different gauge speaker wire question for outdoor speakers?

Hello,

I am trying to figure out if it is beneficial going up in conductor size for some outdoor speakers. There is 150ft of 16/4 running to exterior junction box on house which was put in when house was pre-wired (was already there and cannot change this). This wire is rated for 4Ohm/M. Then I need to go about another 100 ft (to furthest speaker) in conduit outside for each speaker.

My question is would it be beneficial to to go 12AWG for the last 100 ft from junction box and beyond or will it really matter? It's outdoor music around the pool. There are four speakers each with their own channel. The amp is rated for 120W @ 8ohms and 220W @ 4Ohms.. Speakers are DVC and can be configured either 4ohm or 8ohm

Thanks!

-jr

Thanks Bill... There is no pool house, so that simply isn't an option. We aren't talking high fidelity here. Just some rock speakers out by the pool. Given the compromises I have to make just trying to make an informed decision...

-jr

Thanks Don. Your reply helped me confirm my math..

4Ohm/1000 according to the spec sheet on cable which is already in wall. .004 ohms/ft.

So, 150ft*.004 ohms/ft = .6 ohms each wire, or 1.2 ohms round trip for wire already in the wall and not changeable.
Beyond that will need another 100ft for furthest speaker which will yields another .4 ohm each way or .8 total.
So, will be ~2 ohms in the wire to the furthest speaker.

Since the only thing I can impact will be the 100ft final piece (.8 ohms or 2 ohm total), it will likely be insignificant compared to the 1.2 already in the walls. So, like you said likely not worth it for outdoor party speakers.

-jr
Edited by JamesR219 - 7/24/12 at 11:59am