System 3: 2 speakers on each front channel (parallel wiring) wired with extra parts for 4 ohms per channel + 1 subwoofer wired for 4 ohms minimum. 4 channel amps that handle 2 ohms bridged are less common but they are out there. System 2: 2 speakers in parallel to each front channel = 2 Ohms x 2 + 1 subwoofer wired for 4 or 2 Ohms on the rear channels bridged for more power. This is the first and best choice for most modern 4 channel amps. System 1: 2 speakers (parallel wiring) to each front channel = 2 Ohms x 2 + 1 subwoofer wired for 4 Ohms on the rear channels bridged for more power. I’ll describe 3 main system setups which I’ll cover in detail. Here are the speaker wiring and speaker (Ohms) loads possible for nearly all amps you’ll run across. If so, you’ll be glad to know there’s a work-around that I’ve come up with that will let you wire your 4 speakers up without damaging your amp. Maybe you’ve got an older amp that’s been sitting around unused. #3 is less common but it’s one you’ll run across. 4 channel amps with a minimum speaker load of 4 ohms.4 channel amps with a minimum speaker load of 2 ohms in either stereo or bridged.4 channel amps with a minimum speaker load of 2 ohms in stereo, 4 ohms bridged (for the subwoofer).In this post I’ll cover 3 types of systems as that should cover almost all amps you’ll find: To keep it simple, I’ll summarize what will work for almost all systems & amplifiers you’ll come across. The real answer, however, is that it depends on your amp’s ratings. That’s important because amps are designed for a certain minimum speaker load (Ohms rating).Īs I mentioned above, most car amps today can handle a 2 ohm load per stereo channel (left & right channels) and 4 ohms minimum when bridged to drive an amplifier (called “mono”). Speakers are usually connected in series or parallel (well, really, most often in parallel) which affects the total resistance an amp will see. Minimum speaker loads for wiring a 4 channel amp to 4 speakers and a subwooferĭiagram showing how a car amplifier’s Ohm rating works with speakers. Don’t do it! Burning out your amp’s output stages is not a nice surprise. I’ve seen this happen when people try to “get more power” by incorrectly wiring speakers to an amp. If you connect a speaker load below the amp’s minimum rating it can get hot and even become permanently damaged at some point. The rating shown on the amp or in the owner’s manual serves as a warning. The speaker impedance or “Ohms” rating of a speaker (also called the speaker load) is the resistance to the flow of electrical current that the amplifier sees at the speaker terminals.Īmplifiers are designed to handle a minimum speaker load. Today’s 4 channel (and other) car amplifiers have a minimum speaker load they can handle. Never run an amplifier with a speaker load that’s lower than the rating! Your amp will run hot and possibly become damaged. Most car amps today have a minimum of 2 ohms per channel in standard (stereo) use and 4 ohms minimum when bridged. Image showing a typical 4 channel amplifier’s minimum speaker load (Ohms) rating. What does the minimum impedance (Ohms) rating mean for an amp? That being said, don’t worry too much! You can still enjoy the music you love with a nice-sounding 4 speaker + subwoofer system. Driving 4 speakers from 2 channels means the speakers are sharing the amp’s power, so you’ll have less power available to each of those.If yours doesn’t, you’ll need a work-around I’ll show you. Most but not all car amps today can handle speaker loads down to 2 ohms. You’ll likely have to give up front-rear fader control ability as you’re giving up 2 channels for the rear speakers to drive a sub (2 front/2 rear).To drive 4 speakers and a sub with a single 4-channel amp you’ll have to make a few compromises. Let’s get a few things out of the way before we go any further. Additional suggestions & parts you may need.What crossover settings should I use on my 4 channel amp?.How to get around the lack of a front/rear fader.Using power resistors for harder installations (4 ohm min.DIAGRAM – How to wire a 4 channel amp to 4 speakers and a sub.What is “bridging” an amp? Why is this best for driving a subwoofer?.Speakers don’t measure exactly 4 or 8 ohms!.How to measure speaker Ohms with a multimeter.Minimum speaker loads for wiring a 4 channel amp to 4 speakers and a subwoofer.What does the minimum impedance (Ohms) rating mean for an amp?.
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