I'm looking for some really good quality speaker wire and RCA cables. I've read a lot about monster cables and people say its good stuff but way too expensive. Then i see StreetWires and half the people say its crap. I'm wondering what brands you guys are using and where you buy it?

For those of you interested in the system i'm putting in, it's nothing too exciting but it should sound decent!

Kenwood DNX5140 HU
Focal Polyglass 165 VR 6.5" Components
JL Audio 10w3v3
JL Audio HD600/4
Viper 5902 to protect the investment!

I haven't bought anything yet so feel free to give opinions on my system as well. Will be my first Z install and i'm looking for some awesome sound quality.

EDIT: Considering i could get this really cheap. Is this decent quality stuff? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rockford...&skuId=8286883

 

Just go to walmart and get some scosche. I'm running 14awg to my doors and I have American Bass 10awg to my sub that I got for dirt cheap.

Same goes for the RCA's. As long as you get twisted RCA's you will be fine. I know a few SQ guys that are running scosche wires. I run them myself and I can't hear any difference between scosche and higher end wires.

 

^^^
Please don't listen to this guy...

 

When doing your own installation, the cost of wiring is almost insignificant unless you do something foolish such as buying Monster cables. Very expensive wire is not necessary to get good sound.

I use the least costly stuff I can find. And, no I’m not kidding here. You need to use the right gauge wire, and don’t worry about the brand.

18 or 16 gauge is plenty for your component speakers and coaxials. The runs are very short inside a car, and thin wire is easier to work with.

For your SubW, amps, and connecting other components; use the wire the manufacturer specifies in the installation docs.

Use twisted wires for RCA’s. This type of wire is slightly (if even) more expensive, but it does potentially reduce interference with some installations. In most cases it’s not necessary, but we’re talking pennies here.

The only wiring you should avoid is cheap stuff from China. These wires have lead impregnated in the sheath’s color dye, and melanin in the inner surface of the sheath. You’re still probably OK unless you have a habit of placing the wire in your mouth before twisting or soldering. The worst case is wire from China that contains high concentrations of sulfur. These wires emit a poisonous gas when they heat. Of course, I am kidding.

--Spike

 

wire is wire. monster cable is the biggest ripoff company I've ever seen.
Just get any generic speaker cable, they should all sound the same. Anyone that tells you they can hear a difference in sound quality with expensive cables are just trying to justify what they bought.

The differences in same size cable are so minute that no human ear can detect them. Ask any electrical engineer if you want more proof.

 

Alrighty. I'll take a look around online and see if i can find some reasonably priced stuff. Thanks for the clarification.

 

Monster cable vs zip cord debate will continue forever. If you can “see” the cable, get some fancy colored wire. If hidden zip cord will be fine. As mentioned here, electrons do not know the difference.

NOTE: Do not tie speaker wires to power wires.

 

Boy was that a fun lesson my first time around haha.

 

Yes please don't listen to me, I don't know anything because I'm a stupid redneck.............

Here is an interesting read. Ya'll should check it out.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/a...ter-cable-and/

If you don't believe that here are 2 more.

http://consumerist.com/2008/03/do-co...er-cables.html

http://www.gloriousnoise.com/links/2...at_hangers.php

 

I used to use Stinger exclusively as an installer, but you're paying for the name.

For RCA's I am using a twisted pair Directed Audio Graphite series cable. Here is the RCA I'm using, just choose the length you need:
http://www.buy.com/retail/usersearch...me&display=col

I am also using a Directed Audio amp power wire kit. I think the quality is great, but these kits are hard to find. I think this is the kit I bought:
http://www.soundsgreatusa.com/servle...plifier/Detail

I am using Stinger speaker wire, but only because they have a 4-channel wire all bundled into one and it made my runs nice and simple and clean. Just use any speaker wire you want. Like said above, if you will see it in the install, use a nice looking wire, otherwise go to home depot and buy off the big spool.

Brand should not be a factor in the decision what wire to buy, but rather proper awg.

 

What length rcas do you guys usually do for a Z? I was guna get a 16'/17'. My amp will either be inside the stock sub location or on the box(either spare tire or underbrace)

 

I can't remember what length I got. I think they are 12' and they reach. I would definitely get the 16-17' ones. Mine are pulled tight.

 

I have 12' running from the headunit, down the driver's side sill into the cubby behind the driver's seat (OE Bose sub location) and I have maybe a foot of excess.

 

http://www.knukonceptz.com/ normally, good price and quality stuff.