Hiding Speaker Wires: How To Hide Speaker Wire Like A Pro!

Having visible wires or audio cords can be bothersome and contribute to a cluttered appearance of the area. However, there are several methods you can use to hide your speaker wires or audio cables. Concealing them under the carpet, behind baseboards, under the floor, or in the drywall are available options.

If you have any electronic devices in your living room or any other part of your house, you likely have cords and cables lying around. Having wires hanging from the ceiling or walls can detract from the room's overall aesthetic and even pose a safety hazard if someone trips over them.

To help you tackle this issue, this article will provide tips on how to conceal your speaker wires or audio cables so that you can avoid the annoyance of seeing them while cleaning.

Easy Ways To Hide Speaker Wire

Cover With Rugs

Rugs or runners may be the best method to keep the wires from being unsightly if they run through the floor.

These floor coverings frequently provide your space with a dash of unusual glitz. Moreover, the rugs guard against unintentional falls. After all, individuals who are unintentionally caught in the wires frequently fall.

You can utilize runners, floor coverings, or rugs that complement the decor of your room. It is a straightforward concept that doesn't require installation or special equipment. Simply purchase a rug and arrange it where it belongs.

To make cleaning your hardwood floors easier, it is preferable to utilize rug pads that are the same size but made of different materials.

Alternatively, you can install under-rug cables with cord covers for additional stability in the areas with the most foot traffic.

Camouflage with Paint

Several businesses manufacture long cable conduits, ducts, and raceways, and they are put along baseboards or corners where walls meet to conceal cables in hollow structures. You may paint them to match the color of the wall and even run them up the middle of a wall to create surround speakers.

Use Cable Organizer

Cable organizers are designed solely for organizing cables, not for cable concealment. The standard method of arranging cables is to roll and tie them simply. By doing this, the cables are kept from crossing the floors and endangering the individuals living in the home.

Tuck Between Baseboards and Carpets

The baseboards and rugs can be used to conceal wiring. Baseboards, particularly tack strips, frequently have a hollow hole during installation. The speakers can be hidden in that gap between the tack strips and the walls.

To access the junction of the rug and baseboard, you must first cut the paint seal with a knife or razor.

You must now remove the baseboard moldings to create room for the cables. When installing wires, experts advise starting at the beginning and working your way to the conclusion. You must take precautions to prevent damaging the paint.

Using your fingertips, you can quickly tuck the wires. The wires can be inserted within the space using a screwdriver if it is smaller.

Try to estimate the area needed to fit the cables before using baseboards if you intend to install them. Alternatively, using wire channels, you can elegantly pass the cables below the baseboard.

It fits perfectly once the wires have been properly stowed. Push the carpet edge back against the tack strip once more. You might need to reapply the molding to hide everything and cover the edges.

This is the easiest technique to conceal the speaker wires without causing any noticeable alterations.

Hide Alongside Light Strips

You may conceal light strips in your room by running speaker wires over them in your room.

Use Flat Adhesive Speaker Wire

Many individuals use the conventional 18-gauge or 16-gauge speaker wire when creating a custom installation. Nevertheless, a flat, sticky wire can also be used in its place. This kind of wire is intended for use inside walls and not to be seen from the outside. You won't need to drill any holes or install electrical outlets to utilize it. 

Use Speaker Tape

Speaker wire tape is comparable to cable concealer, except it is significantly less expensive. Most of the wire can be painted over, and the tape makes it simple to attach to the wall. As a result, the tape might fade into the wall and become less obvious.

Although this is an excellent alternative because it is adhesive, likely, removing the tape will also remove the wall's current paint. Although this isn't a major problem, it's something to be aware of, especially if you rent your home.

Hide Inside the Walls and Ceilings

You can run speakers and other cables inside the room's walls for the ultimate cable invisibility. Even wall panels with terminals for multiple connections can be mounted close to speakers and other equipment. As this needs the most labor, engaging a professional installer is usually advisable unless you're a dedicated do-it-yourselfer.

Chair Rail Molding

Speaker wires can be hidden using chair-rail molding, which is placed horizontally on walls around mid-height. Orac Decor provides a selection of what it refers to as hollow channel panel molding styles.

Go Wireless

If you can go wireless, this is an excellent technique to hide speaker wires because no wires are required! Keyboards, mouse, speakers, and similar equipment can all be used for this. Just use Bluetooth or WiFi capable so that your computer or another device may transfer signals without having to be hooked in all the time, like when using an HDMI or optical connection.

FAQs

Does The Speaker Wire Need To Be Covered?

Yes, the speaker wire should be covered and insulated properly to avoid oxidation since copper is a widely used material in speaker wires because it is economically feasible and exhibits low resistance.

Do Speaker Wires Carry Electricity?

The main function of the speaker wire or speaker cable is to transmit low-voltage electrical current from the power amplifier to the speaker.

What Is The Maximum Distance For The Speaker Wire?

The maximum length that the speaker wire can be run is unknown.

According to consensus, regardless of the cable's thickness, distances longer than 50 feet may produce detectable sound quality disparities.

Conclusion

Cable wires are unattractive and sometimes dangerous. The best choice is wireless, although it can be very pricey. Our specialists recommend the following methods for concealing speaker wire. 

It involves using light strips, duct raceways, wire tapes, and moldings. Also, they are tried-and-true solutions for removing obtrusive cable lines from your audio system.

Speaker Wire: What Gauge Speaker Wire Do You Need?

If you want to explore the exhilarating realm of home theatre entertainment and sound, you can assemble a sound system that optimizes your living area. It also enhances your listening experiences with the right equipment and some practice. 

One of the best abilities you'll need to acquire is the knowledge of selecting speakers that match the appropriate gauge and length of speaker cables. 

This will greatly impact the quality of your sound and the overall enjoyment of your favorite music and programs.  

What Gauge Do You Need?

The American Wire Gauge (AWG) number on a wire indicates its thickness, with smaller numbers representing thick wires that offer less resistance to current flows, i.e., better conductivity. In American Wire Gauge (AWG), the thickness and diameter of a wire decrease as the gauge number increases.

For lengthy wire, high-power applications, and low-impedance speakers, a thick wire of 12 or 14 gauge is advised. 16 gauge wire works fine for relatively short-run speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms. It's affordable and simple to use.

It is advised to get the advice of a qualified advisor to ensure the best gauge for your installation. It will assist you in making a knowledgeable choice and guarantee that your sound system is set up for optimum performance and enjoyment.

What Kind Of Wire Is Best For Your Speaker?

To determine the appropriate wire for your speaker, it's essential to calculate the speaker's nominal impedance and the length of the wire run. The resistance of a speaker or audio amplifier to an electrical current is measured by speaker impedance. You can, therefore, accurately estimate how much wire you'll need once you've calculated the impedance in Ohms.

Using a thicker wire, such as 12 or 14 gauge, is something you should think about doing for low-impedance speakers or cable runs longer than 50 feet.

Use 16-Gauge wire whenever possible, especially for shorter speaker lines under 50 feet or high impedance. Thinner cables, such as 18-gauge, are also an option, but they are more frequently used for low-powered appliances than speakers.

Common Speaker Wire Gauge to Speaker Wattage Pairings

Remembering that a speaker's wattage level indicates how much power it can safely handle from an amplifier. As a result, you should never exceed a speaker's maximum wattage range.

What Should be the Cable Length and Distance

Taking a string from the source to the speakers is the simplest technique to gauge the length of your cable run. This method gives you a very precise estimate of the distance between your speakers, and it works whether they are indoors or outdoors. 

This distance can be used to calculate the wire gauge required to get the best performance out of your speakers.

Generally, thicker wires with lower resistance are better for speakers because they can handle higher power and provide better sound quality. Thicker wires have lower resistance, reducing the electrical energy loss as it passes through the wire.

For shorter speaker wire runs, 16-gauge wire is generally sufficient. For longer runs, 14-gauge or even 12-gauge wire may be needed to reduce resistance and maintain signal quality.

It is possible to run 4-ohm speakers up to 24 feet using 16 AWG wire, while 10 or 12 AWG wire is advised for runs up to 100 feet. For lengths up to 36 feet with 6-ohm speakers, 16 AWG wire is advised, and for runs up to 150 feet with 10 or 12 AWG wire. 

When using 8-ohm speakers, it is recommended to use 16 AWG wire for runs of up to 48 feet and 10 or 12 AWG wire for routes of up to 200 feet. 

It is always safe to use a thicker wire to ensure your speakers perform at their best if you are unclear about what size suits your run. The longer the speaker wire run goes from your audio amplifier, the more expensive it will be.

How To Choose Speaker Wire Gauge For Long Distances

Most frequently, speakers are connected to amplifiers or audio/video (A/V) receivers using speaker wires that range in gauge from 12 to 16. A thinner wire is indicated by a higher gauge number, whereas a thicker wire is indicated by a lower gauge number, which is more effective in transmitting amplified audio signals.

When choosing the wire gauge, the distance between the speakers and your amplifier or A/V receiver should be considered. An average 16-gauge wire is adequate for short-speaker wire runs. In contrast, using a thicker, lower-gauge wire for longer speaker wire runs is preferable.

Advice For Reducing Speaker Wire Size And Reducing Costs

Here are some suggestions to save costs because genuine copper wire is now more expensive, and most people don't drive speakers at maximum volume.

You can use a smaller wire AWG gauge if you utilize your amp or stereo's output at over 50% to 60% power. 

Want to make excellent use of some excess wire? To acquire the same gauge as a thicker wire size, double or triple smaller gauge wire. 

You shouldn't spend much on home theatre surround sound and center channel speakers because they have modest power requirements.

Why Stranded Speaker Wire Is Better Than Solid

You need to be aware that all available speaker wires are stranded. It contains 16 to 60 or even more fine copper conductors. On the other hand, a solid wire has one conductor larger than a smaller gauge; stranded wires employ more of them. In addition, standard wire is more flexible and less likely to break than solid wire.

A stranded wire has fewer issues when using spade or crimp connectors for inserting into speakers. Never connect extra electrical wiring from the house for the speakers, as it is not a good idea.

FAQs

Is oxygen-free speaker wire worth it?

No, pure copper wire devoid of oxygen won't produce any audible or tangible improvements in power. More money shouldn't be spent on it. It's a fantastic marketing tool for merchants, but the research reveals that the performance difference is incredibly minor. Spending extra money is unnecessary. You'll be alright if you use the right gauge of high-quality wire.

There will be no discernible difference in the electrical signal at the speaker end.

What is the best wire-to-wire for speakers?

Most of the greatest speaker wires are constructed of copper because of their excellent electrical conductivity. Searching for 100% copper-made wire for the highest grade wire is strongly advised.

Is 12 gauge speaker wire best?

It is based on its use. 12 gauge speaker wires are the best for long wire runs and high-power applications. 

Conclusion

Speaker Wires are the subject of ongoing controversy. To connect speakers to amplifiers, some people spend cheap cable. But even though speaker wires are pricey, some audiophiles conduct extensive studies to find the best-performing models.

A speaker wire is essentially just a cable that connects the power amplifier to the speaker to transmit electrical impulses. It does not imply that we can utilize any electrical wire at will. If you do so, you may risk damaging your speakers.

Even though a speaker wire is merely a "wire," there are a few things you should consider before purchasing one. The things you need to know about the gauge wires for speakers are outlined in this article.