Speaker wire for surround sound

[Darren S]

Chaps,

Just after some feedback regarding cabling for a 5.1 setup for the TV.

I've bought a 2nd system over the weekend and tested it, which works fine. Although I had some longer cables with it, I might need just a little longer on the other three. The sub connects all the satellite speakers through standard spring clips with the black & red terminals.

Looking in the manual, it says that the manufacturer recommends 18-gauge or higher. Does the 'higher' value go up in numerical value or down - as I've seen other sites online referring to 12-gauge, etc.

Any suggestions on the type of cable to buy (much of a muchness from the likes of Amazon?) - would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
D.

 

[Goodj]

smaller number = thicker wire.


I used a load of THIS to lay out my surround speakers, but equally a roll of THIS will do just fine, given what you've read from the manufacturer

 

[R3k1355]

Don't usually need mega wire for rears, just as long as it's not total s**t, the stuff above would be fine.

What system is it?

 

[Darren S]

Cheers for the responses guys.

@R3k1355 - It's an older Logitech Z-5500 system, which I paid peanuts for tbh. Loving the sound so far - I'm not a fan of wall-shaking bass or sounding like I'm in the middle of a war zone.

But having some richer audio coming through while watching TV is nice. I was surprised at how much better just watching the BTCC sounded - compared to the integral TV speakers.

 

[JonnyK]

z-5500 is a really decent all in one system to be fair!

 

[mantis946]

When I first got mine I noticed halfrauds had some speaker cable in the bargain bin so I grabbed that and it's done the trick, might be worth a look.

Really love the Z5500's - Have you tried the secret menu and volume booster yet ? ?

 

[Jonnio]

The vol needs boosting even more?

Had a set for my PC for ages then a couple of years ago got another set off my mate (he was gonna take them to the tip!).

I took the stands off them and sat them the same way as the front centre so they look a bit sleeker in the living room. Bit of foam sticker underneath and they don't wobble.

Had to do the same as you and get some longer wires for the rears.

 

[realnumber 1]

QED micro wire is good quality and will do the trick for surround or save a few ££ and get QED micro bi-wire and carefully split it in half.

 

[mantis946]

The vol needs boosting even more?

haha agreed they are loud, always fun to see how much bass you can get out of them on +22 boost, they handle the volume remarkably well for the size of the satellites. The small 5a fuses are a pain to find though if you overcook it !

 

[Jonnio]

haha agreed they are loud, always fun to see how much bass you can get out of them on +22 boost, they handle the volume remarkably well for the size of the satellites. The small 5a fuses are a pain to find though if you overcook it !

I can remember going up to Maplins to get one within the first few days of ownsership. Don't think I overdid it lol...

 

[Darren S]

Turns out my man-maths of looking at the length of coiled cable was way out - I had plenty left.

More than happy with the set. Paid £50 for the full lot and sold my old Cambridge SoundWorks 5.1 to my mate for a token £15. So on balance, £35 is a worthy investment.