Component cables and speaker wire retailers? (1 Viewer)

[Steve Carlo]

I'm just getting round to wiring up my home theatre system. I know the Monster cables are a rip off (unless you buy with an employee discount), so can anyone recommend a cheaper (preferably online) retailer for component video cables?

Regarding speaker wires...the longest wire is going to be about 15 feet and I'm not a volume fiend. Any suggestions on the best gauge of wire. Also...does anyone have experience hooking wires through walls and under floors? I'm considering sending the rear speaker wire under the floor so I guess I would need an external grade wire. When you bring the wires out of the wall do you use a connector and wall plate or just poke the wire through?

Thanks.

 

[Vince Maskeeper]

Check my post here:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=139985

If you think MONSTER is a rip off, then many cable suppliers will seem REALLY overpriced to you (as much of Monster stuff is considered "budget" solution). You might try Radio Shack or checking into the custom builder route I suggest in the link above.

-vince

 

[Mark Rich]

For video and audio cables I'd definitely go with the custom cable route.
Here are some more that are worth checking out:
Avcable.com
RhinoCables.com
Heartlandcables.com

For speaker cables a decent 12 awg zip style cable is a good place to start (Monster, Radio shack etc.) If you want something a little better try the Canare cable. You can either buy it bulk and terminate yourself or obtain some dressed/terminated cable from an on-line custom cable maker.

 

[Steve Sm.]

For online, pre-built component cables that cost less than Monster, try accessories4less.com. They have Acoustic Research Pro component cables (part HT191) for $25.99.

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Several speaker sites recommend the following gauge based on run-length:

1-10 ft: 16 ga
11-20 ft: 14 ga
20+ ft: 12 ga

Most of us buy a spool of 12 ga and use it everywhere. The SoundKing brand from www.partsexpress.com is well respected.

I suggest using plastic electrical outlet box's and running the rear wires through these on both ends. (Make sure to run 3 sets of wires to the rear to handle that rear-center speaker that is becoming popular.

But - pull enough wire to have a un-broken run from amp to speakers. Buy blank wall-plate covers and drill holes to thread the speaker wires through so it looks nice.

Later, you can cut the wires off near the wall and install face-plates with binding posts if you really want to.

When under the house, zig-zag the wires a few times among the studs near each end and use insulated staples to tack things in place. BUT: only nail in the staples in about half-way. Years from now you might need some slack so you give a tug at the outlet box to pop the first staple - 12 inches of slack. Tug again for more.

Check with your local building codes about the need for CL rated in-wall wire. This stuff has fire-resistant insulation. You may not need it.