8 gauge vs 10 gauge OF speaker cable

I got a question regarding speaker cables. Is there any difference between 8 gauge and 10 gauge. The length of the cables are around 7 feet. Also, what is the different between tin coated OFC and regular OFC speaker cables? I heard the tin one has better sound.

Everybody already said it: for a 7-foot run 8 or 10 gauge is a non-issue. In fact, if we're talking about basic multistranded wire, the differences between 8 to 14 gauge and OFC vs. not are minimal.

Are you considering simple multistranded 2-conductor cable like an upscale version of lampcord? In that case it won't sound much better than lampcord and will have the same basic sonic signature because the cable geometry is the same. If you want significantly better, get individually insulated multiple conductors twisted around an inert core, hollow oval, a braid, ribbon, or at least solid core conductors in a twisted pair.

Any of these configuration differences will have more effect on clarity and musicality than minor differences in copper and gauge in what is essentially the same cable design (or lack thereof).

You know you might have an idea there. The ultimate connection solid copper buss bar bent to order. Or DIY with a form of copper pipe. A thin clear coat might be good enough for insulation or perhaps something to prevent it from becoming an antennae Ferrite sheet paper wrap. Better get a patent on your idea.

08-05-10: Ebm
8 gauge is better carries more current.

I would agree with that statement, with the word "better" removed.

So then, why not go for 6 gauge, 00 gauge, or solid copper buss bars between amp and speaker? That should be nirvana using this form of logic.

There are rational aspects of material, design, and proper gauge for the load that are more important than "bigger is better".

8 gauge is better carries more current.

I disagree with the previous posts regarding the gauge not having an affect on sound quality. In my experience larger wire has a much warmer sound than thin wire.

I agree with all the above posts. In my experience with quite a few speaker cables, there is NO correlation between sound quality and fat wire gauge. Especially for a short run. In fact, thin cables like DNM Reson, Mappleshade, or AntiCable may very well prove be your cup of sonic tea.

Don't worry about the tin coating. Supra uses this method and they make very nice cables.

As for gauge, don't be afraid to even go to 24 or 26 gauge. An example is the Sakura Systems/47 Labs OTA cable.

I thought for relatively short speaker wire runs (less than 12ft) you could use 14AWG or even 16AWG and have no issues with sound. For really long runs 50ft or more that was when you would get to 10AWG or 8AWG. I have to check around now out of curiosity. With the tin coating doesn't that help against oxidation?

Consider 12 or even 14 gauge wire for short runs. More wire and more insulation sounds bad. NO tin plate. Pure copper is best. JMO

Either one is overkill for the length of the run. Are you running 1000 watt amps into an inefficient load and listening at 100db or more?

The right tool for the job always works best. You don't use a sledge hammer to drive home a finishing nail.

8 gauge is going to be pretty hard to work with.

Mark

In my experience, gauge of cable is not the determining factor for performance.