I'm looking to improve my surround setup and run the speaker wires through the walls; part of this will include me buying banana plugs and wire from Monoprice.

The difference in price between 250' of 18awg and 12awg wire is about $55. I can afford the 12awg, but having a little extra cash leftover takes out some of the sting of what I'll be spending on speakers, a receiver, and a BluRay player.

Even Monoprice's knowledge base seems to say there's not much difference, but I want to be sure before I order anything. Thanks for any help

how long are the runs?

Longest run could top out at about 35', sides maybe 20'

It's a finished basement so I plan on running the rears and one side up to the ceiling, then along the I-beam (in wood casing), to the speaker positions.

imo, i wouldn't use 18, but if you are looking to save the money, 16 would likely be enough, and 14 would be for sure...

this (http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm) is a useful page for wire information...

It looks like the 14awg would be more than good enough, so I'll probably go with that. Thanks! Unfortunately I already bought mounts for my speakers before finding how cheap they are on Monoprice.