Optimize Home Theatre System? Denon Avr-788, Polk R50s, M50s, CS2, and PSW10

[CLKeenan]

Hi everyone,

So I'm new to the forum and to setting up a home theatre system in general. I'm hoping to get some feedback on the system I'm about to setup. Here are the main components:

TV: Sony Rear Projection Non-HD KP-48S75 (definitely the weak link in the system, was left with the house that I rented. Probably will replace soon)
Cable: Comcast Digital Cable Box (Non-HD... will upgrade if we get a better TV)
DVD Player: Phillips DVD Player with HDMI port
Receiver: Denon AVR-788
Fronts: Polk M50s
Rears: Polk R50s
Center: Polk CS2
Subwoofer: Polk PSW10

Wire: Monster Standard 16 gauge THX-Certified Speaker Cable (wasn't much more than the non-brand names)
Banana Plugs: Nakamichi Speaker banana plug connector 24K (got good feedback from previous buyers, and it was the best price I found)

So I have a few questions:

-What is the best way to connect the subwoofer to the receiver? I've heard something along the lines of connecting the subwoofer to the front left and right jack. If that's the case, where do I connect the front speakers to then? Sorry for the stupid question haha.

-Am I correct in putting my M50s in the front and R50s in the rear?

-Are the banana plugs/speaker wire good enough for this setup? I won't be running cable longer than 25'

-Another stupid question, I couldn't find the positive or negative marking on the cables. I read in their FAQ:

What is Multi-Twist construction?
Multi-Twist construction is a design where the positive and negative conductors within a cable are tightly twisted together causing any external noise or interference to cancel itself out. This design was originally used by Bell Labs during its infancy to run long lengths of cable throughout the country to cancel out noise.

Could that be the reason?

So if you haven't picked up on it already, I'm completely new to this so I'd appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks a lot in advance!
-Chris

 

[tbergman]

-What is the best way to connect the subwoofer to the receiver? I've heard something along the lines of connecting the subwoofer to the front left and right jack. If that's the case, where do I connect the front speakers to then? Sorry for the stupid question haha.

Checked the manual and you have L/R line inputs on your sub, the manual says you can use either one with the sub preout on your Denon or use both with a Y-splitter. So just run a digital coax aka rca cable to either the left, right, or both using a Y-splitter. Here is an example of what I'm talking about. Y-splitter Now I'm sure you can find a cheaper one.

-Am I correct in putting my M50s in the front and R50s in the rear?

I'm sure someone else knows polk better than I, so I'll let them chime in.

-Are the banana plugs/speaker wire good enough for this setup? I won't be running cable longer than 25'

Yes, 16 gauge should be fine. This is the table I always refer to. Wire Table

-Another stupid question, I couldn't find the positive or negative marking on the cables. I read in their FAQ:

Does it have any marking as far as one is rough and the other is smooth?