Another speaker wire possibility at Home Depot???

Actually, THHN can be broken down in the electrical codes for meaning (not in T H H N order):
Nylon Thermoplastic Jacket for dry locations, maximum conductor temperature 90°C dry location, 600 volts power, single conductor.
Comes in a variety of awg and strands. Primarily used for branch and feeder residential & com'l installs.
Good copper wire, a bit on the stiff side though -- probably works pretty good.

"12 ga. is 12 ga"

I disagree. Connect 12 gauge Monster Cable- the original stuff that looks like thick lamp cord between your speakers and amplifier. Now listen to your system and compare the sound to cable that does not look like 12 gauge lamp cord, say a 16/2 or a 16/4. Most people (I know) hear a significant difference.

LM

Most people you know reinforce one another's pathology.

Honestly - check out their THHN - put spades on the ends and enjoy.

Leica_man

YOU ARE CORRECT... # 12AWG is not #16/2 AWG.

YOU DON'T SAY. Wire is wire, huh? I guess water is water too. Likely cars is cars. Hmmm

It's not really, but to each their own... if you don't hear a diff, don't pay the diff. I think that's the golden rule in this hobby, overall.

In fact the above descriptions on the characteristics and preposed fundtionality of the THHN wire are proper. For it's intended use, supplying electrical power in homes and business, it's most practical and worthwhile.

That wire isn't made of OFC, it's NOT four 9's purity, it's NOT surrounded by a top end dialectric... BUT it's cheaper.

... and there's the catch. For some of us. e.g., above 'can't hear it don't pay it'.

Personally, I'll never use Monster 12 or ?? speaker wire, or it's upscale overpriced non performing speaker cables again. Ever. I'm sure some will however have fine results with them.

I believe it comes down to what level of performance one seeks in what level of equipment or application. In truth, it probably comes down to two things: What's in the wallet, and one's ego or belief system.

As an electrician and prior to that, an electroincs tech in the military, wire was always just wire. Just worry about the amount of current being drawn. that's it.

I've found out wire ain't just wire now. Not when it comes to audio & video componets interfacing one to the other (s).

...but I had to have it proven to me too.

Just my twenty two cents worth.