I was wiring my car for my stereo this weekend, when i realized that I did not have enough speaker wire. I only had 20 feet.. 10 feet for each side and it was not enough to reach into the trunk from the front doors. it end at just behind the rear seats. So i taped it off and put my carpet and seats back on. It was easter sunday and all stores were closed, I could not go anywhere to get my speaker wire, so I left it like that..

Now, I was told that soldering another piece to the speaker wire won't hurt spl or sq, but I'll see a drop in voltage? what kind of effect will that have? Is there any problems with soldering on another 3-4 feet of speaker wire?

also, can i use a different size wire? i don't know why, but i have a 12 gauge wire in there, not necessary..... can i make it longer with 16 gauge? or should i stay with the same size?


thanks

 

Yeah you can solder it, just wrap it tight with tape or better use shrink tube. You can go smaller if you don't need 12g, that will be fine. No drop in voltage.

 

There is nothing wrong with extending speaker wire with another piece, just make sure that it is insulated properly, the only thing I can see happening is if the insulation is not sufficient there may be noise induced (probably not). But that is worse case scenario.
Now are far as your second question, it depends on the size amp you are using and the type of speaker. I personally would continue with the same gauge wire, but if 16 is all you have and the power rating spec on the amp and wire is compatable you should not have a problem.
All in all, just continue with the same gauge wires!