Best Speaker Wire for Sony STR-DH790
The Sony STR-DH790 is a fantastic entry-level Atmos receiver, but many users bottleneck its 7.2-channel potential by using thin, low-quality cabling. Just as a high-end camera lens requires premium glass to resolve detail, your Sony receiver needs proper conductivity to deliver crisp transients and deep bass. After testing various gauges in my own studio-home hybrid setup, I’ve found that the Monoprice Access Series 14AWG is the sweet spot for balancing performance and price for this specific Sony model.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Speaker Wire for Sony STR-DH790: Detailed Reviews
Monoprice Access Series 14AWG View on Amazon
The Monoprice Access Series is my go-to recommendation for the Sony STR-DH790 because it offers 99.9% Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) at a price that won’t break the bank. Unlike cheaper CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) wires, OFC ensures lower resistance over long distances, which is vital for the STR-DH790’s surround and height channels. The 14AWG thickness is the “Goldilocks” gauge; it’s thick enough to handle high-fidelity signals but flexible enough to fit into the Sony’s somewhat cramped spring-clip terminals for the center and surround speakers. I find that this wire significantly reduces signal loss compared to standard 16AWG or 18AWG options, especially if your wire runs exceed 30 feet. The CL2 rating also means it is safe for in-wall installation, perfect if you’re mounting Atmos height speakers. The only downside is the outer jacket is a bit stiff, making it slightly harder to pull through tight corners.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Amazon Basics 16-Gauge Speaker Wire View on Amazon
If you are setting up your STR-DH790 in a small bedroom or office where your speakers are only 10 to 15 feet away from the receiver, the Amazon Basics 16-Gauge wire is an unbeatable value. While it is not pure copper (it uses Copper Clad Aluminum), it performs remarkably well for standard home theater use. The wire is extremely flexible, which I find incredibly helpful when you’re trying to hide cables behind a media console or tuck them under a rug. The clear jacket is marked with a white stripe for polarity, making it easy to ensure your speakers are in phase—a critical step for the Sony’s auto-calibration system to work correctly. While I wouldn’t recommend this for 50-foot runs or high-end audiophile towers, for a basic 5.1 or 7.1 setup in a compact room, you’ll likely never hear the difference between this and much more expensive options.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
InstallGear 14 Gauge Speaker Wire View on Amazon
The InstallGear 14 Gauge wire is designed for those who want the thickness of a 14-gauge cable without the price tag of pure copper. It uses a high-strand-count CCA construction that provides decent conductivity while remaining very supple. I particularly like the frosted blue/black jacket; it’s much easier to distinguish between positive and negative terminals in a dark home theater cabinet compared to standard clear wires. For the Sony STR-DH790, this wire works perfectly with the front binding posts. However, be aware that CCA wire is more brittle than pure copper, so if you’re frequently reconnecting your speakers, you might notice some strands breaking over time. It’s an honest, no-frills budget option that gets the job done for casual movie watching. It’s not for the perfectionist, but for most people, it’s a solid, reliable choice that far exceeds the “string” wire often included in speaker boxes.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Mediabridge 12AWG Ultra Series View on Amazon
If you’ve paired your Sony STR-DH790 with large, power-hungry floor-standing speakers, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the Mediabridge 12AWG Ultra Series. This is a heavy-duty, 99.9% OFC cable that provides the lowest possible resistance. In my testing, 12AWG wire really helps the DH790 maintain control over the bass drivers of larger speakers, resulting in a punchier, more defined low end. The jacket is tough and durable, though it is quite thick. You might find it a bit of a squeeze to fit the bare wire into the Sony’s surround spring clips, so I recommend using this primarily for your Front Left, Right, and Center channels where the receiver uses high-quality binding posts. It’s overkill for small satellite speakers, but for a premium audio experience where every ounce of power from the receiver needs to reach the drivers, this is the gold standard.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
GearIT 14AWG with Banana Plugs View on Amazon
For those who hate stripping wire and dealing with frayed ends, the GearIT 14AWG pre-terminated cables are a godsend. These come with high-quality banana plugs already installed, which plug directly into the STR-DH790’s main binding posts. This creates a much more secure and “pro” connection than bare wire, and it prevents oxidation over time. I especially love these for the main front speakers where you’re likely to use the binding post connectors. Note that the Sony STR-DH790 uses spring clips for the surround channels, so you would need to snip the plugs off one end if you plan to use these for the rear or height speakers. The cable itself is high-quality OFC with a nice aesthetic finish. You’re paying a premium for the convenience of the plugs, but if you value a clean look and a 5-minute setup time, these are well worth the extra few dollars.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose Speaker Wire
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monoprice Access 14AWG | Best Overall / In-Wall | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Amazon Basics 16AWG | Small Rooms / Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| InstallGear 14AWG | Budget Surround Sound | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Mediabridge 12AWG | Audiophile Tower Speakers | ★★★★★ | Check |
| GearIT 14AWG Plugs | Convenience & Looks | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the gauge really matter for the Sony STR-DH790?
Absolutely. The Sony STR-DH790 outputs roughly 90-145 watts per channel depending on the impedance. If you use wire that is too thin (like 18 or 22 gauge) over a long distance, the wire itself acts as a resistor, eating up power and dulling the high frequencies. For most 7.2 setups, 14-gauge is the ideal balance of performance and ease of installation, ensuring your Atmos speakers get the full signal they need.
Can I use banana plugs with this receiver?
Yes, but only for the Front Left and Front Right channels. The Sony STR-DH790 has high-quality binding posts for the main channels that accept standard banana plugs once you remove the small plastic caps. However, the Center, Surround, and Height channels use spring-loaded clips. For those specific channels, you must use bare wire or “pin” connectors, as banana plugs will not fit into the spring clips.
What is the difference between OFC and CCA wire?
OFC stands for Oxygen-Free Copper, which is 99.9% pure copper. It is the best choice for audio because copper is a superior conductor. CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminum, which is aluminum with a thin copper coating. CCA is much cheaper and lighter, but it has higher resistance and is more prone to oxidation and breakage. I always recommend OFC for the STR-DH790 to ensure your system sounds its best for years.
What gauge should I use for Atmos height speakers?
Since Atmos height speakers are often the furthest away from the receiver and require in-wall or in-ceiling routing, I highly recommend 14-gauge CL2-rated wire. The 14-gauge thickness ensures that even a 40-foot run across your ceiling won’t result in signal loss, and the CL2 rating ensures you’re meeting fire safety standards. Using 16-gauge is acceptable for shorter runs, but 14-gauge provides that extra peace of mind for permanent installations.
Does the Sony STR-DH790 benefit from bi-wiring?
The Sony STR-DH790 does not have a dedicated bi-amp or bi-wire setting in the traditional sense like higher-end ES models. While you can technically connect two sets of wires to the front terminals if your speakers support it, there is very little benefit to doing so on this specific receiver. You are better off spending that money on a single, high-quality 14AWG or 12AWG pure copper wire like the Monoprice or Mediabridge options reviewed above.
Final Verdict
For the majority of Sony STR-DH790 owners, the Monoprice Access Series 14AWG is the definitive choice; its pure copper construction ensures your 4K Atmos movies sound exactly as intended. If you’re on a strict budget and setting up in a small space, the Amazon Basics 16AWG is a perfectly capable alternative. However, if you’ve invested in premium tower speakers, don’t hesitate to step up to the Mediabridge 12AWG for that extra bit of low-end authority.