12g zip cord all day long on my all horn system. Anything above this is salesman BS. I could get away with 14g easily enough but I like the durability the heavier gage brings as I am not in a kind environment at times. Currently pushing a system for a 600 seat theater with 12g but since it is Klipsch based it is not over the top wattage thirsty and 14 would work just as well. runs are 15' and 24' typical to left and right channels.