Connecting loudspeakers

Wiring strategies

There are three different wiring strategies that can be employed to connect your amplifier to your speakers. The choice will be limited by what your speakers can support.

<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.

<Bi-wiring

Bi-wiring is running two separate cables between the amplifier and each speaker, with one cable carrying the low-frequency information, the other the higher-frequency signals. The P35 and P1 are designed to allow easy bi-wiring, but speakers support it only if separate connection terminals are provided for the two cables (the speaker will have two pairs of terminals on the back, one pair labelled ‘HF’ or ‘High Frequency’, the other pair labelled ‘LF’ or ‘Low Frequency’).

Why is this useful?

Bi-wiring improves the sound of your system because the separation of high- and low-frequency signal currents into separate speaker cables avoids distortions caused by the different currents interacting with one-another within a single cable, as occurs in single-wired systems.

<Bi-amping

Bi-amping is the separation of the amplification of low- and high-frequency signals over two amplifiers. You will require two amplifiers to do this.

Why is this useful?

The performance of your system is enhanced over bi-wiring by extending the signal separation principle to use separate amplification for the low and high frequency drivers in each speaker.

Single wiring

Both the P35 and the P1 are designed for bi-wiring, which is why there are duplicate speaker terminals on the back. Both amps are quite happy with single-wiring, however; we recommend that you use the lower sets of speaker terminals (labelled ‘SP1’ on the P35) in this case. Similarly, if your speaker has more than one pair of connecting terminals, use the terminals labelled ‘LF’ or ‘Low Frequency’ on the speaker.

For the P35, 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 –’.

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A P35 connected to speakers using single wiring.

For the P1, connect the positive speaker terminal (coloured

red and labelled ‘+’) to the positive terminal of the speaker to be driven. Similarly, connect the negative terminal of the amplifier (coloured black and labelled ‘–’) to the negative terminal of the same speaker. Repeat the process for your other P1 and speaker.

If your speakers support bi-wiring, then there is a strip of 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.

Bi-wiring

Bi-wiring is performed in the same way as single wiring except that, for each speaker, a pair of cables are used to connect the amplifier to each speaker.

Follow the instructions given for single wiring; then perform the same actions, this time connecting the second set of speaker terminals (labelled “SP2” on the P35) to the speaker terminals labelled ‘HF’ or ‘High Frequency’. Please refer to the illustration.

Speakers that support bi-wiring have a strip of metal on the speakers connecting the low-frequency terminals to those for the higher-frequencies; this must be removed in a bi-wired system.

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A P35 connected to speakers using bi-wiring.

C31/P35/P1

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Arcam P1, C31 manual Connecting loudspeakers, Wiring strategies, Single wiring, Bi-wiring
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C31, P1 specifications

Arcam P1 and C31 are two essential components within the Arcam product line, known for their exceptional audio performance and advanced technologies. Both units are designed to cater to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, providing a blend of power, clarity, and versatility.

The Arcam P1 is a powerful class AB power amplifier that is engineered to deliver an impressive audio experience. With a power output of around 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, it is capable of driving a wide range of speakers with ease. The P1 utilizes advanced circuitry and high-quality components to ensure low distortion and high fidelity. Its high current capability ensures that it can handle dynamic audio passages, making it suitable for both music and cinematic experiences.

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