Loudspeakers, Single wiring, Bi-amping

loudspeakers

Single wiring

Single wiring is the conventional wiring method of running a single cable per channel between the amplifier and the speaker; this is the easiest technique.

If each speaker has more than one pair of connecting terminals, use the terminals labelled LF or ‘Low Frequency’ for each speaker.

Connect the positive terminal of the right speaker connection on the amplifier (coloured red and labelled +R) to the positive terminal of your right speaker.

Similarly, connect the negative terminal of the amplifier (coloured black and labelled with R–) to the negative terminal of your speaker. Repeat the process for the left speaker, using the amplifier terminals labelled +L and L–.

If your speakers support bi-wiring, then there is a strip of conductive metal on the speakers connecting the low- frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this must not be removed in a single-wired system.

Notes on making speaker connections

< Do not make any connections to any amplifier

while it is switched on. We recommend that

your amplifier is completely disconnected from

the mains supply before starting.

< Before switching your amplifier(s) on for the

first time after connecting to speakers, please

check all connections thoroughly. Ensure that

bare wires or cables are not touching each other

or the amplifier’s chassis (which could cause

short circuits), and that you have connected

positive (+) to positive and negative (–) to

negative. Be sure to check the wiring for both

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An A18 connected to speakers using single wiring

the amplifier and the speaker.

< After making connections: switch the

amplifier(s) on, select a source signal, then

gradually increase the volume to the required

listening level.

< If you are unsure as to how your system should

be connected, or need advice on bi-amping,

please contact your Arcam dealer who will be

happy to help you.

Bi-amping

Bi-amping is the separation of the amplification of low- and high-frequency signals over two amplifiers.

Bi-amping requires the use of two amplifiers per channel. Normally, your A18 is used to drive the high- frequency (treble) speakers, with a P38 used for the lower (bass) frequencies.

Connect your A18 to the speakers as described for single wiring, with the exception that the A18 should be connected to the speaker terminals labelled HF or ‘High Frequency’. Then connect the power amplifier (an Arcam P38 for example) to the LF or ‘Low Frequency’ terminals, as in the diagram. A pair of audio interconnect cables are also required to connect the pre-amp outputs of the A18 to the power amp inputs of the P38.

Note that the strip of metal on the speakers connecting the lower terminals to the upper terminals must be removed. Failure to do so will result in damage to both amplifiers, which will not normally be covered under warranty.

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An A18 and P38 connected to speakers using bi‑amping

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