How to Wire Speakers for Max Bass

Getting the best bass from your speakers has a lot to do with how they are wired and set up. Speaker systems vary from simple stereo to the 7.1 channel setups. Invariably, a good bass response is a critical component of your audio system. The bass response of the setup depends on various factors including wiring, position, polarity, room acoustics and your equipment. Here are some tips to consider when wiring speakers for maximum bass, to get the job done right.

Things You'll Need

• Required length of 14 AWG wire.
• Wire stripper

Instructions

Wire Speakers for Max Bass

1. Match the impedance of the speakers against your amplifier (as marked on the outside of the boxes). A lower impedance speaker will pull too much current out of your amp and can damage it. A higher impedance speaker will only give you a sub-par performance.

2. Find the right spots for positioning your speakers. The main front speakers should be at the listener's ear level. The speakers should be placed at a distance of 6-10 feet depending on the listening stage. For optimum bass, position the speakers closer to a wall. If you are using a subwoofer, position it close to the wall, between the front left and right speakers.

3. Wire speakers to the amp. Be sure to maintain polarity. Reversing polarity of speakers will result in audio that is out of phase. This will result in waves that cancel each other and hence your bass will sound flat. Most wires have color codes on them and thus maintaining the polarity should be easy. Use the 14 AWG for wiring speakers that require a wiring length of up to 20 feet. If you need to have a longer wire, switch to 11 AWG wire. Use the 11 AWG wire for the subwoofer.

4. For enhancing your sound, adjust your crossover frequencies. Depending on the individual's taste, opt for a tighter bass (lower crossover frequency) or a looser one (higher crossover frequency).

5. The hard surfaces of your floor, walls and window panes will accentuate higher frequencies and drown the bass. Use carpeting, and heavy curtains to enhance your bass. Spending the money to put wooden paneling on your walls can yield the best effects.