- Joined: May 2003
- Location: Eastern NC
- Post Count: 1,761
I would use at least 14 AWG. Some folks prefer 12 AWG. You can get by on front speakers with 16 AWG, because they're closer to the receiver, but the bigger the better (smaller the number AWG, the bigger the wire).
Longer runs require a heavier AWG, so as long as the rears are at least 14 AWG, you should be fine. If rears are over 20 ft. away, I'd even go with 12 AWG. If these are small, HTIB speakers, I'd use the biggest wire that will fit in the clips.
BTW...........
By saying you're changing the front speakers, I hope you mean all three. The center needs to timbre match the left and right.
Good luck!
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP) Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC Sony SS-MB100H
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- Joined: August 2003
- Location: SF Bay Area
- Post Count: 2,349
Monoprice-12g-CL-2/in-wall-rated. Check with local building codes. Slight chance CL-3 may be required but CL-2 is probably acceptable.
Different gauge wire won't make a noticeable difference in sound. But wire run inside a wall should be CL rated. It's a fire safety thing. 
O.K ED, this time you beat me by a few seconds!! 
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
- Joined: May 2003
- Location: Eastern NC
- Post Count: 1,761
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP) Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub) ...
