How to install speaker cables?

Posté le 2019-09-09 Tutorials & Guides, Tutos 44161

When installing your audio system, you will need to connect your amplifier and speakers together using a cable. The most effective method is to use a cable without a banana or fork plug, as the contact between the terminals and the cable conductor is then maximum.

This guide details the steps to connect your speakers to your amplifier simply and quickly.

Guide installation de câbles d'enceintes

Step 1 : Tools

To strip the cable, simply equip yourself with a stripping chip, allowing you to remove a piece of sheath without cutting the conductor. If the cable is too large, it is better to use a cutter.

Step 2 : Split the cable

Most of the time, a speaker cable sold by the metre is itself made of two cables. Separate them by about ten centimetres by pulling the two cables in opposite directions.

Here we are using Elecaudio HP-25OCC.

Step 3 : Strip the cable

Strip your cable 2cm on each side to expose the copper conductors.

If you use a stripping pliers for this step, it has markings corresponding to the different cable diameters. Choose the location with the marking corresponding to the diameter of your cable.

If you use a cutter, then simply cut the sheath 2cm from the ends, taking care not to cut the wires that make up the conductor.

Step 4 : Form a tip

Once stripped, rotate the wires of each conductor between your fingers to form a tip.

Step 5 : Unscrew the amplifier terminals

Unscrew the amplifier terminals by turning them to the left until the contact hole is fully visible.

For this guide we are using the Armature Phobos integrated amplifier.

Step 6 : Connect the cables to the amplfier

To connect the cables to the amplifier, run one conductor from one end of the cable through the + (positive) terminal block and the second conductor from the same end through the - (negative) terminal block. Make sure that drivers do not touch each other. Screw the terminals back on by turning them to the right this time.

Step 7 : Unscrew the speaker terminals

Unscrew the speaker terminals by turning them to the left until the contact hole is fully visible.

Step 8 : Connect the cables to the speakers

To connect the cables to the speakers, run one conductor from one end of the cable through the + (positive) terminal block and the second conductor from the same end through the - (negative) terminal block. Be sure to observe the polarity according to the previous connection made to the amplifier. The conductor connected to the + (positive) terminal block of the amplifier must be connected to the + (positive) terminal block of the speaker. The conductor connected to the amplifier terminal block - (negative) must be connected to the speaker terminal block - (negative). Also make sure that drivers do not touch each other. Screw the terminals back on by turning them to the right this time.

Polarity is often color-coded on terminals and cables. Red for positive (+) and black or white for negative (-). This colour code will help you to find your way around easily when you connect.

The connection of your speakers to your amplifier is now complete. If your entire system is operational, then you are ready to enjoy your music!

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