Cable confusion?

A lower gauge(thicker wire) means lower per/length resistance but larger per/length capacitance. A capacitance load for large amps(>60W/ch) usualy will not create any problem. For poweramps >150W/ch I would recommend a minimum of 12AWG

A higher gauge means higher per/length resistance. Usually high-end or even professional audio brands provide all paramenters for the cable or wire. Monster doesn't and I can't tell why.

A short runs of speaker cables or wires will benefit in all cases: low overall resistance and capacitance at once.

If you go to the VanDenHul gauge/ampere/ chart you will know how to calculate the current flowiing through your wires and the gauge neccessary to conduct such current with minimal loss.

I use a 1m short run of 14AWG for my VTL MB100(100W/ch).

I'll dare to rephrase Skooks: Use a CD of a music You love the most to all your auditions.

Years ago, Monster speaker cables got a bad reputation-- among audiophiles-- as being too soft, dull, rolled off, and generally uninvolving. Monster speaker cable was to good speaker cables as Bose was to high end speakers, IMO.

I actually don't know if Monster wire has improved the sonics of their cables or not-- say in the last 5-10 years? But if you like the sound of yours, don't worry about others opinions. But I would encourage you to compare it to a couple of other brands in your price range though-- and there are many to choose from. Try The Cable Company at www.fatwyre.com if you have no other nearby sources. They offer good advice and will send wires for home audition for a nominal fee. Good Luck. Craig

Lower gauge is better. Monster XP is probably around 16 gauge. 12 gauge or lower would be better. 2 runs of 12 guage or lower even better, if you can bi-wire. The Carol brand of speaker wire sold at Home Depot is probably as good or better than Monster and is cheap if you can find it. Spidergear.com sells good entry level cable for around 50 or 60 cents/ft. Of course, the more exotic and expensive cables will sound better, but that will depend on your equipment, budget and taste.

Consult with Cable Company www/fatwyre.com for cable suggestions relevant to the equipment & speakers that you're using. They can provide useful recommendations for interconnects, AC cords, & speaker cables. They have a cable lending library available; for a nominal % you can try out diferent cables (either their suggestions or your own). They have a used cable section that you may be able to purchase from once you decide what you like. They also hold your cable-rental fees on account which you can apply to any purchase of cable or accessories.