Re: Speaker wire specification

["mark_harrison_uk2" <mph@xxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "davemel2001" <dandm68@h...> wrote:
> Anyone got any recommendation on the type of speaker wire to use=20
for=20
> in-wall wiring.  I can't find practical advice anywhere!

General rule of thumb is that the total impedance of the cable run=20
should be no more than 10% of the impedance of the speakers. So, with=20
8 ohm speakers, a total impedance of no more than .8 ohms is what=20
you're looking for.

Thicker cables have lower impedance per meter length.

I would have thought that, for runs up to 40', 79-strand would be=20
fine. Obviously, it also hinges on the quality of your speakers - a=20
=A340 in-wall speaker from Henry's is going to be less critical than=20
the =A3800 Sonance job Rob Mouser reviewed last week.

> BTW, anyone know what cabling type is required to connect a=20
> subwoofer, and are there any run length limitations?

The vast majority of subwoofers can run active (ie - they have a=20
built-in amp). As such, what you need is a phono lead from your=20
processor to your subwoofer.

I'd be happy with a phono lead up to about 10' in a subwoofer=20
application. In any case, subwoofers tend to work better at the front=20
of rooms rather than at the back - it's NOT a phase issue, it's a=20
psychacoustic one - people's eyes are drawn to the subwoofer, so=20
that's where they expect sound to be coming from. If sound that=20
should be correlated with the screen comes from behind them, they get=20
confused even if it's their eyes signalling this.

Very small children don't suffer from this, because they don't=20
realise that sound comes from speakers, so provided your imaging is=20
set up properly, they just accept that it comes from the middle of=20
the room.

Likewise, if you can actually HIDE your subwoofer, so no-one can see=20
where it is, you'll be fine.

Personally, mine doubles as a coffee table at the front of the room :-
)

Regards,

Mark