Help Needed: Speaker Wiring Questions

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Matt Bhame - 07 Apr 2004 20:44 GMT

Hello all.

I may be self-installing my second system in the next few months and I'm
starting my planning now. My first system I installed 8 years ago and for
whatever reason I've forgotten a LOT, so please forgive any stupidity:

I will be using at least some Infinity Kappa 6x9s, possibly Kappa 5.25
Components in the front, possibly 6.5s in the front...unsure...ANYWHO...

these aren't God's gift to man of speakers but they're no slouch;
personally I love my 6x9's 'tonal richness' and I want to use a speaker
wire that is good quality but I'm not going to spend $2/ft. for it either.

So, without further adieu:

1.) What minimum gauge should I be using (amp will be 50 or 75W RMS,
peaking at I think 150W)? What gauge is the beginning of Diminishing
Returns?

2.) *Should* I solder the speaker wire direct to the speaker terminals in
an attempt to bypass the minimal signal loss by using speaker crimps or
should I buy good crimps? If I should buy good crimps, similar to Question
#1: how good is 'good enough', more or less?

Thanks for your time, I look forward to your responses!!!

Matt

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Tony Fernandes - 07 Apr 2004 20:54 GMT

Matt,

You should be totally fine with 16 guage speaker wire & regular crimp-on
connectors. Don't waste your money on the gold plated stuff, either!

Tony

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have to feel so small and alone. -Eleanor Arroway, Contact

> Hello all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>
> Matt

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MZ - 07 Apr 2004 21:10 GMT

> Hello all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> peaking at I think 150W)? What gauge is the beginning of Diminishing
> Returns?

14-16ga. is a good option. It's small and flexible enough to be easy to
install, and it provides a more than sufficient current handling capacity
for your application.

> 2.) *Should* I solder the speaker wire direct to the speaker terminals in
> an attempt to bypass the minimal signal loss by using speaker crimps or
> should I buy good crimps? If I should buy good crimps, similar to Question
> #1: how good is 'good enough', more or less?

There's no signal loss with crimping. Furthermore, if you know how to crimp
properly, the connection can be as reliable or more reliable than a soldered
connection. If you're worried about corrosion, which is a reasonable
concern in a car, opt for gold plated.

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Matt Bhame - 08 Apr 2004 15:56 GMT

Thanks for your input fellas!

> Hello all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 26 lines]
>
> Matt

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