Boston Acoustics RK5, RK8T2 Speaker Wires, Speaker Connection Polarity, Connecting the Speakers

Speaker Wires

After the speaker locations have been chosen, you must run wires from the speakers to the amplifier that drives them.

You must select wire that is suited to outdoor usage. Look for wire that is rated for burial. It will stand up to the requirements of outdoor usage. Outdoor rated wire is typically at least 14 gauge. That is good enough for runs up to 50 feet or so. For runs of more than 50 feet use heavier 12 gauge wire.

If the wire must be run more than 75 feet or if more than 4 speaker channels are used, a high voltage distribution system is recommended. Such systems use a special amplifier that has a “70V” (or in some countries, “100V”) output. This allows the relatively small gauge speaker wires to be run over great distances without signal degradation. Speakers used in a high voltage system require a transformer. An optional transformer is available from Boston Acoustics. The RK series speakers have provisions for mounting the transformer inside a cover located on the bottom of the speaker where the wires emerge. Contact a custom audio system installer for more information.

Speaker Connection Polarity

It is important that all the speakers in a system are hooked up with similar polarity or “in phase.” The speaker terminals on amplifiers are color coded and marked for polarity – typically red is + and black is –. The RK series models have “pig tail” wire leads that extend from the bottom of the cabinet. The wires are color coded in the usual way – red is + and black is –. In the case of the RK6T2 and RK8T2 there are two wire leads. The wire lead for the “right” side has red and black leads. The “left” side wire lead has yellow and black wires. All you have to do is make each connection the same way. This is particularly important with the RK6T2 and RK8T2. If they are conected improperly, they will produce almost no sound.

Connecting the Speakers

The “pig tail” leads from the speakers are connected to the speaker wires with the supplied wire nuts that are filled with sealant. To connect the wires from the amplifier to the lead extending from the RK speaker, strip off 3⁄8” to 1⁄2” of the wire insulation. Twist the wire stands into a neat bundle. Loosely twist together the two wire leads. Push one of the supplied wire nuts onto the ends of the wire and turn it until it is firmly set.

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TIP: If you want to give the wire conections an extra measure of protection, apply silicon sealant in the open end of the wire nut and the wires. Do not do this until you have tested the system and are sure all the connections are correct.