Center and Satellite Speaker Connections

Turn Off All Power

After placing the speakers, you are ready to connect your system. First, turn off all audio-system power. Use high-quality speaker wire to make your connections. #18-gauge speaker wire with polarity coding is included. For longer distances, #16-gauge or heavier wire is recommended. The side of the wire with a ridge or other coding is usually considered positive polarity (i.e., +). Also, consult the owner’s manuals that were included with your amplifier or receiver to confirm connection procedures.

Satellites

Observe polarities when making speaker connections, as shown in Figure 4. Connect each + terminal on the back of the amplifier or receiver to the respective + (red) terminal on each speaker. Connect the – (black) terminals in the same way.

Important!

Do not reverse polarities (i.e., + to –, or – to +) when making con- nections. Doing so will cause poor imaging and diminished bass response. Be certain that positive and negative wire strands are completely isolated to avoid short circuits that may damage your equipment.

Center Channel

Observe polarities when making speaker connections, as shown in Figure 5. Connect each + terminal on the back of the amplifier or receiver to the respective + (red) terminal on the speaker. Connect the – (black) terminals in the same way.

Important!

Do not reverse polarities (i.e., + to –, or – to +) when making con- nections. Be certain that positive and negative wire strands are completely isolated to avoid short circuits that may damage your equipment.

NOTE: On certain models using hexagonal terminal nuts, a small socket wrench is provided to help in properly tightening the terminals. Hand-tighten only and do not overtighten.

Figure 4. Wiring diagram shows polarity connections for one channel of a home theater system.

Figure 5. The satellites and center channel speaker feature terminals that can be connected in several different ways – e.g., spade terminals and direct wiring (as shown here).