Speakers

[Jordan_Freeman]

I'm a huge noob with speakers, so please go easy on me...

I recently moved into a larger flat. Because of this, one of my rear Z5500s needed a longer wire. I bought some cheapo thing off eBay before I did any research, not realising that speaker wire was actually somewhat important. It came today and I found that it made the speaker noticably too quiet.

Looking around and doing research, I found out that the Z5500 speaker wires are '18 gauge' ones, is that right? The gauge system doesn't seem to be used much over here in the UK though, so finding the correct one is a bit of a hassle. Putting '18 gauge' into most search engines turns up very little in regards to UK shops. Any help?

[Hammey]

Hi ok in the UK it is called SWG - standard wire gauge  and depending on the gauge means how far you can run the speaker. so yes a 18 is what they come with and that should do up to 24 ft. Now the way it works is a lower gauge is actually better, example a 12 gauge wire could do 90 ft. So see how long you need it to be and choose the gauge that will work at that length.

[Jordan_Freeman]

Well, it will have to be about 35 feet long, so I guess I should get a lower gauge? 16 maybe? Will it matter that one speaker will be using 16 and the others will be using 18?

Thanks.

[Hammey]

Hi no it wont make a diffrence. And yes a 16 gauge should do it see if you can find a hardware store that sells it off a roll and they can cut what ever you need.

[Jordan_Freeman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16-AWG-CLEAR-SPEAKER-CABLE-WIRE-HIFI-SOLD-IN-1M-LENGTHS-BUY-ONE-GET-ONE-FR...

Wondering if this will do? Seems like the right thing to get.

[Hammey · Accepted solution]

Hi yes looks ok, to bad theres no store near you that sells by the length. Just a note now that wire looks like it has a red and white wire inside it dont get the positive red mixed up you have to get + and - correct double check it once its all plugged in before you turn it on. Wire that is just joined together one side would have a dash of white on it so you would use that as positive. Remember turn the bass unit off by the switch and unplug it from that wall before you change any wire.

[Jordan_Freeman]

Thanks alot for your help. I just bought 10 meters of that wire, should be enough. Hopeful will sound good. Thanks again!

[Hammey]

Hi no problem glad to help. Make sure you unplug it before the change