16 gauge copper wire to small?
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I'm with you, Teken, and well put. I do remember the original question.......
Now, for the purpose of ascertaining that a wire is big enough to handle the highest amount of current it will get from the amplifier: You have one amplifier feeding one sub box in the trunk, the total length of the one wire is 10'.
What is the highest current for
400 watts @ 4 ohms?
600 watts @ 2 ohms?
1000 watts @ 1 ohm?
And using https://www.the12volt.com/info/recwirsz.asp as a wire size guide...
My answers are:
1. 10 amps, min. wire size 16 gauge
2. 17.32 amps, min. wire size 14 ga.
3. 31.62 amps, min. wire size 12 ga.
At the end of the day it is up to the installer / user to deicde.
If he / she has gleaned any valuable information as it pertains to their specific application, then they are better off for it.
I for one always learn at least one thing from this site and from it's valuable members.
At the end there is always a common ground to be found with respect to SQ, and practical application of the circuit.
I prefer to stick with the basics first, design the circuit so as it will sustain the maximum current draw with the highest load it *may* encounter in the future, safely.
While keeping the primary goals of circuit safety for the passenger, and the vehicle at all times via fusing, breakers, distribution blocks, cable length, etc.
After all that . . . It's all gravy, and what the bling bling factor you think will appease you and the stereo Gods. 
The end goal, and only goal, has and always will be is to listen to our music.
Regards
EVIL Teken . . .Man you guys are no fun.
I guess I see this question asked a great deal, and figured a good technical answer on the finer side of things would be advantageous. I figured it would give a great thread to link to that gives the final answer to the question. And I don't think the discussion went off topic, but that it explored the topic in it's entirety.
As a previous installer, I don't like to run 14 awg speaker wire into the door jams of vehicles. I would much rather run 18 awg wire, but want to be sure the smaller stuff isn't a potential for disaster. And that's why I would like to see a conclusion to this question. Oh well, maybe I can talk my boss into putting up a tech paper on this topic.
Steven Kephart
Adire Audio
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