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Can I use 24 gauge speaker cable?

I’ve been trying to google this but I only get vague answers.
I want to know if I can use 24 gauge cable as speaker cable. And if not: why not?
Usual answers are “no, you should use xx gauge”, but I’m looking for why is that? Will the speakers of the amp go off in flames if the resistance is too high? I don’t even get that because the resistance isn’t even that much of a difference between speaker cable sizes, compared to the speakers resistance.

I’m talking about ca 16ft / 5m distance between amp and speaker. By the way should that measure 16 ft or double (32ft because one cable is plus and the other minus)?
sjeesjie
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
-1 williewonka! "Cables are a science" - LOL! And there's a chapter on them in the Flat Earth Science textbook!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
"but that sound will lack in the details that were actually recorded" - an unproven opinion! 
sjeesjie OP
51 posts
 
@roberjerman so you would actually use 24 gauge wire?

The reason I ask is, 24 gauge is used for telephone connections. It’s a really thin cable that moves nicely out of sight. It’s cheap and available everywhere. It has a solid core that’s supposed to be better. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Right. I would get it. Who needs a system that sounds better than a telephone anyway?
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
No! It is too thin (high resistance) for typical runs of 10 to 20 feet. Nothing wrong with 14 gauge zip cord - contrary to what the "golden ears" guys will say! Don't fall for all the blarney about speaker wire - or interconnects!
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