Speaker Cables

Choose thicker (lower AWG number) cable for longer runs and lower-impedance speakers: 16–18 AWG for runs under ~25 feet to most bookshelf speakers, 12–14 AWG for runs over ~25 feet or for 4-ohm/low-impedance speakers to minimize resistance and signal loss

Common terminations are bare wire, banana plugs, spade lugs, and pin connectors; banana plugs and spades provide easier, more reliable connections for repeated use, while bare wire allows direct binding-post connection and may be preferred for one-time, tight fits

Copper is the standard for good conductivity and cost-effectiveness; oxygen-free copper can offer slightly better corrosion resistance, copper-clad aluminum is lighter and cheaper but higher resistance, and silver has higher conductivity but at much higher cost — choose based on run length, budget, and durability needs

Speaker cable prices vary widely; budget options are commonly available under $50, mid-range cables typically range from about (price varies) to a few hundred dollars, and specialty or premium cables can cost more, with average prices in many marketplaces near the low hundreds

Keep speaker cables away from power cords and fluorescent lighting to reduce hum and interference, avoid sharp bends and kinks, secure them to prevent strain on connectors, and periodically check terminations for corrosion or looseness

Longer cables increase resistance and capacitance which can affect damping and high-frequency response; for typical home setups, using appropriate gauge (thicker wire) for the distance minimizes audible degradation up to tens of feet

Shielding is generally unnecessary for speaker-level cables because the signal is strong and not prone to external noise; braided or multi-strand constructions improve flexibility and mechanical durability rather than reducing interference