I'm wanting to get some opinions on the recommended speaker wire sizes for subs. I know larger is better, but it seems like it only applies when you're running the wire several feet (i.e., the length of the car). If you're hooking up a sub, do you only need a 16 gauge wire in the box to connect to the terminal, and another few feet to go to the amp (maybe 3-5 feet).

I know it won't cost much to get larger speaker wires, but I'm just not sure if it's worth the trouble. Can anyone chime in?

 

Unless if you're running a high wattage amp and sub, I don't see any benefit with going a large gauge speaker wire. If you already have it, then you might as well use it, but if not then it's not worth the trouble to go out and get some.

 

I'm using 12 gauge speaker wires. 12 or 18 feet is more than enough to connect to your amp and subs.

 

Thanks guys. I just lucked out. I went to Radio Shack looking for some Monster wires that were 50% off. I found a spool of subwoofer wires that were 20ft. I told the guy I only needed half of that. He said he needed some to, so he went an bought it with his employee discount, took about 3 feet of it, and charged me $7. I know Monster cables are over-priced, but it worked out real nice.

If you guys are interested, they have standard Monster speaker wires on sale for 20 ft for $20 (1/2 price). Monster doesn't list what gauge they are, but they look pretty solid and heavily shielded.

 

Remember if you have low-powered amp with sissy sub's larger wires will act as an impedence.

 

at work the other night (i work for a large DJ and production company) i had to do a quick field repair on one of our dual 18" 1000 watt subwoofer cabinets. when i dismounted the woofer i was amazed that the wires running from the connection plate on the back to the woofers were tiny, like 18ga. i guess for short distances (these wires were about 18-20 inches long) it's not a big deal, b/c i regularly throw 1000-1100 watts at these cabinets and they pound