Speaker Wire Calculator
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Formula
Power Loss (%) = Wire Resistance / (Speaker Impedance + Wire Resistance) x 100. Wire Resistance = Resistance per foot x 2 x run length (round trip). Target: under 5% loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gauge speaker wire do I need?
For runs under 50 feet with 8-ohm speakers, 16 AWG is usually sufficient. For longer runs or 4-ohm speakers, use 12 or 14 AWG. The goal is to keep power loss under 5%.
Does speaker wire quality matter?
The most important factor is using the correct gauge (thickness) for your run length and speaker impedance. Oxygen-free copper (OFC) offers marginal benefits. Exotic cables rarely provide audible improvement.