- Wires differ in definition from cables, in that wires do not have plug-end receptacles, while cables do. Depending on the audio components and speakers used, either wires or cables are needed. Since cables use wire, all of the discussed wire-specific points apply.
The general rule of thumb for speaker wires is: the longer the wire, the thicker the AWG (American Wire Gauge). AWG pertains to the wire core itself, not the outside insulation. The AWG size goes up proportionately with length, as speaker ohm ratings go down, since lower ohm ratings usually mean higher amplifier wattages. There are many useful charts available, from your audio dealer or manufacturer website, that will specify ohm/length/AWG recommendations. There's also one listed in the Resources section.
In test after test by sound labs and audio professionals, as long as the proper AWG formula is followed, there is no discernible audio difference between bargain bulk wire than the most expensive wires and cables on the market. Benefits touted in advertisements for expensive brands were found to be vague and largely based on clever marketing, rather than blind audio tests. - A common myth regarding the use of multiple wires is that each wire used must be of the same length. Given the fact that electrical signals pass through wires almost instantaneously, it would literally take miles of speaker wire to notice a slight delay in signal. Since most home and professional applications limit wiring to less than 50 feet, wires of different lengths pose no problem and no audible difference.
- Properly spliced, soldered and re-insulated wires, done to add or decrease length, show no decrease in audio quality. Although an electronics oscilloscope can detect splices by identifying minute voltage drops or spikes, the anomalies are too small to detect audibly. Voltage used for driving speakers is simple voltage, and since regular fluctuations due to program and frequency type occur during normal use, splices produce no adverse audible effect.
- As with any product using mass-marketing techniques, the consumer is paying for the marketing when the product is purchased. Brand "A" may have nicer packaging and a large market share, brought on by an effective advertising campaign, but again and again independent tests show that as long as the proper AWG is used, brand-name wires do not offer any audible difference over lesser known brands, or even good quality bulk wire. Since speakers and components are robust by design, and operate on simple voltage principals, they are not as finicky as complex, sensitive electronic equipment and computers. As long as the proper amount of voltage is able to get there, dictated only by the AWG size, the units will function normally.
- When wires with connectors are required for components, there are no real sonic advantages with any particular connector. Typical connector types include RCA and "banana" type plugs, and sometimes 1/4" phone plugs or "Speakon" connectors (if pro-audio speakers or components are in service).
While it is true that the metal used in speaker connections on bare-wire posts, plugs and jacks is susceptible to normal corrosion over time, periodic cleaning of connections can ensure continued sonic performance. With many high-end speaker wire manufacturers claiming the benefits of non-corroding gold-plated connectors, it is only the connector surface which will not corrode. Internal and external component connections, as well as the tin-based solder connections of the wire and connector, don't benefit
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