wire size reading

I have a question on wire size reading. I have just purchased a amp instalation kit, all of it looks great other than the subwoofer speaker wire, It looks cheap, and small.there is no gauge reading on it and some of the wire on the web just tells a reading in mm such as 2.4mm I was going to purchase some new wire for my subwoofers and 5x7 any suggestion on this. "What gauge wire should I use for 10" subs and 5x7" I am running HCCA amplifiers." And if possible were might I get any of this.

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--ZX9R

In my opinion, anything bigger than 12-14 gauge for subs and 16-18 gauge for 5x7s, is overkill unless you're doing competitions and stuff.  You can get it basically anywhere they sell installation accessories--Best Buy, Circuit City, www.crutchfield.com, www.installer.com, WalMart, Tweeter, and many more, and of course any local car stereo shop near you.  It doesn't even have to be the type that's made by car stereo companies--it just usually looks better than boring home speaker cable

You can also take a look here on this post and see some of other members who express their thought on speaker cable.

wire

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Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.

Thanks for the great info that gives me something to consider. One more question did anybody have the conversion for wire size from mm to gauge if I am even reading that right on the wire.  And is it ok to cut and splice speaker wire or is it best to try not to do this. Just thought I would get some other input.

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--ZX9R

Look at it this way, every cut/splice adds a weak spot in the system for something to go wrong. I'm the worst at taking my own advice (because it usually is easier to just patch what you need instead of a complete re-wire), but unless you're competing in SPL or SQ competitions you should be fine. Just make sure your crimps are tight and wrapped. If you know how to solder, that would be a plus to ensure a good connection. One thing I've seen over the last couple of years is a splice connector that has set screws instead of crimps. It comes with heat shrink and works very well. I usually use them on power wires due to the gauge, but they may make something similiar for smaller gauges like speaker wire.

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Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
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