Series and Parallel speaker connections
APPENDIX
The connection of more than one speaker per channel will tend to degrade the speaker’s frequency response, and may make the amplifier run hot. For the best results use one speaker per channel.
If you do want to connect more than one speaker per channel, there are two main ways: Series or Parallel.
Series
For example, if you want to
Amplifier
Outputs
•The positive output terminal of the right channel connects to the positive input post of the first speaker.
•The negative input post of the first speaker connects to the positive input post of the sec- ond speaker.
•The negative input post of the second speaker connects to the negative output terminal of the right channel.
•The total impedance of speak- ers in series is found by adding their impedances together. For example, two four ohm speak- ers in series is an eight ohm load.
•Series connections are easier on the amplifier than parallel connections as the total imped- ance is higher than driving a single speaker.
Parallel
For example, if you want to parallel- connect two speakers to the front right channel of the amplifier:
Amplifier
Outputs
•The positive output terminal of the right channel connects to the positive input post of the first speaker and to the positive post of the second speaker.
•The negative output terminal of the right channel connects to the negative input post of the first speaker and to the negative post of the second speaker.
•The total impedance of equal speakers in parallel is found by dividing the impedance of one speaker by the number of speakers. For example, two eight ohm speakers in parallel is a four ohm load (eight ohms divided by two), four eight ohm speakers in parallel is a two ohm load (eight ohms divided by four).
•Parallel connections are harder on the amplifier than series connections, as the total im- pedance is lower compared to driving a single speaker, and the amplifier must produce more current to drive them.
•Ideally, the total average impedance should be no less than 4 ohms per channel.
•You must make sure that the lower impedance does not cause the amplifier to over- heat, shut down, blow the line fuse, or pop your circuit break- er. If this happens, you should reduce the number of speakers wired in parallel, rewire them in series, or use more than one power amplifier.
User's Manual
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