Conclusion
Here is my finished room. You can see my right surround speaker in the photo just behind the blue blanket on the couch. The left surround is on the little table behind the couch just out of the photo.
I’m very happy with the Taperwire product, and happy with my install! I don’t plan on painting the flat wire to match my baseboard— it looks just fine to me. After moving the furniture back, I don’t notice the wire on the baseboard at all. Hope this is helpful to some other folks out there.
March 27th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Very nice install - thanks for sharing.
March 27th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Good job and great info. Your detailed instructions were impressive.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:15 am
Thanks so much for all the tips, this took some time to type and put together!
March 28th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Great work. Looks like a good solution for my main room as well.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:24 am
What an exhaustive guide, thanks a lot for writing it all out. That white wire really does look good on that wall, i doubt anyone will notice it.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I noticed after reading your install that no one commented so I’d thought I’d be the first. Nice job. I never even knew that there was flat speaker wire. My first install of surround sound prompted me to drill small holes in, yes the hardwood floors, and run the surround wire in the basement. One hole you cannot see and the other, well, lets just say I wouldn’t look in that direction. You just gave me new and improved ideas on my next install. Thanks for lesson and keep up the good work.
March 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Great article. I was considering using this type of wiring but was fortunate to be able to find hiddden wall cavities. I have 3-4 friends who need to do this though.
March 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
What a fantastic article. I have never used any of these flat wires, sticking to the traditional paired wires.
I recently finished off a big change to our lounge including a solid Oak floor and was looking for a solution to tradional wires. I knew that these wires existed but this is the first time I have seen a real installation that also looks good.
One question I have is what is the wattage rating of the wires and what is the quality of sound like? Can they really delivery the same performace as the traditinal wires?
Very good info.
regards
Mike McNamara
Reading, U.K.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
looks good to me. thanks for sharing your research!!!
March 28th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Thanks for the DIY instruction, it was enough to make me think of doing this.
March 29th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
This is a perfect example of professional-grade resourcefulness, planning and installation. I wouldn’t paint over the the wire srips. It looks better if the work you put into this project can be admired.
You addressed all of the issues of wiring room speakers that I have struggled with for years.
I’m going to get a couple of rolls of this wire for my self.
Nice pad! If it’s not brand new, I’d like to borrow your housekeeper for a couple of days. “White glove” clean!
Good Luck
March 29th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
That’s a great little invention. It may take some rework to insulate on cars but it would reduce the headache of installing. I never thought of buying flexprint.
March 30th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
nice job!
March 31st, 2008 at 8:51 am
Doesn’t look bad but kind of pointless with such a tiny TV!
March 31st, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I found your post through StumbleUpon. I’m a student and won’t have the money for a nice stereo system for a long time to come, but this tutorial is incredibly thorough and your writing is very effective. I especially like that you shared your research into different wire. Fun read!
April 1st, 2008 at 1:32 am
Thank you for sharing your experience, and providing pics. Great job and I’m inspired to do the same.
April 9th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Very nice setup. Congrats! But is the flat cable of audio grade quality ? i.e : shielded, etc. ?
April 16th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Very nice install. It shows pride in ownership & workmanship. The impressive part, is that you didn`t forget any steps in the work flow, a common error in DIY “how to`s”.
I`m glad you don`t plan on painting the wire-strand. How to ruin a good install, would then have to be your next DIY.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:07 am
Good explanation, with plenty of excellent quality pictures. Well above most articles of this nature.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Sorry, all– the comments weren’t appearing until now. To answer some questions:
@Mike (#8)- Some would argue that a braided strand is better than a solid core wire like this, but it works for me. They are 18 gauge, which is comparable to traditional speaker cable. Most would use a thicker wire if given the choice. As for quality, It sounds great to me, and you definitely get the nice surround effects in movies.
@Biff (#14)- it’s a 32″ tube tv. I’m sure I’ll get a bigger one someday.
@Manjulal (#17)- see my comment above about the quality. 18 gauge is a good amount of copper and the wires are working well for me. Most home speaker wire is not shielded as far as I know. I think your amp & rear speakers will make much more of a difference than the kind of wire you run.