anyone have any idea if there is an ideal range(ie. max) speaker cable length? I am thinking about picking up a pair of these (maybe two). b/c of my house, i would need a LONG run of wire
For typical speaker wiring it's simply a matter of resistance- resistance increases as the run gets longer from amp to speaker so heavier guage cable is required to compensate. If the run is really long the size and cost of the cable gets prohibitive.
If your run is really long, you may consider looking into a distributed audio type system. Distributed audio systems (sound sytems in retail stores, airports, malls, schools, bigger resturants, theme parks, etc) typically have very long runs and lots of speakers. Those systems use transformers at the amp and at each speaker to increase the voltage and decrease the current allowing less costly, lighter guage wire to be used. Those systems often run at something like 70V. Some outdoor speakers are specifically designed for that use and have built in transformers often with various taps so mulitple speakers can be wired together. That kind of equipment is marketed more towards installers than then general public, but isn't necessarily more expensive. Do a search about it to find out more.