Speaker wire gauges
 

What exactly is the differance between differant gauage speaker wire?

In the basement we've always had this old Yamaha stereo system set up. It was my fathers, who past away some time ago. I don't know much about this stereo system, other than the speakers have been acting up for a few years now. The wires that connect them to the amp are very large, and barly fit in the holes on the speakers. The floor speakers (which are fairly large themselves) constantly cut out or become very staticy, usually because the wire came lose. I finally decided to go out and buy some new, smaller wire - I picked up some 24 gauge. I set up the new wires, and now no sound comes out of either speakers at all.

Do you think this is because the 24 gauge wire isn't big enough to power the speakers? Do differant gauge wire carry differant types of currents or something?

One other question - do the audio meters on an amp 'flicker' only when sound is being sent through the speakers, or do they respond as soon as audio comes in through the input, like from a television? The meters don't flicker anymore either (but truthfully, I can't remember if they always did or not before).

First - 24 guage is extremely small for your application. I wouldnt use anything less than 16 guage for a moderate power amp.

Second - your 'audio meters' should flicker when a signal is present.

Sounds like something is amiss - wrong source setting, poor/altered connection etc.

Agreed. 24 is too small, but that probably isnt causing the problem--there would still be sound coming through. Check and make sure you didnt accidentaly change anything else, and that the speaker wire is hooked up correctly.

As for guages, Id go get something like 16 guage--that will do very well for most applications.

I fixed it. I feel pretty silly though...I guess while moving things around I hit a swicth to "Pre Out - Off" which just muted all the speakers :(

Thanks guys, i'll definitly pick up some 16 gauge. They do sound pretty quiet with the 24 gauge.

I remember seeing a chart of wattage to guage. I'll see if I can find it, but let me tell you that if your speakers are over maybe 12 watts, 24 gauge will lessen decibil level and frequency - it will be quieter and lower quality.

As a rule, I dont use anything smaller than 14 guage. What's wrong with spending a few more pennies? I'm not the most professional wiring guru, but 12 guage isn't too much for a 120 watt desktop speaker, is it?

No, you really can't do any harm by having large gauge wire.

Todd, for 100W and a 4 Ohm speaker load:
You can see 16 gauge handles it pretty well unless your runs are very long or you're competing (with equipment doing the listening). Very few people can tell the difference in a blind test once you go bigger than 16 gauge until you get to 11 on the dial. On the other hand, 24 gauge is good for about 2 ft. :)

i agree with the masses here... you have to have something near 16 gauge. If you were making a really long run you might want a larger wire. But that chart cyrnel pretty much spells it out...

The speakers are only a couple feet from the amp. The only thing I was confused about with the old larger wire, is that it wasn't fitting nicely in the ports and not getting a good connection. It's got to be at least 12 gauge though.

I picked up some 16 gauge, and it's working great. Thanks again guys :)