Consider multiple volume control boxes for multiple pairs of speakers. This will allow you to control the volume across multiple zones.
Four-conductor wire allows you to connect two pairs of speakers with one wire, potentially saving you the hassle of running a lot of wire. For outdoor speakers, CL2 and CL3 speaker wire complies with US in-wall standards, which means it can be safely ran through walls without causing issues with other electronics or posing a fire risk. This wire can also withstand elements, which is essential for an outdoor setup. Add an additional 10-15% to the length for snags and slack. You don’t want your speaker wire to be pulled tight, as crimps in the wire can affect sound quality.
Don’t run speakers through windows or door jambs. This can cause your speaker wire to get crimped, causing audio issues. Some modern speaker setups are completely wireless, and operate using Bluetooth. If you are using a setup like this, you don’t have to worry too much about wiring. You just need to ensure that your receiver supports Bluetooth speakers, and that the speakers are setup relatively close to the receiver. Bluetooth can reach about 150 feet (45. 7 m) if there is nothing impeding the signal. Walls between the receiver and speaker will shorten the effective range.
If you are installing more than one speaker along a wall, alternate left and right channels along that wall. If you are installing speakers in a box around your patio, install the two left channels in opposing corners, and the two right channels in the other opposing corners.
More speakers is better than higher volume. If you are having difficulty hearing the sound everywhere you want, consider adding another pair of speakers instead of trying to crank the volume to the max.
Only mount speakers on solid wood or masonry. Avoid mounting on cedar or aluminum siding, otherwise the speakers may start to sag. This can cause vibrations, which will lower the sound quality, or the speakers can fall entirely. Use the included brackets. Outdoor speaker brackets are already treated for weather. If you try to replace the brackets with ones not designed for outdoor use, they may rust and become weak.
To install banana plugs, you will need to strip the end of the speaker wires. Each speaker wire has two wires: a red and a black. Pull them apart to separate them and give you some room to work. Each of these will need to be stripped about 3/4 of an inch from the end of the wire. Once the wire is stripped, unscrew the end of the banana plug and slip the exposed wire into the end. Once the wire is inserted, tighten the banana plug screw. Repeat this for the other exposed wire.
If the speaker is too far away and you aren’t using a proper gauge wire, you can experience a lot of distortion. Try to move the speaker closer to the receiver and then shorten the wire, or run newer, lower-gauge wire. Crossed wires can short out your speakers and cause serious damage. Make sure the black and red wires are not touching when bare at the ends.
