The best way is to make sure your speaker wiring setup is compatible with your audio system’s configuration (e.g., 5/2). That means that if you are running a stereo pair, both channels must use the same type of cable.
In addition, check whether your speaker has its own remote control. In most cases it does not but sometimes you can find them under the name “remote” or something similar. Also note that when connecting several pairs of speakers together, you may need additional remote controls for those particular units (or simply remove them from the equation altogether). Some systems include a master volume knob that affects all of the remaining speakers; otherwise, you’ll probably need separate knobs for individual pieces. Check your owner’s manual if you don’t already know.
If you’re unsure what types of inputs your audio equipment uses, try searching at Amazon by typing something like [inputs] +[brand]. For example, if you search for ‘Creative Labs Sound Blaster Xtreme’ you might get results that contain words such as Line In, Mic Input, etc… This tells you how many different ways you could possibly connect your device(s) to a source without any confusion later on.
One last thing before we begin – always double-check that you’ve got everything wired correctly! The following diagram shows how you would typically set up two 2-way speakers, assuming you were going to run a single signal between your amplifier and the left speaker. Please refer to our previous tips regarding speaker wires and connectors.
You now need to decide which method of connection suits you best. You can either opt for a 3rd party connector (such as banana plugs), or solder your own custom connector design yourself. Although the latter option takes longer to complete, it also gives you much greater flexibility in terms of being able to modify certain aspects of your layout. It also allows you to produce higher quality products than third parties ever manage. Once again, you won’t believe how easy it really is unless you give it a shot first.
For a start though, let us assume that you prefer the former approach, as most people tend to do. On the next page, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to create your own custom speaker cable assembly. Bear in mind that you only need a few basic tools to accomplish this task. These items include pliers, soldering iron, wire cutters, needle nose pliers, scissors, tweezers, masking tape, electrical tape, and so forth. Don’t forget to take advantage of free tutorials available online.
Once you’ve completed the process, test the new cable against your existing speaker arrangement. Pay close attention to ensure the correct sound output. If everything checks out okay, you’re ready to proceed further. However, if there are discrepancies, fix these issues immediately since mistakes cannot usually be fixed after installation.
To keep things simple, we recommend that you purchase the necessary materials from eBay instead of local electronics stores. There is no point paying exorbitant prices for low quality goods. After completing the project, make sure that you package your product professionally.
Make sure that you choose appropriate packaging material considering the size and shape of your item. Never pack fragile items inside boxes made from cardboard because it tends to warp over time. Instead, consider using rigid foam inserts or bubble wrap. Lastly, remember to label your parcel properly so that shipping companies can easily track it via the UPS tracking number.
Here is what you need to do:
1.) Prepare Your Materials
Begin by attaching labels to your speaker cables based upon their placement. Use masking tape to secure them firmly onto the ends. Next, arrange your wires according to color within each bundle. Solder the ground wires together using tinning compound. Be careful not to tinker around too much while doing so. Otherwise, you risk damaging the insulation layer underneath which carries electricity. As mentioned earlier, you can even opt to solder your own designs onto your wires. But bear in mind that doing so requires special skills and training.
2.) Cut Wires To Size
Use wire cutters to clip off excess length. Trim away unwanted areas at the tip end of each wire. Remember that the smaller the diameter of your wires, the better. They offer the least resistance during transmission thus resulting in less distortion.
3.) Crimp Ends Using Pliers & Electrical Tape
Before actually crimping your wires, apply heat shrink tubing over the exposed sections of copper. Then place the terminal prongs of the crimper directly over the center of the heating element. Gently squeeze downward until enough pressure builds up inside the tube thereby causing the plastic sleeve to melt over your wire ends. Repeat this procedure once more to achieve proper coverage. Now repeat the above steps until every wire has been prepared accordingly. Afterwards, cover the entire unit with clear packing tape.
4.) Create Connectors By Taping Together Two Opposing Wire Strips
Next, attach a strip of tape onto the desired location for your 1st component (i.e., the female plug). Position it so that the top half of the strip faces upward towards you. Take the male part of your second piece and position it opposite the female section. Tape them securely together. While still holding the assembled components together, trace along the edges using a pencil. Carefully trim the excess portions of each strip using wire cutters. Now carefully pull apart the inner layers of the strips keeping them intact. The result will look somewhat like this:
5.) Attach Each Piece Onto Its Own Cable
Take care to align the holes evenly for each tab individually. Hold them upright while inserting the male parts of the crimpers. Firmly compress the tabs inward whilst pushing upwards. Do this repeatedly until your wires are completely sealed. Finally, reassemble the rest of the stripped segments back together. Wrap the entire assembly tightly with electrical tape.
6.) Test Connection With An Audio Amplifier
Now that your newly created cable works perfectly fine, move on to testing it with your chosen audio player. First, follow the instruction manuals accompanying your devices to determine exactly which pins you require. Most modern audio players come equipped with three sets of terminals labeled Ground, Power (positive), and Return. Note that pin numbers vary slightly depending upon manufacturer. Generally speaking, you can ignore the negative and return pins provided that your device doesn’t use inverted polarity.
Once the audio device recognizes the cable, play music and pay attention to the overall performance. Are there any noticeable differences compared to your original speaker? If yes, continue tweaking your work until the issue disappears entirely. When everything seems perfect, you can safely call the job done. Congratulations! You’ve successfully built a DIY speaker cable using nothing more than readily accessible household supplies. Feel proud knowing that you helped save money on premium brands.
Have fun experimenting with various colors, styles, textures, lengths, etc. Just remember to maintain your sanity throughout the whole ordeal. Above all, never rush through this process. Doing so will likely lead to errors that are difficult to remedy afterwards. Always aim to spend extra time making minor adjustments rather than rushing through the final stages. Try taking short breaks whenever needed. Relaxation helps prevent stress levels from rising unnecessarily.
Good luck!