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How to Connect 4 Speakers to a 2 Channel Amplifier

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Updated March 19, 2023

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If you know what you’re doing, many of the best speakers can be configured so that you can connect multiple speakers to each channel in your amplifier. Below, we’ll show you how to connect four speakers to a 2-channel amplifier.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Whenever setting up speakers in a series, the owner must first calculate the impedance rating of the speakers and amplifier.
If the load impedance between the stereo speakers and amp match, connect a wire from the amp’s positive terminal to the first speaker’s positive terminal.
From there, run the wire from the first speaker’s negative terminal to the next speaker’s positive terminal. Repeat this process until you get to the last speaker terminals.

And for similar resources regarding wireless equipment, you can read up on our articles that catalog the loudest Bluetooth speakers and how to connect Bluetooth speakers.

Connecting 4 Speakers to a 2-Channel Amplifier

Connecting speakers can be done in various ways, even if you’re connecting an Xbox One to a Bluetooth speaker. The two most common setups are speakers in a series or a parallel setup. Below, we’ll show you how to connect speakers in a series so you can achieve the best possible sound quality.

Insider Tip

Remember to double and triple-check the total speaker/amplifier impedance levels before connecting any wires.

If you’ve been wanting to get into doing your electrical work and want to take on a serious project, read our guide on how to make an amplifier for speakers. Or, for those in the market for an entirely new pair of speakers, you can read our Audioengine N22 Desktop Amplifier & P4 Passive Bookshelf speaker review.

STEP 1

The first step when wiring speakers to a multi-channel amp is to ensure that the impedance levels match. To calculate the impedance of speakers in series, add the overall impedance of each speaker. For example, if you have four 8-Ohm speakers, the total impedance will be 32 Ohms. Your amplifier should be rated to handle this many Ohms. The impedance rating for the amplifier and the speakers should be listed in their respective manuals or on their labels.

STEP 2

If the total speaker impedance falls within the impedance rating of the amplifier, then take the positive wire from the amplifier and screw it into the positive terminal of the first speaker.

STEP 3

Connect a speaker wire from the first speaker’s negative terminal to the second speaker’s positive terminal. Then, do the same from the second speaker to the third speaker and the third speaker to the fourth speaker.

Warning

Never connect speakers with a total impedance lower than the amps since it can damage the amp.

STEP 4

Then, connect a wire from the fourth speaker’s negative terminal back to the negative terminal of the stereo amplifier.

STEP 5

Test the speaker setup at different volume levels and ensure that all the connections are secure and working correctly.

STAT: The majority of stereo speakers will have an impedance rating between 4 and 8 Ohms. (source)

How to Connect 4 Speakers to a 2 Channel Amplifier FAQs

How as many speakers can an amplifier handle?

The number of speakers an amp can handle always comes down to load impedance. If the minimum impedance of the amp matches the combined Ohms of the speakers, it doesn’t matter how many sets of speakers are connected.

How can I measure speaker Ohms with a multimeter?

You have first to set the multimeter to the Ohms setting. Then hold the probes to the speaker terminals, and it’ll show you how many Ohms the speakers have.

Is it better for two speakers to be connected in series or parallel?

Again, the best speaker setup always depends on the impedance levels. So always check the load impedance on both the speakers and amp to determine if you should use series or parallel wiring.

References:

Nathan Rizzuti

An abiding consumer, Nathan cares a great deal about advocating and informing fellow users on their latest rights, options, and news updates concerning their beloved and expanding assembly of gadgets.