Does speaker wire size really matter?

[Callingindogs 10+ year member]

I've heard that bigger wire carries a bigger signal and such, but does it really make a difference in sound quality? Say 16 awg vs 12 awg?

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[04murdalanche]

I'd say it depends on the wire length mostly. But someone else chime in as well

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Not particularly. It's kinda like power wire. You get what you need based on capacity. 14ga should be more than enough for pretty much any set of speakers while 10ga should be more than enough for most sub setups. As for the cca vs ofc debate? Just get whatever is cheaper.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Depends on the power and length

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

Depends on the run length... and how much power you're driving to the speakers.

 

[West]

In general...

16 gauge is good for tweeters

14 gauge is a great all round gauge for your's in cabin speakers

12 is nice for subs

8-10 for high power subs

The difference may not be all that noticeable in truth though.

 

[JoeK 10+ year member]

I'm actually running 100 watt 3xl speakers backfed through my stock speaker wiring atm, no plans to change it actually

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I'm actually running 100 watt 3xl speakers backfed through my stock speaker wiring atm, no plans to change it actually

I run more than that through factory wiring. For the trouble of snaking new wire through the doors there's no difference.

Keep in mind average power over time to midrange and tweets is most likely a tenth of what the amp is rated to make.

 

[JoeK 10+ year member]

I run more than that through factory wiring. For the trouble of snaking new wire through the doors there's no difference.
Keep in mind average power over time to midrange and tweets is most likely a tenth of what the amp is rated to make.

I could believe that. The amp im using is rated 300 watts @ 4 and my stock tweeter and 3xl take it without a problem