Speaker Wire Color Question

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May 20, 2007 | 02:30 PM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

Speaker Wire Color Question

You people are good with stereos so here goes. My rear speakers are Kenwood and came with wiring that has small and large spade ends (and no instructions) that make the connections on the speaker units. I assume the large spade is (+) and the small (-). The (+) is grey wire with a blue stripe and the (-) simply grey. I had a speakerbar in the back before so that wiring from the head unit is in place. Each side comprises a black wire coupled with a black wire with a white stripe. I linked the black/white wires to the grey/blue wires and grey to the black, soldered, and shrink wrapped. (There is no amp.) The stereo seem to work OK but I wish to know if the color combinations are correct. I would appreciate advice.

Last edited by Paul L; May 20, 2007 at 03:09 PM.

May 20, 2007 | 02:40 PM

I'm Batman

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From: Springfield MO

St. Jude Donor '07

On every speaker with different-sized spade terminals that I've seen, the small spade is (-) and the large spade is (+).

May 20, 2007 | 02:40 PM

7T1vette

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From: Crossville TN

My guess would be that the speakers will be properly phased with how you wired it up. The only way to know for sure would be to check with the speaker manufacturers and confirm the "striped wire is +" strategy. You can't hurt anything if you hook it up that way. If the sound is dead and muddy, reverse the wiring on the rear speakers to see if it improves the sound quality.

May 20, 2007 | 03:57 PM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

OK, I've sorted things out. The problem was lack of control over treble and bass. That is handled by a lever/**** under the volume control. Just didn't give me ranges I was looking for. When in doubt read the instructions :bb . That **** is spring-loaded and I did not know that. Default is out for treble control/twist and push in for bass control/twist. It gives a wide range of combos. Things sound great now. My apologies and sorry to have bothered you....

Last edited by Paul L; May 20, 2007 at 04:04 PM.

May 20, 2007 | 05:34 PM

7T1vette

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No bother at all. Glad it all worked out.

May 20, 2007 | 05:39 PM

Tim H

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From: Southern Indiana

You can take a 9 volt battery and touch the terminals to the + - and if the speaker pushes out thats the way it should be hooked up.
You have to hook speakers up right or they will sound seperate of each other instead of stereo.

May 20, 2007 | 07:44 PM

Paul L

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From: Ontario

They are hooked up right. Believe me, this KHE-200 unit sounds just fine. Even without an amp. I just located a size-12, steel-nose boot to kick me in the proper place for making such a foolish mistake.

I thought DB would chime in on that subject that but is fine, going driving tomorrow! First time this year. Irene Cara, "What a Feeling" on the menu. Gotta Love it!

Last edited by Paul L; May 20, 2007 at 08:05 PM.