Question 1

Is it oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire?

Accepted Answer

I dunno,  many say that it's copper-clad aluminum wire.  If so,  then you  lose three wire gauges,  since 16 AWG aluminum iis roughly equivalent to 19 AWG copper, when it comes to ohms per 1000 ft.

Question 2

Is this 100% copper or is it copper clad aluminum?

Accepted Answer

I just dinged Amazon to add the lower quality CCA identifier to the listing so we don't confuse it with real copper wire.  THIS IS ALUMINUM WIRE.  (1lb vs 2lb for pure copper)

Question 3

what is the difference in watts when it comes to speakers wires?

Accepted Answer

The answers here are variably correct and incorrect!!  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!!!!  Pushing speakers rated at 500 watts under a constant load of 250 watts will induce heat "resistance" if the line between the amp and the speaker is very small  and sound quality will be compromised!!!!  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.  Bottom line:  Discriminating "audiophiles" popularly tout the use of 12 gauge braided lead for almost all in-home installations ... this allows for component upgrades in the future!  As said here, 16 gauge braided lead, in most installations, will produce results that are completely acceptable in matching power and impedance and results!!!

Question 4

One speaker wire is clear and one has a white thread going through it. Does one mean positive and the other negative?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally the line that is marked (whether with a colored/painted line or groove) is positive. Like others have mentioned it doesn't really matter as long as you wire it the same way on either end but if you want to follow convention make the side with the white line positive.

ASIN	B006LW0WDQ
Best Sellers Rank	#255 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #1 in Speaker Cables
Brand Name	Amazon Basics
Color	Transparent
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (78,611)
Gauge	16.0
Global Trade Identification Number	05050053544230
Item Weight	13.28 ounces
Manufacturer	Amazon
Material Type	Copper
Model	SW50ft
Number Of Wires	1
Part Number	SW50ft
Strands	50
UPC	841710104493
Unit Count	1.0 Count

Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire Cable, Polarity Marked, 50 feet, Transparent

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions