When setting up your sound system, it’s essential to know how to connect the speakers. In most cases, you can connect them in series or in parallel. Is this also true for 4 ohm speakers?
You can connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel. Just ensure the positive terminal on the first speaker is connected to the positive terminal on the second speaker, and the negative terminal on the first speaker is connected to the negative terminal on the second speaker.
This post will look at what it means to connect two speakers in parallel and whether or not it’s a good idea. By the end of the post, you’ll know if this is an option worth exploring for your system. Let’s get started!
Also read: 2 Ohm Vs. 4 Ohm Speakers – Sound Quality Comparison
How To Connect Two 4 Ohm Speakers in Parallel
There are many reasons why you might want to connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel. Maybe you need to increase the wattage rating of your amplifier, or perhaps you want a fuller sound. Whatever the reason, connecting two 4 ohm speakers in parallel is a relatively easy task you can do in just a few minutes.
Here’s how to connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel in 3 easy steps:
- Locate the terminals on your speakers. The terminals will be either binding posts or spring-loaded speaker wire connectors. If you’re unsure about which terminals are which, consult your speaker’s owner’s manual.
- Once you have located the terminals, use some speaker wire to connect one speaker’s positive terminal to the other speaker’s positive terminal.
- Next, use some more speaker wires to connect the negative terminal of one speaker to the negative terminal of the other speaker.
Here’s a quick video on how to connect two 4-ohm speakers in parallel:
If you want to check the resting impedance of your speakers before you connect them, I recommend this KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter with Case from Amazon.com. It’s affordable, versatile, and very easy to use.
The Effects of Connecting Speakers in Parallel
Now that you know how to connect two 4-ohm speakers in parallel, let’s look at some of the effects this will have on your sound system.
Speakers in Parallel Are Loud
When you connect your speakers in parallel, the wattage rating of your amplifier is effectively doubled. That means your speakers will be able to handle twice as much power and will be significantly louder than if they were connected in series.
In addition, because the impedance of your speakers is halved, you’ll be able to get more volume out of your amplifier without sacrificing sound quality.
If you’re looking for a way to make your music system louder, connecting your speakers in parallel is a great option.
Speakers in Parallel Have Reduced Impedance
Another effect of connecting your speakers in parallel is that the impedance of each speaker is reduced. The impedance of a speaker is the measure of how much resistance it has to the flow of current.
When you connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel, the impedance of each speaker is reduced to 2 ohms. That means that more current will be able to flow through your speakers, which can improve sound quality.
If One Speaker Fails, the Other Will Still Have Sound
When you connect your speakers in parallel, each speaker shares the load. That means that if one speaker fails, the other speaker will still be able to produce sound.
Here are a few instances when this can be beneficial:
- You’re using your speakers for a party or other event where it’s crucial that the music doesn’t stop.
- You’re using your speakers for outdoor activities where they may be subject to more wear and tear.
- You’re using your system for critical applications like live sound reinforcement or PA systems.
The Amp May Get Damaged
One potential downside of connecting your speakers in parallel is that it can strain your amplifier. When you connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel, the total impedance of your system is reduced to 2 ohms.
That means more current will flow through your amplifier, which can cause it to overheat and potentially be damaged. If you connect two 4 ohm speakers in parallel, it’s essential to make sure that your amplifier is rated for a 2 ohm load. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your equipment.
Tips for Connecting Your Speakers in Parallel
Now that you know the effects of connecting your speakers in parallel, here are a few tips to help you get the best possible sound:
Use Good Quality Speaker Wires
A surefire way to improve the sound quality of your system is to use good-quality speaker wires. Cheap speaker wire is often made from lower-quality materials that can degrade the sound of your system.
The truth is that you don’t have to get too fancy with your speaker wires. After a certain price point, it stops making much of a difference. Just make sure it’s 14 AWG and made of oxygen-free copper.
If you don’t really understand the difference between 12, 14, and 16 gauge, here’s a helpful article I wrote on the subject. It should help you decide on the right cable for you.
Make Sure Your Amp Is Rated for Half the Impedance of Your Speakers
As I mentioned, connecting your speakers in parallel can strain your amplifier. Therefore, it’s essential that your amplifier is rated for half the impedance of your speakers. For example, if you’re connecting two 4 ohm speakers in parallel, your amplifier should be rated for 2 ohms.
If you’re not sure what the impedance of your speakers is, you can usually find this information on the back of the speaker or in the owner’s manual.
Consult the User Manual
Before you connect your speakers in parallel, it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual. The user manual will often have specific instructions on how to connect your speakers in series and in parallel. It should at least warn you about what you should and shouldn’t do with them.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Connecting two 4 ohm speakers in parallel is a quick and easy process that anyone can do.
Just remember to consult your owner’s manual first and always use high-quality speaker wire to ensure optimal sound quality. Happy listening!
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.