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10 Best In Wall Speaker Wire
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In Wall Speakers
Buying Guide for the Best In Wall Speaker Wire
Choosing the right in-wall speaker wire is important if you're setting up home audio or surround sound systems and want a clean, professional look without visible wires. The right wire ensures good sound quality, meets safety standards, and is suitable for installation behind walls so your setup is safe and reliable for years to come. Understanding the key specifications will help you make a well-informed decision based on your unique room, layout, and audio equipment.Wire Gauge (AWG)Wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire and is measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. It's important because thicker wires (with lower AWG numbers) can carry more power with less resistance, which is especially crucial for longer runs or for delivering clear sound to powerful speakers. Wire gauges commonly used for in-wall speakers include 12, 14, and 16 AWG. Generally, 12 AWG is thick and best for long distances or high-powered systems, 14 AWG is a good middle ground for moderate distances, and 16 AWG works for shorter runs or less demanding speakers. You'll want to choose the gauge based on how far the wire needs to go and the power demands of your speakers—longer runs or higher power need thicker (lower AWG) wire.
Wire Type (CL2/CL3/Plenum-Rated)The wire type indicates the safety rating for the wire's insulation, which is essential when running wires behind walls. CL2 and CL3 are ratings for in-wall use, with CL3 handling higher voltage than CL2, so it's safer for more powerful installs. Plenum-rated wire, sometimes labeled CMP, is designed for use in spaces with air circulation (like air ducts) and is required by building codes in some situations because it’s more fire-resistant. To choose the right one, check your local codes and consider your installation environment. For most standard in-wall home installs, CL2 or CL3 wire will work, but for commercial spaces or buildings with strict codes, you may need plenum-rated.
Number of ConductorsSpeaker wire will have either two or four conductors (wires) inside. Two-conductor wire is used for single speakers (positive and negative connections), while four-conductor wire can be used when running wire to multiple speakers or for setups with bi-wiring or multi-room audio, letting you use one cable run for two speakers. If your setup is simple with one speaker per cable, two-conductor is enough, but for more complex setups or to reduce the number of cables in the wall, four-conductor might be more convenient.
Wire MaterialMost speaker wire is made from copper, but some may be copper-clad aluminum or pure aluminum. Copper is the best choice for conductivity and sound quality. Cheaper materials like copper-clad aluminum are less effective and can cause a loss in sound quality, especially over long runs. If you want top performance and reliability, always look for wires labeled as 100% copper.
Shielding and Jacket QualityThe outer jacket protects the wire from damage and is rated for in-wall use. A higher-quality jacket will resist tearing, heat, and chemicals better. Some wires also offer additional shielding, which can help prevent electrical interference that may cause noise in your audio. For most home uses, standard in-wall rated jackets will suffice, but in areas with lots of other electronics or electrical cables, extra shielding might be worth considering to prevent audio interference.
Ease of InstallationFeatures like marked polarity, easy-to-strip jackets, and flexibility make installing the wire easier and more reliable. Markings make it clear which side is which when connecting to your speakers and receiver, which prevents wiring mistakes. If this is your first installation, look for wires that advertise easy installation features to save you time and hassle.