wire gauges

[HaxorNubcake]

I'll be needing some speaker wire to hook up the new stereo system, but I'm a complete noob in the matter.

Will the gauge of the wire affect the sound quality? I found some 24 gauge cable lying around the house. Will that be okay to use, or should I go buy some 12 gauge.

Thanks

Cliffs:
1. Does gauge of speaker wire affect quality
2. Can I use 24 gauge wire i have lying around or do I need to go buy 12 gauge

edit: stupid question. thx for the responses.

 

[mrrman]

the 12 guage would be better

Basically, any standard 10 to 16 AWG (Average Wire Gauge) cable will work.
Look for Oxygen Free Multistranded Cable (OFMC). This is good cable and will work well for most home use.
Try to keep your speaker cable lengths less than 50 feet per side. (If you have a home theatre system, you may have to ignore this last piece of advice).
if Speaker wire must cross power cable, make sure the cross perpendicular to one another. This reduces interference and signal degradation.
Go for thicker gauge speaker wire (look for 10-14 gauge wire). For longer speaker wire runs you definitely need thicker wire.

 

[ultimatebob]

Am I too late for the obligatory Monster Cable/Best Buy rant, yet?

 

[mrrman]

Dont waste your $$$ on monster cables....go to monoprice.com for some great prices

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

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

depends on impedence of the speakers and length of the run.