help setting up my home theater

[BLUCanadian]

Hey guys.
I have just completed purchasing all my speakers for my first 5.1 home theater.

Here is the rundown:
Fronts: Energy C-500s
Center: Energy C-C100
Surrounds: Energy C-100s
Sub: Klipsch Sub-12

I have never hooked up speakers like this before so I would like to know what additional things I will need to buy (ie wiring, banana plugs, etc). Im not sure how much this stuff usually costs so Im not sure of my budget, but I would like to go with something of mid-quality.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!
Thanks

[brett_day]

Originally Posted by BLUCanadian

Hey guys.
I have just completed purchasing all my speakers for my first 5.1 home theater.

Here is the rundown:
Fronts: Energy C-500s
Center: Energy C-C100
Surrounds: Energy C-100s
Sub: Klipsch Sub-12

I have never hooked up speakers like this before so I would like to know what additional things I will need to buy (ie wiring, banana plugs, etc). Im not sure how much this stuff usually costs so Im not sure of my budget, but I would like to go with something of mid-quality.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!
Thanks

congrats on the new setup! it will sound great

in regards to things you need. Wiring. It really depends on how long of a run the wiring will be. anything under 40fft then 16 gauge will be plentyful for your speaker wire.

As for banana plugs they really don't do a whole lot other than make connecting the speakers to the receiver easier. If you do not plan on moving your equipment around all the time then i see very little need for them other than for aesthetics and cleanliness

as for pricing, just go to http://www.monoprice.com awesome quality stuff, at amazing prices (man i sound like a salesman)

[BLUCanadian]

is this what I should be looking at for wiring? - http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

also, for banana plugs, how many pairs would I need for all my speakers??
Do i need 2 pairs per speaker (one end going into speaker, other end into receiver??)

Also, this may sound stupid, but where does the sub plug into the receiver?? Can I use banana plugs for it as well?

[Zman2k2]

Originally Posted by BLUCanadian

is this what I should be looking at for wiring? - http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2

That should work fine. But you may want to consider 14 gauge instead.

also, for banana plugs, how many pairs would I need for all my speakers??
Do i need 2 pairs per speaker (one end going into speaker, other end into receiver??)

Yes. You should connect each end with banana plugs. So figure on 2 sets per speaker. Something like these should work well for you. I use them and I think they're great.

Also, this may sound stupid, but where does the sub plug into the receiver?? Can I use banana plugs for it as well?

Not a stupid question. There should be an RCA jack on the back of the receiver marked "Sub Out". This will be where you connect to. You need to figure out how long a cable you'll need, but something like this cable will be what you need.

[brett_day]

Originally Posted by Zman2k2

That should work fine. But you may want to consider 14 gauge instead

unless the run is more than 40ft what possible difference will there be between 14 and 16 gauge wire? none as far as i know, infact i do not think there is any degredation in the signal being sent until after 60ft in runs.

[Santeria]

Originally Posted by brett_day

unless the run is more than 40ft what possible difference will there be between 14 and 16 gauge wire? none as far as i know, infact i do not think there is any degredation in the signal being sent until after 60ft in runs.

the 14 is thicker and the 16 is the thinnest from what i remember reading.

but the price diff between the two is like $2

i went with 14AWG cause it was only $2 more.


BluCanadian, if you are doing inwall installation for your speakwires they also have in-wall speaker wires, i recommend them even if u arent doing in-wall since i assume ull be running them around the room, theyre white so theyd blend in a lot better with stuff compared to that copper color!

BTW Good luck with your setup, i had the same exact questions as u when i was installing my speakers

[BLUCanadian]

thanks for the posts guys, much appreciated!

[Djnx]

Originally Posted by brett_day

unless the run is more than 40ft what possible difference will there be between 14 and 16 gauge wire? none as far as i know, infact i do not think there is any degredation in the signal being sent until after 60ft in runs.

For home theater that is not a real concern. You only have to be sure the cable protection is strong enough to resist steps, dogs, house cleaners, etc.