Altec 19 hookup wire

**timoteus** · August 3rd, 2010, 08:38 PM

I'm getting ready to rebuild the xovers in my 19s and it looks like the woofer and horn wires have been replaced along the way. I'm thinking of replacing all the internal wiring with OCC when I pull the crossovers.

So the question is, what was the original wire gauge in the 19s? Or if there is an agreed upon better gauge than original, what is it and will it fit through the original spring posts?

**Panomaniac** · August 3rd, 2010, 10:28 PM

OCC Orange County Choppers?

I haven't seen any "fancy" wire in Altec boxes, has anyone else?

**timoteus** · August 3rd, 2010, 10:41 PM

Ohno Continuous Cast or UP-OCC Ultra Pure Ohno Continuous Casting. Very good cable and hookup wire and the price has gone down over the years.

**Derry** · August 3rd, 2010, 11:23 PM

I used the THX approved fine strand copper wire for all my rebuild work,, never heard a bad note yet,, :2thumbsup:

Derry

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · August 4th, 2010, 01:47 PM

Just go buy some wire made out of copper in a gauge that's easily handled and connected to the terminals. Don't get carried away with size.

**Panomaniac** · August 4th, 2010, 06:09 PM

I used to buy "Marine" wire cause it very flexible - made for snaking thru tight spots in boats - and has lots of small strands.

No idea if it sounds any different, I just like it. =)

**Cal Weldon** · August 4th, 2010, 06:26 PM

I can probably name 20 things that are more important to your speakers than the internal wiring. 16ga lamp cord is all that's needed. Anything more than that and you are likely satisfying your mind more than your ears.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · August 4th, 2010, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Cal Weldon

I can probably name 20 things that are more important to your speakers than the internal wiring. 16ga lamp cord is all that's needed. Anything more than that and you are likely satisfying your mind more than your ears.

Thanks Cal........ my statement was a little less direct than yours :-)
I'd probably go with 14 gauge myself, but not lamp cord. I'd rather use the stuff that would normally be run through conduit. To me, lamp cord looks like someone stole the cord off a lamp :-) ....... in other words it just doesn't look right, to me. I also would rather not have the + and - wires bundled together inside the cabinet. I'd rather just run my wires and then be able to tack it down. I re-wired an old Peavey cabinet with 4 12" drivers....... wired series/parallel and it was a pain trying to make it look neat with the two pairs such together. I pulled some of it apart, and I hated the way it looked.

**bfish** · August 4th, 2010, 06:53 PM

Who's to say that a little series R from the small, stock wiring wasn't part of the formula?

**Old Guy** · August 4th, 2010, 07:58 PM

I have no issues with anybody's opinion on wire...as long as it's posted as an opinion...

Anyway, count me in the "any decent wire" category, with one caveat..Some cheap wire has sulfur in the insulation and turns green with use.

A reputable manufacturer should be fine, but watch out for cheap imported stuff.