Supporting review page

Amazon Basics Speaker Wire Cable, 100ft.

The Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire Cable is the perfect solution for connecting your speakers to amplifiers or receivers. This 100-foot cable comes wrapped around a hard plas…

Brand: Amazon BasicsModel: SW100ftPrice reference: $10.39Rating: 4.7/5 from 76031 reviews

Product review summary

This page is intentionally secondary to the manual page and exists to provide review-oriented context.

The Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire Cable, 100 Feet is a great value product that is easy to use and delivers clear audio signals. Users appreciate the marked polarity, making it easy to distinguish the positive and negative wires. The wire comes wrapped around a hard plastic spool, making dispensing simple, and the plastic jacket helps ensure high-quality undistorted signals between audio equipment. While some users have noted that the wire may not be as thick as advertised, it still works well for smaller speakers and surrounds. Overall, this is a solid product at a reasonable price.

Pros:
- Marked polarity for easy setup
- Comes wrapped around a hard plastic spool for easy dispensing
- Plastic jacket helps ensure clear audio signals
- Good value for the price

Cons:
- May not be thick enough for larger speakers
- Some users have noted that the wire may not be as thick as advertised

FAQ

Q: Is it oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire?
A: The manufacturer did not specify if it is oxygen-free copper wire. However, some reviews suggest that it may be copper-clad aluminum wire, which may have a lower conductivity than pure copper wire.

Q: Is this 100% copper or is it copper clad aluminum?
A: There are mixed reviews on whether this speaker wire is 100% copper or copper-clad aluminum. Some customers have reported that it is copper-clad aluminum, which may have a lower conductivity than pure copper wire.

Q: What is the difference in watts when it comes to speakers wires?
A: The resistance of the speakers (ohms) needs to match the impedance the amplifier circuit is rated to handle. Too small a wire (length is a variable) will induce a resistance that the amplifier will face, like a speaker, and this will alter the "balance" of the intended match. Up to 100 feet of lead at a constant load of 500 watts would ideally be handled using 10 gauge copper, braided wire facing from 4 ohms to 16 ohms. However, for most installations, 16 gauge braided lead should produce acceptable results in matching power and impedance.

Q: One speaker wire is clear and one has a white thread going through it. Does one mean positive and the other negative?
A: The white line on one side of the wire indicates polarity and should be used as a guide for proper audio system setup. However, the most important thing is to wire both speakers identically to avoid muddied sound caused by out-of-phase speakers.

Q: Can I run this in my drop ceiling in the basement?
A: This speaker wire is not rated for in-wall or plenum use. For in-wall installation, it is recommended to use cable with fire-retardant insulation and proper gauge size for the length of the run. Simple Romex 12/2 or 10/2 can also be used for in-wall installations.

Q: Is it 100% copper or is it copper coated aluminium (CCA)?
A: There are mixed reviews on whether this speaker wire is 100% copper or copper-clad aluminum (CCA). Some customers have reported that it is CCA, which may not handle high wattage over long runs as well as pure copper wire.

Q: How do I go about using these wires to connect speaker to amp? Please include details.
A: To connect the speaker wire to an amplifier, make sure to identify the red and black terminals for each channel. Use the white-striped side of the cable for the red terminal and the non-striped side for black. Cut the wire to the desired length and strip off about 1/4 inch of plastic surrounding the wire. Twist each wire so it is more solid and insert it into the corresponding terminal on the amplifier and speaker. Make sure to wire both speakers identically for proper audio system setup.

Q: Do I need a banana plug to hook this up to a Lepy amplifier and Dayton bookshelf speakers?
A: Banana plugs are not necessary to connect this speaker wire to an amplifier and speakers. Simply strip off the ends, measure for length, and insert the wires into the corresponding connections on the back of both devices.

Q: Is the white colored wire negative or positive?
A: The white line on one side of the wire indicates polarity but does not necessarily indicate positive or negative. The most important thing is to wire both speakers identically to avoid reversing polarity, which can decrease sound quality and affect stereo and surround sound effects.

Q: Any updates on CL2 or CL3 rated? There is no straightforward answer on it yet.
A: This speaker wire is not CL2 or CL3 rated for in-wall use. However, there is no fire risk when using this wire for low voltage applications like speaker connections.

Specifications

Structured product details pulled from the latest available product data.

BrandAmazon Basics
ManufacturerAmazon
Model NumberSW100ft
CategoryElectronics > Television & Video > Accessories > Cables > Speaker
ColorBronze
MaterialPlastic
Weight1.57 pounds
Dimensions1200 x 0.24 x 0.12 inches
First AvailableJanuary 1, 2013
Number of Cable Strands2 Strands
Gauge16.0
Voltage2 Volts
No. of wires2
Global Trade Identification Number00841710104486, 05050053544247
UPC841710104486
Product Dimensions1200 x 0.24 x 0.12 inches
Item Weight1.57 pounds
ASINB006LW0W5Y
Item model numberSW100ft
Customer Reviews4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 76,031 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank#224 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #1 in Speaker Cables
Is Discontinued By ManufacturerNo
Date First AvailableJanuary 1, 2013