Audio Systems/speaker wiring

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Expert: - 11/15/2008


Question
I have a pair of 15 inch sub with dual 4 ohm voice coils is it possible to hook these up in series through the second voice coils to make them a pair of 8 ohm subs to maych the impedance rating of my amp

Answer
Yes, you can wire the coils in series or parallel.  If in parallel they will give you a 2 ohm load; if in series it will give you 8 ohms.

See these diagrams:

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/support_pages.php?page_id=161

You can google for others.  

And, you can sometimes get a better match by putting the two speakers in parallel for 1 ohm and bridging the output of the power amp - which can deliver more power when loaded into a 1 ohm load (usually for ClassD switching amps).  

Let me know the make/model of the speakers and the amp and I can give you further guidance - if you need...

Good luck,
Cleggsan  

Audio Systems

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Cleggsan

Expertise

Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

Organizations
Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

Publications
Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

Education/Credentials
BSEE/MSCS/MBA

Past/Present Clients
Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

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