How to install an in wall subwoofer

Evaluate the accessibility of each area where you plan to install the wires. You may find that a combination of installation methods works best for you. To run wires through walls, also known as fishing, you'll need a tool called a fish tape, which electricians use to pull electrical wires through inaccessible areas. Fish tape is a length of stiff wire with a hook at the end. A long fish tape is wound around a reel, and a short fish tape 4 feet is not.

In some cases, you'll need both to complete the job. If you are running the wires overhead through the attic, you may need to drill an access hole through the top plate s one or more two-by-fours of the wall and down into the wall.

If you are working from beneath the floor, you may need to drill a hole in the bottom plate s up into the wall. If you're running wires laterally through the walls, you may need to cut small holes in the drywall to expose the studs and drill holes large enough for the wire.

The drywall holes only need to be 1 inch high and wide enough to expose both sides of the stud. And you can easily patch them. If you decide to run wires behind the baseboards, remove them and cut a channel into the drywall with a utility knife, run the wires, and then replace the baseboards. The recommended size or gauge of the wire you use depends on the distance from the amplifier or receiver to the speakers.

Typically, or gauge wire works well for most installations up to feet. Beyond that, use or gauge wire, which is larger in diameter and requires larger holes. Use good speaker wire for the best sound quality.

It's a good idea to staple or secure the wire in place, whether you're running the wires through the attic or under the house. Be careful not to pierce the insulation around the wire while stapling. When working in the attic or under the house, be sure to wear gloves, a mask, and a cap to protect you from dust, fiberglass insulation, and other hazards. Note: If you are installing speakers in several rooms that are powered by one amp or receiver, it is important to install a switcher with an impedance-matching device.

This is essentially a small box with several speaker connectors that ensures that the component will work with multiple speakers. Step 5: Installing the Speakers If you want to paint the speaker frames and grilles to match the walls, paint them before you install them.

Always use spray paint and mask the speaker components. Some in-walls come with a paint mask for this purpose. Several light coats of paint are better than one thick coat.

Most in-wall speakers use four or six dog-leg clamps to secure the speaker to the wall, and some have a gasket that goes between the speaker frame and the wall to prevent vibrations and wall rattles. After inserting the speaker and gasket, if applicable into the cutout, tighten the screws on the front of the speakers to move the clamps into position and attach the speaker to the wall.

Some speakers use a perimeter clamp, which uses the entire frame to clamp the speaker to the wall. Both types work well when properly installed. Some in-wall speakers are installed in two pieces. The frame is secured to the wall, and the speaker is then inserted into the frame.

Consider installing some insulation R in the wall cavity behind the speakers to improve sound quality. The width of the insulation is usually pre-cut, so you only need to cut it to length and insert it in the opening behind the speakers. Each speaker has a positive red and a negative black terminal, and amplifiers have similar identifying marks or colors.

It's important to connect them correctly. Turn on the amp or receiver to perform a sound check. Start at a low volume, in the case of a problem. Listen to each speaker, and use the balance control stereo receiver or speaker test tones multichannel receiver to make sure all channels are connected correctly.

If you don't hear any sound from a speaker, shut off the receiver and check your connections. If the receiver turns on and then immediately shuts off, you probably have a wire connected incorrectly, bare wire touching metal, or a bad connection.

Re-check the connections on each speaker and on the back of the receiver. If yours don't, use tape to mark them for easy identification. Step 7: Optional, but Highly Recommended Turn on your favorite movie or music, sit back, and enjoy your work.

Parts and Tools Required: 1. Cordless drill with a variety of bits 2. Hand drywall saw 3. Stud finder 5. Gloves, dust mask, and cap 6. R wall insulation 7. Screwdrivers Philips and slotted 8. Wire cutters with insulation stripper 9. Level Tape measure Search form Search. Gary Altunian Jan 28, Like many homeowners, you probably enjoy home theater, but you'd prefer not to have five speakers and a subwoofer on your living-room floor. Then consider in-wall speakers as a solution.

The question is, can you install them yourself, or should you call a professional? The answer is, yes you can install in-walls yourself, with some planning, a few basic tools, and a little patience. Your local Paradigm dealer can get you back boxes for certain AMS models. I can also recommend the Dynamat En-Wall not a typo. They work well with every in-wall speaker we've tried. One of my side walls is a 6" exterior wall with batt insulation.

Are there restrictions on installing an in-wall speaker in an exterior wall? Let's not forget to use speaker cable that meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code's Article , unlike the speaker cable shown in the article's picture. CL3 speaker cable is available from many companies. Even do-it-yourself types, ugh, should know and follow code. Hi Thanks for this ultimate step by step guide to install wall speakers.

I love this article Fishing Hats For Men. Search form Search. HT Staff Dec 8, Log in or register to post comments. Back Boxes for In-wall? Submitted by andyloso on December 8, - am. Hi, I am finishing my basement into a home theater and installing Paradigm AMS series inwall speakers. NEC much? Submitted by TheJoBoo on December 9, - am. Thanks, JoBoo -- this last point very well taken.

These were old photos picked up from an article published a long time ago in home theater, and I didn't notice that the cable shown in the open wall cavity is absolutely NOT code.

In-wall speaker cable has the conductors in their own insulation as you see here and then contained within a protective sheath. In-wall cable glides better through studs and walls, has better tensile strength to avoid breakage from pulls, and offers more protection from sharp protrusions.

It's designed to work better and be safer when run in wall cavities shared with electrical lines. Related Latest Reviews News. Building a Home Theater? Avoid these Pitfalls. Acoustics Review: Sonos S5 ZonePlayer and 3. Digital Media Receiver Roundup. Review: Pro-Ject RM New Gear for the New Year. Discovering YouTube. Beethoven, Regolith, and You.