? about speaker wire(check), speakers(Got them), and now amps/recievers.

[SithSolo1]

First question is about speaker wire since the second is for advice:

What do the gauge ratings mean? I've seen from gauges fro 12-20, whats the difference?

Second question:

I'm on the hunt for a decent pair of floor standing speakers for my home stereo.
Things you may want to know:
The receiver says puts out 100(sorry for forgetting.) Watts per channel, I call BS.
The room is like 500-800 sq ft.
I have around a $200-250 budget for the pair(I will splurge, see lower post).
I don't care if it they are older model(say 7 years or less) as long as they sound good, looks don't matter.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: SithSolo1
First question is about speaker wire since the second is for advice:

What do the gauge ratings mean? I've seen from gauges fro 12-20, whats the difference?

Second question:

I'm on the hunt for a decent pair of floor standing speakers for my home stereo.
Things you may want to know:
The receiver puts out Watts per channel, I dunno if this constant or peak.
The room is like 500-800 sq ft.
I have around a $200-250 budget for the pair.
I don't care if it they are older model(say 7 years or less) as long as they sound good, looks don't matter.

Uh, HOW MANY watts per channel does your receiver put out? Not specified above.

AFA wire goes, 12-20 guage refers to the thickness of the conductor (the actual metal wire) inside the jacket. THe lower the number, the thicker the wire.
For main speakers (fronts and center) I use 10-gauge wire. For surrounds, I use 14 gauge. The thicker the wire, the easier it is for the signal to travel over it.

Think of a fire hose vs. a garden hose; which one flows more water? Riiiiiight.

Can't make too many recommendations on speakers...everyone has different opinions. I like big bass and a smooth midrange...YMMV.

IMO, if your main speakers don't have at least 12" woofers in them, you need a dedicated subwoofer.

No offense, but $250 for a PAIR of main speakers isn't going to buy much. Double that and you've got a start.

 

[SithSolo1]

I knew I had forgotten something, it outputs Watts per channel.

I saw these. They would match my Pioneer setup but I don't know how good they are.

I have this. I know its not much but its suits my room mates and I.

 

[vmrao]

No offense, but most Pioneer speakers are total junk. I would wait until you have saved up more before you buy. Good floorstanding speakers start at $400/pair.

 

[EvilYoda]

At that price range, I'd say to find something used, or maybe you can find a deal on some Wharfedales or something. Not a whole lot, really.

Are you absolutely stuck on floor standing speakers?

 

[Savij]

Good place to start

Like some people have already stated, you would probably be better off with a little more money.

 

[SithSolo1]

Originally posted by: EvilYoda
At that price range, I'd say to find something used, or maybe you can find a deal on some Wharfedales or something. Not a whole lot, really.

Are you absolutely stuck on floor standing speakers?

No, I'm not stuck on floor speakers, I've been looking at book self speakers as well.

I just want something bigger/louder than my current front speaker which are Pioneer speakers w/ a single 4" cone. They sound great but in our new apartment they seem lacking. I can't really hear them through the floor.

I have $570 in the bank that is mine to spend but money I use now is money I don't have for upgrading my computer this holiday season.

 

[AlienCraft]

MichaelD has it with the wire gauge definition. That is the exact analogy I use to explain as well.

As far as speakers go, if you're locked in with the budget, I might suggest going to www.musiciansfriend.com and check out some of the nearfield monitors in the recording section. If you want to audition them, go to a local Guitar Center and you should find them there.

There is the Alesis Monitor Ones.. They are pretty good for less than $250.00
Then again, you could save another $40 and get the KRK K-Rok. These are another nice budget monitor. I have used this brand (though not the same model) for tracking several recorded projects.
There are quite a few speakers to choose from in that price range.
Good hunting....


There is also a large A/V section there in the onlkine catalog.

 

[SithSolo1]

I think I'm going to pick me up a set of these. They look nice and I'll splurge for them.

I've also been eyeing the Cerwin Vega V-6Fs and V-10Fs.

Problem is I doubt my reciever will power them so what do I need?
I know amps in car audio provide more power but other than that I'm clueless.
Do I need one? The cheaper the better, so if you have any recommendations please let me know.


Thank You to all of those who have helped me so far.


Update: SOB, amps cost an arm and a leg. Oh well.

 

[MustISO]

The JBL's are a nice budget speaker. The Studio series are a good deal nicer than the Northridge. You may want to try a pair of S38's. They're cosidered bookshelf speakers but they're large and heavy. Nice range too. For speakers, you're better off saving up until you can afford something you'll keep.

For receivers, just get a decent AV receiver unless you want the expense of separates (pre+amp).
Low end Denon's are nice as are the HK's and Yamaha's.

 

[SithSolo1]

Well, just letting you guys know I bought a pair of speakers. I got $30 off a pair of Infinity Entra Ones at CC and some speaker stands. They sound great but my receiver just can't seem to supply them enough power. I was wondering if its possible to route sound from the front channels from one receiver to another. That way one receiver would be powering the Infinity's and the other would be powering my Pioneer surrounds and center. The sub is powered so its negligible.

Thanks again for everyone's help,
J

 

[ElFenix]

you can buy a power amp and use the receiver's preamp out for the fronts