I recently purchased a Spherex 5.1 speaker system and I am looking to upgrade the speaker wire that connects the receiver to the speakers. It uses 22awg speaker wire with RCA connectors.

I understand that the best way to replace the wire would be to buy 16/18awg and splice the RCA connectors to it. However, users on another forum mentioned using Digital Coaxial Audio RCA Cable, such as the one found on monoprice ( monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023602&p_id=2683&seq=1&format=2 ), would suffice as it is 18awg.

My questions are: Would using coaxial RCA cable instead of speaker wire work? Is there a disadvantage to doing this? and Can you actually hear the difference between an 18awg coaxial RCA cable vs. a DIY true 18AWG speaker cables soldered to RCA connections?

I searched the forums but I couldn't find any answers, any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Hmmmm, I can't see why anyone would suggest using coaxial cable for this application. Actually, I can imagine what their reasons probably were, but I don't think they apply.

I would say your first instinct -- 16 or 18 AWG wire with RCA ends -- is the way to go.

Agreed---Use the right gauge of copper wire with compression RCA connectors.
Richard

No offense, but I don't see what you are going to gain by going with thicker wire for speakers that are that inexpensive....

Thanks for the quick responses! I guess I'll be going the DIY route.

No offense, but I don't see what you are going to gain by going with thicker wire for speakers that are that inexpensive....

Just replacing them because I can. :rolleyes:

Thanks for the quick responses! I guess I'll be going the DIY route.
Just replacing them because I can. :rolleyes:

How long is the cable run? You may want to just us a video cable to test? They are usually coax type.

How long is the cable run? You may want to just us a video cable to test? They are usually coax type.

The set comes with 3x10ft and 2x32ft speaker wire. For me that means the short wires are too long and the long wires are a bit short.

I haven't tested it but I think it would work. I'm more concerned about it being damaging for the speakers and if it would be a waste compared to doing it myself using speaker wire.

The set comes with 3x10ft and 2x32ft speaker wire. For me that means the short wires are too long and the long wires are a bit short.

I haven't tested it but I think it would work. I'm more concerned about it being damaging for the speakers and if it would be a waste compared to doing it myself using speaker wire.

The rears may benefit a bit with thicker than 22 ga wires as that is a long run for 22ga. If you want to spend the time and money, withing reason, why not try?