12-gauge wire is thicker and undoubtedly better than 16-gauge wire, which is thinner comparatively. Though 12-gauge is better but it does not mean you must go for it. While setting up a home audio system, you hardly need a 12-gauge wire, and usually a 16 or 14-gauge wire works efficiently. My comparison of 12-gauge vs 16-gauge wire will help you choose the perfect gauge for your setup.
Which gauge to choose depends on the length of cable, speaker resistance, and conditions of use. For example, if you are installing wires in a place where they can be damaged for any reason, it would be better to choose a 12-gauge wire even if a 16-gauge wire is enough.
I have also developed a speaker wire gauge calculator that takes into account all the factors and suggests the recommended wire gauge for your audio setup. If you want to decide by yourself, this guide on choosing the right wire gauge can help.
So, today I will explain in detail whether you should choose 16-gauge or 12-gauge wire for your audio setup. Stay tuned till the end. Let’s start with distance and resistance.
Relation of Distance and Resistance with Wire Gauge
For larger distances, you need thicker wires to minimize resistance, and thicker wires have lower gauge number (AWG). It means that as you increase the distance between the speaker and amplifier so you decrease the gauge of the cable.
A low resistance means that the wire can work efficiently with minimum power loss. For example, at 50 feet, a 16-gauge wire has 2.01Ω resistance while a 12-gauge wire has 0.80Ω resistance. It means that 12-gauge wire can pass maximum current with minimum loss.
Check my speaker ohm calculator to calculate the impedance of your speakers.
Below is the table that shows the relationship between distance and resistance by comparing 16-gauge and 12-gauge wires.
| Distance (ft) | 16 Gauge Resistance (Ω) | 12 Gauge Resistance (Ω) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~1.01 Ω | ~0.40 Ω |
| 50 | ~2.01 Ω | ~0.80 Ω |
| 75 | ~3.02 Ω | ~1.19 Ω |
| 100 | ~4.02 Ω | ~1.59 Ω |
Wire Material
When talking about gauge, wire material is another important factor. The most common materials used for wires are copper, copper-clad aluminium (CCA), and silver. Copper offers the best conductivity as compared to CCA or silver. So, if you are choosing a copper wire, even a higher gauge can work great.
A copper wire is 2-gauge better than CCA wire, which means that if you decided to buy 12-gauge CCA wire, a 14-gauge copper wire can also be used in that setup.
When to go for 16-gauge wire?
A 16-gauge is highly used gauge in speaker wires. It works fine under 50 feet runs and most of the home audio setups are within this distance range. However, make sure that your amplifier and speakers are not very powerful. Normal amplifiers and speakers of 8 ohms are a good option for this distance.
But you may not be using exactly 50 feet length which means if your length is low, higher power amplifier or low impedance speaker can also work with minimum power loss or sound distortion. Also, don’t forget to consider wire material.
The good thing about using 16-gauge wire is that it is thin and easy to handle. You can bent and pass it through many spaces easily.
When to go for 12-gauge wire?
This wire is much thicker than 16-gauge and can work great for up to 100 feet of runs. You can enjoy clear sound even from high-power amplifiers and low-impedance speakers.
High-end home theaters usually use 12-gauge wire. It provides very low (1.59 Ω ) resistance even at 100 feet. However, keep in mind the wire material, amplifier power, and speaker impedance in mind if using a length very near to 100 feet.
Since this wire is thicker than 16-gauge, handling may be difficult comparatively. It will take up more space, difficult to bend and pass through small spaces. But also know that this wire is strong and can withstand rough spaces or bad weather better than 16-gauge.
Wrapping up
I hope you have grasped the comparison of both wires (16-gauge vs 12-gauge), and now you can decide which gauge you should choose. It’s better to go with a 16-gauge wire for smaller runs (under 50 feet) and small audio setups. However, for longer runs (up to 100 feet) or large audio setups, a 12-gauge wire will be needed. Choosing the right material and installation conditions also count in deciding the best gauge. So you can also use our gauge calculator for a better idea of the required gauge according to your audio setup.
I’ve been an Audiophile since childhood. I specialize in troubleshooting speakers for any technical problem and I can help you choose the sound system that best matches your preferences. Stay tuned and continue reading my posts.