Don’t be spooked by wiring: set up your first 2.1 system without fear

Wires get a bad rap. They tangle. They look messy. They’re the cobwebs of the audio world, mysterious and menacing. But here’s the truth: Wiring your speakers isn’t scary at all. In fact, it’s the simplest way to unlock goosebump-worthy sound that wireless gear can’t always match.

If you’ve been haunted by the idea of drilling holes or deciphering complicated diagrams, you’ll be surprised to learn how simple wiring really is. And once you’ve heard the difference, you’ll wonder why you were ever spooked.

Why passive speakers?

Polk loudspeakers are passive. That means they rely on an AVR for power. The payoff: more amplifier headroom, better driver control, and the flexibility to start with a simple 2.1 system and expand into surround or Atmos later.

Three (and a half) things to know about wiring

Wiring sounds intimidating, but it really comes down to a few simple considerations:

1. What kind of wire should I use?

Standard 14- or 16-gauge speaker wire works perfectly.

2. Where can get speaker wire?

Inexpensive wire can be found at hardware stores, audio retailers, or online.

3. How much wire do I need?

Measure from your AVR to each speaker, then add about 20 percent slack.

Bonus: How can I improve aesthetics?

Don’t want wires on display? Run them under rugs, clip them neatly along baseboards, or use cord covers to keep things tidy.

Setting up your first wired 2.1 system

A simple 2.1 system (two bookshelf speakers and one subwoofer) is the perfect entry point into wired home theater. It’s compact, beginner-friendly, and delivers tons of punch.

The speakers: Polk Reserve R100

The Reserve R100 bookshelf speaker brings movies and music to life with sparkling highs, expressive mids, and clean bass, delivering nuanced sound that feels larger than its size. The R100 is also Hi-Res Audio Certified and ready for immersive formats like Dolby Atmos.

The AVR: Denon AVR-S670H

Because the R100s are passive, they need a receiver to power them. The Denon AVR-S670H is a perfect match. With 5.2 channels at 75 watts per channel and support for Dolby Atmos, 8K video, and HEOS whole-home streaming, it’s a hub you can grow with.

The subwoofer: Polk Monitor XT10

The Monitor XT10 adds the low-end impact that makes movies more thrilling and music more alive. Compact but powerful, it’s the ideal partner for the R100s in a first wired setup.

Wiring made easy

Ready for the “hard” part? Spoiler: it’s four easy steps:

1. Cut the speaker wire to length.
2. Strip about half an inch of insulation.
3. Connect the positive wire from your AVR’s left red “+” output to the red “+” terminal on your left speaker, and the AVR’s left black “–” output to the black “–” terminal on the left speaker. Repeat the process for the right channel. (Think of it like jump-starting a car—red to red, black to black—only way less risky.)
4. At each connection, loosen the red and black knobs, slip the bare wire into the hole, then tighten each knob until the wire is snug.

Helpful tip: Speaker wire is often color coded red and black or is marked with a stripe, texture, or colored jacket to help you easily match ends.

Wired for goosebumps

Once you power up your wired system, the payoff is obvious. Dialog is clearer, music comes to life, and the bass moves you—the kind of sound that gives you goosebumps. Suddenly, wiring doesn’t seem so scary after all.

And, your 2.1 system is just the beginning. When you’re ready, add more Reserve speakers for 5.1 surround, or go for full immersion with Dolby Atmos. Think of it as leveling up your system one goosebump at a time.