Speaker wiring 101 (polarity?)

[peekobi]

I know that the positive (+) and negative (-) speaker wires should always be consistent to keeping the speakers in phase. My question: is there an easy way to identify the + from the - on the wire? Or do you have to trace them from receiver all the way to the speakers.

I'm using heavy monster wire up front for my fronts & center, while my backs & rears are 16 gage Radio Shack wire. I can't tell in either case which is which. (+ or -) Is this really a big deal?

[McLoki]

I am not sure on your wire, but most speaker wire has writing of some kind only on one side of the speaker wire. Just always plug the side with writing into the red (or black if you preferr) connection and they will stay straight.

Yes, it is worth the minimal time it will take to ensure that the speakers are running with the correct polarity.

Michael

[peekobi]

Thanks. 6 out of 7 were correct. There is writing on some and + and -'s on the others.

Now I'm working on the Subwoofer which is a digital LFE in. I've been reading that this is NOT the way to wire this.