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Speaker cable gauge and amplifier power

Based on my limited understanding of electricity, sending electricity through a wire is like sending water through a pipe. Using a larger cable gauge or bi-wiring will increase the amount of current required from the amplifier.

It seems like there must be a way to optimize speaker cable gauge and length based on an amp's current and watt ratings. Lower powered amps would mate best with narrower gauge speaker wire, and a powerful amp would benefit from thicker wire.

Am I oversimplifying, or are there established guidelines based on calculations of current, capacitance, etc.?
jpbach
bgrazman
225 posts
 
I agree with Albertporter, your ears are the best instrument.

I just replaced the small Nordost SPM speaker cable driving my subs with big (8 AWG) cables and heard a big difference...
jpbach OP
23 posts
 
Thanks for those responses. Jeffreybehr, in particular, addressed my question helpfully.

I certainly agree that the best way to pick a cable is to audition it in your system. I just thought I might be able to limit the number of choices based on this set of factors.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
As Albertporter stated, from a current carrying viewpoint all speaker wire size is overkill. I must admit that I have gone along with the heavy wire idea, although I have not used any of the specialized speaker cables with exotic construction.

Recently I tested some Nordist flat cables vs zip cord, and had to admit there was a very obvious difference. My plan of action is not to purchase $6000 worth of wire, but rather to purchase fan-free monoblock amps that I can loctate just inches behind my MG1.6 speakers.
hpims
125 posts
 
http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm
gs5556
769 posts
 
One thing that I found interesting is the wire guage used INSIDE speakers from the terminals to the drivers. We hook up our 8-ga hoses to speakers that use 16 or even 18-ga internally. This renders anything larger before it moot. So unless you need 25-plus ft of speaker cable, then the issue of voltage drop (not current delivery, BTW) should not be a factor in the size of the speaker cable.
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