Speaker wire is a type of electrical cable used to connect audio speakers to an amplifier or receiver. It typically consists of two insulated copper wires, which carry the audio signals from the source to the speakers. The quality of the wire can affect sound performance, with thicker wires generally providing better conductivity and less resistance. Speaker wire comes in various gauges, with lower numbers indicating thicker wire. Common gauges include 16-gauge and 14-gauge, suitable for most home audio systems. Additionally, speaker wire can be either stranded or solid, with stranded wire being more flexible and easier to work with in tight spaces.