Speaker wire question

[stringmann]

my new/old walter woods amp recommends minimum 18 gauge connection amp to speaker. when searching, i only find 100ft options, and AWG rather than gauge descriptions. sorry if this is obvious, but could someone recommend what i need in a relatively short version? (it doesn't take neutrik or i would use that) tnx in advance.

[sgosnell]

AWG is an abbreviation for American Wire Gauge, and is the same as gauge. Lower gauge numbers are larger wires, so anything 18 or smaller will be fine. I've used extension cords/cables of the appropriate gauge, as well as extra power cables from unused devices, such as old computers. They all work fine, although they usually have an extra conductor for ground, which is unused and I just cut that back. Most power cables have the gauge stamped into the outer cover, so it's easy enough to determine the gauge, but for short runs anything that can carry standard AC power can handle speaker current. If what you have or can find is a bigger gauge (smaller gauge number) it's fine, and even better. I prefer at least 16 gauge, and 14 or 12 will do, although the wires are getting thick enough to be annoying for some uses. Bigger is better, up to a point, but not that much better. If the wire is too big, it's harder to solder to 1/4" plugs, and even hard to get into SpeakOn connectors.

[icr]

If you live in the US, you can get wire by the foot at Lowes, Home Deopt and most hardware stores:

[marcwhy]

Rattlesnake Cables work great! [I'd be dangerous making my own, so I trust others!]