Even the smallest components of a high-end home audio system can influence overall sound quality. Many audiophiles like to argue about which types of connectors reproduce the best signal or what speaker angle is best for ideal sound coverage. However, most people agree on pick the best gauge wire for a home audio system.
Instructions
1. Check your stereo equipment and speakers to find out which gauges are recommended. Your owner's manual will probably specify the best gauge wire or list a range of sizes that will work with your home audio system. Most contemporary audio systems can use any gauge between sizes 10 and 16.
2. Decide on the type of wiring you want to use for your home audio system. If you plan to run wires under carpets or paint them into the wall, flatwire will be ideal. If you're using cord channeling or just don't care about hiding your wires, regular round gauges will work.
3. Pick a gauge wire that works for your audio application. Most surround-sound systems work best with 16-gauge wire, while basic speakers often will sound great using 14-gauge wire. Higher gauges often have increased frequency response, but they are also more expensive.
4. Research different brands of audio system wires to learn how they color the sound of a system. Websites like Audio Review provide a database of user reviews to help your research (see Resources below). Remember that different environments and construction materials also make small differences in the sound.
5. Ask friends if you can borrow their speaker cables to test various brands on your system. Some stores also have a liberal return policy and will let you return opened cables as long as they aren't damaged. Only your ears can decide if higher gauge or brand-name home audio wires are worth the extra money.
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