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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

Showing 6 responses by roberjerman

roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
"but that sound will lack in the details that were actually recorded" - an unproven opinion! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Yes, if you place your amp 12 inches from the speakers! Seriously, go to Home Depot and buy some 14 gauge zip cord - much better for the typical 10 to 20 feet run!
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
 
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!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Before 1976 nobody worried about wire. Then Noel Lee started Monster Cable and Disc Washer had Gold Ens interconnects. I had both! And over the decades more exotic and expensive stuff! Nowadays I've stopped worrying and just use what's on hand!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
10 gauge Monster Cable is still a good choice! Sure, it's still thick zip cord - but so what! If you're feeling really neurotic get some low-cost AudioQuest or Kimber! 
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