Speaker Wire in wall or under carpet?

Question

I am finishing my basement and once finished will be placing a 7.1 surround audio system. Since the basement isn't finished yet I have options on what kind and how much speaker wire to buy. If I run Wire through the wall it will take about 35-40 foot per wire for the 2 rear and 2 side speakers. If I go under the carpet only about 20 - 24 foot per wire. So 2 questions: 1) is 12 or 14 gauge need for this length and 2) does it make any difference for wire to be under carpet vs. inside walls? Obviously I would like to buy less wire if at all possible so under carpet is my first choice. Thanks

Answer 1

Go in wall! What if you want to change from carpet to flooring one day? Also, you won't get any wire bumps in your carpet at passageways.

I would use 14 gauge wire regardless. It's a bit more money but it carries twice the current effectively.

Answer 2

I would go with 16 gauge wire.  If you are worried about length of wire i would have someone do it for you.  Most speaker installation companies will include free wire with the labor.  In wall wiring is the way to go.