In-wall speaker cabling

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Looking to wire up a new dining area extension we're planning off our kitchen. Want to wire up for 5.1 - initially using my existing KEF 2005.2 set up, with a speaker in each corner (high up) and the centre. Just wondering what cables people would recommend for an in-wall install?
Also should I use trunking for the cable? Was thinking yes, but anyone got any recommendations, or things I should watch out for?
Finally, I don't think speaker plates for the cables behind the speakers are worth it - too big and bulky, and will show up too much - but was wondering what to use instead? I wondered if those mushroom shaped grommets might be the best idea?

 

[PJPro]

You should use something to run the cables through. Two reasons.

1) There's a good chance you can pull through some new cable if you need to later on.

2) I understand that electrical cable (twin and earth) can be affected by cement based compounds.

I used PVC channeling for my network cables.

 

[PJPro]

You'll also need capping nails to secure the channeling.

 

[hammill]

Can you run thorugh the ceiling - that is how my rear speakers are cabled. That is no trouble for decent tradesmen . Just channel the runs down the walls

 

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hammill:Can you run thorugh the ceiling - that is how my rear speakers are cabled. That is no trouble for decent tradesmen . Just channel the runs down the walls
I thought that, but it's going to be a single story extension, with a galleried roof, so no void. So don't think that will work

 

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PJPro:You should use something to run the cables through. Two reasons.

1) There's a good chance you can pull through some new cable if you need to later on.

2) I understand that electrical cable (twin and earth) can be affected by cement based compounds.

I used PVC channeling for my network cables.

Thanks for that PJPro, and reminding me to nail it in place - I would have got that wrong! So channeling yes

Anyone got any suggestions as to what speaker cable to use?

 

[PJPro]

Thin stuff?

 

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PJPro:Thin stuff?
Really? The extension's going to be 3.9m x 3.4m internally, with the amp scheduled to be placed near the middle of one of the shorter walls. This means the rear cables would be around 8m long. When you say thin, what had you in mind?

 

[PJPro]

Sorry, it was a poor joke. Though maybe it would be easier to route the cable i.e. you wouldn't have to chase out as much of the wall if the cable was thin or, indeed, flat.

 

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PJPro:Sorry, it was a poor joke. Though maybe it would be easier to route the cable i.e. you wouldn't have to chase out as much of the wall if the cable was thin or, indeed, flat.
Oh, don't worry. Extension's not built yet, and the inner skin's almost certainly going to be blockwork, so easy to chase, or even put the trunking in the cavity, maybe? So not too concerned about cable,just want good value for decent quality.

 

[PJPro]

You actually place the channeling on the face of the blockwork. Render/plaster or dry lining is then placed over the top.

 

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PJPro:You actually place the channeling on the face of the blockwork. Render/plaster or dry lining is then placed over the top.
OK that all makes sense, bit of a learning curve here, only cabling I've done before has been underfloor or in a stud wall...

So one thing, what happens with the trunking round the corners?

 

[john1000000boy]

Hi scene when i put my speaker cable over the ceiling in loft and down walls into speakers i used a flexy curtain rail tp push the cable down to the predrilled hole. Just used some decorators tape to hold the end of the cable onto the curtain track. Qed anniversary xt is what i used. It was great for pushing up the walls as it is a very rigid cable with good memory...

You are right about the face plates!!!

 

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Bringing this thread back to life again as the builders start tomorrow!!

Can anyone recommend a good quality, not too expensive custom install speaker cable? This is going to be a second AV system, not the main one - using an Yamaha RXV-667 and a KHT2005.2 sytem?