[smokey982]

I've seen a few threads on wire size that somewhat answered my question, but I'll ask anyway. I just upgraded my HT and was wondering if it would benefit me to upgrade the speaker wire as well? I just purchased a Denon 1909 receiver with some Ascend Sierra fronts and HMT-200 rears. Currently I have some 16/2 speaker/lamp cord wire that was used on my old smaller Polk speakers. I hear a lot of people recommending 14g or 12g wire. How much difference will this make for me? I've seen the chart that shows different ohm rated speakers with wire size recommendations. But I'm definitely a newbie to this stuff and I really don't understand the tech speak.


Also, the wire for my rears I have run up the wall and into the attic (normal insulated attic) and back down the rear walls. Does it matter about being laid in the attic? I see a lot of post with people talking about running wires in conduit. I have hardwood floors, so I can't tuck and hide the wires around the carpet and walls.


One last thing, I'm completely trying to change and upgrade my HT, including the looks of everything. Is there a good website or links that I could get some ideas on running wires, hiding wires, type of connectors/wall plates to use when running wires through walls? I really want to make sure everything looks really good when I'm finished, but I just don't know where to begin. If it helps, I currently still have an old RPTV 57" that really limits me on having a nice set up (looks wise), but I plan to have a new flat screen in place within the next 6 months or so. I know that's a lot of questions. I appreciate any input.

 

[quadriverfalls]

 http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...AT&srchCat=882

http://cableorganizer.com/surface-raceways/


Any wire run through an attic, crawl space or in wall should be CL-2 or CL-3 rated wire for inwall use.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

 

[smokey982]

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure if the wire I have now is rated for the attic or not. The only numbers I see are 16/2 SPT-2 (UL). I guess for the price, the monoprice wire would be worth trying. I know there are threads here showing members home setups, but are there any more websites that would show more? Like maybe ideas for hiding wires and mounting speakers?

 

[smokey982]

I just thought of an example, and I guess I should ask this in another forum. But I've seen several pictures of someone's flat screen TV mounted on a wall above an entertainment center with no visible wires of any kind. What's the best and easiest way to do these things? Are they running the wire inside the wall behind the TV and then down the wall and coming out behind the entertainment center? Do they have special wall boxes and plates that make that an easy and eye pleasing result?


I know the wires are obviously run through the wall. But how are they entering and exiting the walls (for lack of a better term)?

 

[Denophile]



Quote:
Originally Posted by smokey982 /forum/post/15490688


I just thought of an example, and I guess I should ask this in another forum. But I've seen several pictures of someone's flat screen TV mounted on a wall above an entertainment center with no visible wires of any kind. What's the best and easiest way to do these things? Are they running the wire inside the wall behind the TV and then down the wall and coming out behind the entertainment center? Do they have special wall boxes and plates that make that an easy and eye pleasing result?


I know the wires are obviously run through the wall. But how are they entering and exiting the walls (for lack of a better term)?

usually mounted wall jacks--make sure if you do it you wire it for power and hdmi.

I have seen wire running through a drilled hole (behind the tv) though

 

[smokey982]

That's what I really don't want to do. As for HDMI, do they make jacks for that?

 

[Veda]

Get the cable calculator from this link and make sure your damping factor comes out to be 80 or more for an 8 ohm speaker. This is even has the gauge calculator for DIY CAT-5 cables.

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/wirecalculator.xls


To make a long story short though, a standard 12 gauge wire at 3 meter length (6m to count both + and -) to each speaker is sufficient. Any longer and it has to be thicker, that is if you can even hear the difference.

 

[quadriverfalls]



Quote:
I'm not sure if the wire I have now is rated for the attic or not. The only numbers I see are 16/2 SPT-2 (UL).

It will clearly say on the jacket if it's CL-2/3.

Quote:
What's the best and easiest way to do these things? Are they running the wire inside the wall behind the TV and then down the wall and coming out behind the entertainment center? Do they have special wall boxes and plates that make that an easy and eye pleasing result?


I know the wires are obviously run through the wall. But how are they entering and exiting the walls (for lack of a better term)?

Absolutely everything you could possibly need....

http://www.smarthome.com/_/Cable_Str...nav.aspx?pp=48


Google (whole house automation wiring supplies) really is your friend.

 

[Patdeisa]



Quote:
Originally Posted by smokey982 /forum/post/15492068


That's what I really don't want to do. As for HDMI, do they make jacks for that?

Yes, check out monoprice for HDMI wall plates. Monoprice also has CL2 rated HDMI cables, which are still cheaper than most big box store regular HDMI cables.


I recently built up my media room- I made about 7 purchases from monoprice- all went smoothly. Their in-wall rated wire is definitely a better quality than comparable ones at the big do-it-yourself chains, while being 1/3 the price. If you're doing any size project, check out the website for supplies, as you can save a bundle and have a great looking installation.

 

[Patdeisa]

For installation ideas and techniques, the Dedicated Theater Design & Construction forum is a must-read: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forum...sprune=30&f=19 . Caution: you can disappear for days reading all of the hints and ideas there.