Speaker cable guage, length and power drop ?

[4Mal]

So say my 500 into 4 ohms power amp, used for monitors is say 60 or 70 feet to the first monitor in a pair. Next monitor is say 15 feet of cable away.

I assume there will be a negative effect on performance.

• How negative will that be ?
• will stepping up to 12 ga mitigate to a noticible extent ?
• How bad is it to use a cable connector in mid stream ?

I generally use 14 ga wire FWIW.


Yes - I understand that it is not optimal and that my amp should be closer but that itsn't the topic here. (Preemptively attempting to cut down the off topic advice if ya get my drift - if the amp could be closer - it would be.)

[projectMalamute]

Here is the manual for the Crest CA series amps, towards the end is an appendix which gives losses by gauge, length and load impedance.

[4Mal]

Very good. I'm down something like 7% which for this use is plenty acceptable. Thanks, Mal

[Never_grew_up]

FYI - A Very good and (relatively) less expensive option for speaker wire is to use low voltage landscape lighting wire. Granted it doesn't have a round outer jacket, but
250 ft of black 12/2 can be found at Lowe's for under $100 -

Shop Coleman Cable 250'L Landscape Lighting Wire at Lowes.com

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Never_grew_up

FYI - A Very good and (relatively) less expensive option for speaker wire is to use low voltage landscape lighting wire. Granted it doesn't have a round outer jacket, but
250 ft of black 12/2 can be found at Lowe's for under $100 -

Shop Coleman Cable 250'L Landscape Lighting Wire at Lowes.com

nice, it's just giant-ass zip cord!

it'll take less abuse (like being run over by amp rack wheels) but will lay flatter and roll tighter.

[4Mal]

I stick with the old round sjo style. I like my cables to last. That stuff might be cool for a fixed install though.