robs a lot of dynamics from the signal. On top of that, you intend to join a wire which is not a smart thing to do IMO. Yoy are better off buying good quality OFC cable of at least 14 gauge. Check the following info (quoting from forum / net)

I think for surrounds compromise provided you are not a audioholic for even the surround sounds. The drop can be compsensated by audyssey or manually increasing the relative dB level of the surround channels. I however agree with what rajesh have said but I think in place of 35 feet if it is 40 feet he will not see any abrupt drop. He should be more worried for the fronts.

I referred to this article while setting up my surrounds, where for the side surrounds it was within 35 feet (14 awg cables) but for the rear surrounds (7.1) it was around 88feet each side (wire had to be bent at a lot of places to take care of aesthetics) but I did not want to spend money on buying 170 feet (51 metres) of 12 awg wires just for rear surrounds.

Speaker Cable Gauge (AWG) Guidelines & Recommendations — Reviews and News from Audioholics

 

[Srih]

front speaker wires run max 4 feet. so no issues there. rear runs upto 40 feet due to bents on the route.
Two points i understood that the difference between 14 and 16 awg can not notice.
High quality vs low quality doesnt make difference as long as it is copper QFC.

too much conflicts with the forums on net. Not sure what really matters for the HT setup like what I have which is entry level sony.

 

[kittu8_in2002]

can you please suggest some company which deals in 14 and 12 AWG cable coils respectively. Even I am lookin to buy. Do tell me some affordable options.

 

[josephjohnt]

can you please suggest some company which deals in 14 and 12 AWG cable coils respectively. Even I am lookin to buy. Do tell me some affordable options.

I think MX is cheaper compared to monster and likes, They have a dedicated store in SP Road now. I think the store is cheaper than online prices MDR Electronics - MX Electronics - Pro Audio / Studio Audio Cables & Connectors - Conversion Plugs - Computer Connector & Cables - Home Theater Cables & Connectors - Computers & Laptop Accessories - Audio Video Components & Accessories - Fiber Optic