Can you piggyback speakers?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

I’d be happy to provide a detailed answer for your question!

When it comes to connecting two speakers to one amplifier, there are a few factors to consider. One of the main considerations is the impedance of the speakers. Impedance is the measure of resistance to the flow of electrical current in a speaker. It is typically measured in ohms.

If each speaker has an impedance of 8 ohms or more, then you can generally connect them in parallel. This means that the positive terminal of one speaker is connected to the positive terminal of the amplifier, and the negative terminal of the same speaker is connected to the negative terminal of the amplifier. The same is done for the second speaker. This setup allows the amplifier to distribute power evenly between the two speakers.

On the other hand, if each speaker has an impedance below 8 ohms, it is generally recommended to wire them in series. When speakers are wired in series, the positive terminal of one speaker is connected to the negative terminal of the other speaker. The remaining positive terminal of the first speaker and the remaining negative terminal of the second speaker are then connected to the corresponding terminals on the amplifier. This setup increases the overall impedance seen by the amplifier, which helps protect it from overheating or getting damaged.

It’s important to note that if you’re unsure about the impedance of your speakers, you can usually find this information in the user manual or on the back of the speaker itself. Additionally, some speakers may have multiple impedance options, so make sure to set them to the appropriate value before connecting them to the amplifier.

In my personal experience, I have connected multiple speakers to one amplifier using both parallel and series wiring methods. When I had two speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms each, I connected them in parallel and was able to achieve a nice balance of sound. However, in another situation where I had two speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms each, I wired them in series to ensure the amplifier’s safety and prevent any potential damage.

To summarize, when connecting two speakers to one amplifier, you can wire them in parallel if each speaker has an impedance of 8 ohms or more. If each speaker has an impedance below 8 ohms, it is generally recommended to wire them in series. Remember to check the impedance of your speakers and consult the user manual or manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions. Happy listening!