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100% Pure Copper

Known for its excellent conductivity and durability, pure copper is the gold standard for speaker wire. It delivers superior audio quality by minimizing signal loss and ensuring clear, crisp sound. Monoprice speaker cables use 100% Pure Copper, so it’s quality you can trust.

Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA)

While cheaper and lighter than pure copper, CCA is less conductive and more prone to breakage. It's not the best choice for high-end audio systems where sound quality is a priority.

12AWG

Best for long distances and high-power systems. It's thick and offers low resistance.

14AWG

Ideal for most home theater setups. It balances thickness and flexibility.

16AWG

Suitable for shorter runs and lower power systems. It's thinner and easier to handle.

18AWG

Best for very short runs or low-power applications. It's the thinnest and most flexible.

CL2 and CL3

These ratings indicate the wire can be safely used inside walls. CL2 is suitable for up to 150 volts, while CL3 can handle up to 300 volts.

CMR

This is a fire safety rating for residential and commercial buildings. It ensures the wire will not easily catch fire and spread flames.

CMP (Plenum Rated)

These wires are suitable for plenum spaces where air circulation for heating and air conditioning occurs. They have a special jacket to prevent the spread of flames and are more fire-resistant.

VW-1

This rating indicates that the wire can pass the Vertical Wire Flame Test, making it suitable for use in vertical installations where fire resistance is critical.

Banana Plugs

Easy to connect and disconnect, perfect for frequent changes.

Spade Connectors

Provide a solid connection and are great for permanent setups.

Pin Connectors

Fit into spring clip terminals and are ideal for older equipment.

Binding Posts

Commonly found on speakers and receivers, these provide a secure connection for banana plugs, spade connectors, and bare wire.

Spring Clips

Often found on budget or older equipment, these work with pin connectors or bare wire.

Screw Terminals

Provide a very secure connection, often used in high-end equipment.

2-Conductor vs. 4-Conductor Speaker Wire

When running speaker wires through walls, safety is a top priority. Here are the common in-wall ratings you should look for:

2-conductor

This type of wire has two separate wires, typically one for the positive connection and one for the negative connection. It's perfect for connecting a single speaker. For example, if you're setting up a simple stereo system in your living room, 2-conductor wire is what you need to run from your receiver to each speaker.

4-conductor

This type of wire has four separate wires, allowing for more complex connections. It's ideal for bi-wiring or bi-amping speakers, which can improve sound quality by separating high and low frequencies. Imagine you have a high-end home theater system and want to ensure the best possible sound quality. Using 4-conductor wire lets you run separate wires for the tweeter and woofer of your speakers, providing a cleaner, more detailed audio experience.

Let's Compare

Top Picks from Monoprice.com

   Ready to get your hands on some excellent speaker wire? Here are a few Monoprice customer favorites:

Monoprice Speaker Wire, CL2 Rated, 2-Conductor, 12AWG, 100ft, White

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Perfect for in-wall installations with solid performance.

Monoprice Speaker Wire, CMP Rated, 2-Conductor, 12AWG, 100ft, Black

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Great for bi-wiring or bi-amping your high-end speakers.

Monoprice 1 PAIR OF High-Quality Gold Plated Speaker Banana Plugs, Closed Screw Type

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Ideal for a hassle-free, high-quality connection.