Thanks in advance for reading and/or answering this query.
I’m in the process of installing a sound system in my 1987 Cadillac Fleetwood.
Now the only sticking point is that I have a 4-channel amp (600 watts total), and I need to wire 2 front speakers, 2 rear speakers, and 2 subwoofers, to it, that is, 6 channels worth.
Can I simply double up outputs (2 speakers each on 2 of the channels) , or am I SOL, or what?
Thanks again.
Mythos
What are the 4 channels on your amp? If they are just 2x L and R then your subwoofers are going to be getting all the wrong information.
Wiring speakers in parallel can be risky, as the reduction in impedance can over-current the output stage of the amplifier. To find out if it’s O.K., divide the (single) speaker impedance by two, and make sure it is equal or greater than the minimum load impedance specification for the amplifier. For example, if the minimum load impedance specification of the amplifier is 4 ohms, then it’s probably safe to wire two 8 ohm speakers in parallel, but it would not be safe to wire two 4 ohm speakers in parallel. If it’s a problem, you can try wiring them in series. While this is usually safe, there will be a reduction in SPL, and sound quality may suffer.
Skogcat, they’re Front Left, Rear Left, Front Right, and Rear Right.
In light of your and Crafter_Man’s responses, how can I wire up the subwoofers so that:
a) subs sound good
b) speakers work fine
?
Crafter_Man, what alternatives, if any, can you recommend to wiring them in a series?
Thanks for replying.
Mythos
What you should do is Buy an amp for your subs.
Otherwise do this. Run your four speakers (highs) off of the front channel. Two positives in the one positive and same for negative. This is parallel and the voltage and resistance will remain the same is the same.
If you were to wire these is series it would drop the resistance and possibly damage the amp or speakers unless it is capable @ 2 ohms. What kind of amp is it. That would help.
Run the subs off the rear channels.
Poloin99, its an LA Sound Laguna 190. 4 channels with 150 watts per channel, 600 total watts.
This is what I was leaning toward doing, however, are there any sound quality depreciation or speaker damage issues I should be aware of?
The speakers are 2 6" 120 watt (rear) and 2 6"x9" 180 watt (front), subs are 10" 400 watt.
Mythos
I tried to find that amp on the web so I could give you some more information. That search yielded no valuable results. The way I recommended setup is the optimum way for your amplifier to process the sound.
Good luck.
I’d like to thank Skogcat, Crafter_Man, and Poloin99 for their help.
I’m going to verify the amp’s minimum load impedance , then wire the 4 four speakers into the front channels in a parallel fashion. Bless you all.
Mythos