It is normal to want better sound quality from our sound system, and there are different ways we can achieve this. One easy way to get better sound quality is by increasing the number of speakers in our setup.
You can add up to four speakers when using a 2 channel amplifier, and there are three ways you can do it. You can connect them in parallel, series, and the speaker connector switch.
We are here to answer your question if you’re wondering how to connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amp. This post will show you easy ways to connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amp and tips to help you do it better.
Connecting 4 Speakers to a 2 Channel Amp
Connecting 4 speakers to a 2-channel amp is possible if you have the right knowledge. It is also very possible to overload your amplifiers if you try to connect more speakers than they can take.
A 2 channel amplifier has two independent outputs or separate channels and is designed to hold two speakers conveniently. However, with some technical know-how, you can set up four speakers and connect them to the amplifier.
There are three key methods for setting up 4 speakers on a 2 channel amp, and we have them ready for you.
How to Connect 4 Speakers to a 2-Channel Amp
Connecting in Series
One convenient method is connecting your speakers in series to the amplifier. When we say connection in series, it simply means all the components are arranged such that the same amount of current flows through them.
This connection means that the same value of current in speaker A will flow through speaker B all the way to speaker D.
Connecting in series is probably the easiest to connect multiple speakers, but it is not the best choice. Connections in series have low voltage, and each appliance in the connection must do more work. Continuously using your speakers in series can eventually wear them from overheating and increased internal resistance.
Let’s look at how to connect in series:
First, you need to know where the positive terminal is from the negative terminal. Both your speakers and amplifier have their terminals, and to ensure a successful connection, it is important that you can tell these terminals apart.
Once you have the different terminals, you can start connecting them accordingly. You want to connect them such that the line starts with the positive end of your amp, through the four speakers, and back to the amp’s negative terminal.
Let the positive end of the first speaker stay in contact with the positive end of the amplifier, then connect the first speaker’s negative end to the second speaker’s positive end. Keep linking the opposite terminals of one speaker to the next until the negative end of the fourth speaker is in contact with the negative end of the amp.
At this point, you successfully connected your speakers and amplifier in series.
Connecting your speakers in series is straightforward, but remember that you’re giving your speakers more work, and they can overheat over extended use. However, the sound quality will improve.
Connecting in Parallel
Connecting in parallel is the opposite of connecting in series. In this case, different current values flow through each speaker.
The speaker’s form a loop in the series connection, and the current flows directly through all the components. However, the parallel connection directly links each speaker to the amplifier.
Connecting in parallel gives better sound quality than series, but it also has the downside of stressing the amplifier. If you connect four speakers in parallel to an amp, we advise you get one with a high power rating.
How to connect in parallel:
As we did in the earlier method, you first have to find the speakers’ and amplifiers’ negative and positive terminals. Once you’ve done that, connect the positive end of your amplifier to the positive end of the first speaker, and connect the negative end of the amp to the negative terminal of the first speaker.
Once you’ve connected your first speaker, do the same thing for the second to fourth, and ensure that they are all connected directly to the terminals of the amp.
This method puts a heavy strain on the amplifiers since it feeds four speakers directly, which is why we recommend a good power rating.
Speaker Selector Switch.
Using a speaker selector switch is the easiest option for multiple speakers with a 2 channel amp. A speaker selector switch is a gadget that connects speakers to the amplifier.
The speaker selector switch is designed to hold a lot of loads, and it can bear the power of four speakers. The speaker selector switch makes it easy for you to connect your speakers to an amp with less power and protects the other gadgets from danger.
Furthermore, some selector switches give you control over the volume of each speaker it controls.
How to set up a speaker selector switch:
As usual, get familiar with all the switch, amp, and speakers terminals. First, you have to connect the switch to the amplifier via the terminals. Positive goes to positive and negative to negative.
Next, you have to connect the speakers to the switch, and you can do that by connecting the positive terminals on the speaker to those on the switch and the same for the negative terminals.
Now that we’ve looked at the three ways you can connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amplifier, let’s look at some important points.
Points to Note When Connecting 4 Speakers to 2 Channel Amp
Avoid Overloading the Amp
A 2-channel amp was originally designed to hold a maximum of 2 speakers, but if we do it right, we can make it work with more than that, as we’ve seen above.
Each amplifier has a specified amount of work it can do, and once that limit is exceeded, problems will begin to occur in the amplifier. At some point, the amp can get overloaded, which can be due to connecting more speakers than it can carry, using a powerful power source, or setting the speakers’ volume to the loudest.
If you overload the amplifier, it can damage the internal components and cause short-circuiting.
If you don’t want your amplifier to get overloaded, avoid using your speaker at the highest volume, use a speaker selector switch instead of a direct connection, and don’t surpass the power limit of the amp.
Every amplifier comes with a power rating, and we advise that you know this rating and apply it when making choices regarding your amp.
Select a Connection Method
We are giving you three methods to connect your amplifier to give a choice and not for you to experiment with all the methods. If you try using all the methods or develop a habit of changing the connections, you will damage your amplifier sooner or later.
We advise you to make findings on each method, compare this information with your equipment and select one that works perfectly for you. Constantly changing and rearranging your connection method can also wear out your wires and lead to poor connections.
Proper Maintenance
Don’t forget that your amplifier and speakers are also electrical appliances that are prone to conditions and damage.
Most times, it seems like our gears stop working out of the blues because we didn’t pay attention to them before that time. The same applies to our amp and speaker – if we don’t check them frequently, they will spoil before we know anything was wrong.
You can conduct a thorough inspection by examining the physical condition of your audio equipment. Look for any signs of damage like a crack, mold, naked wires, and anything that doesn’t look normal to you.
You can also carry out routine checks on your speakers, and these checks are easier if you have a speaker selector switch. With a speaker selector switch, you can test the sound output of each connected speaker, and all you need to do is turn down the volume on the speakers you’re not testing.
Another step is cleaning your audio equipment. You will need a brush for dusting and a cotton towel for the covers and knobs. Don’t attempt to use water or anything wet to clean any part of your audio equipment as it is dangerous to you and the gadgets.
Watch the Power Supply
You must be careful when connecting any of your tools to a power supply. Most of these audio tools have their estimated power limit, and it will be dangerous to surpass that limit. If you notice that the power output from the source is higher than what your devices can handle, don’t plug it in at all.
If you use a higher power supply, you should get a stabilizer or adapter that can regulate the current to something more usable. Another option is to get something that can handle the power supply and that is suggestive of equipment with a higher power rating.
Follow the Manual
Your speakers and amplifier should come with a user manual. The user manual is a very important part of the equipment and contains all the necessary information you need to know about the appliances.
Certain things are specified, such as power rating, precautions, and similar things you will only see in the manual. Don’t be a know-it-all. Try to read through the manual at least twice before making any move.
Mark the Wires
It is very easy for wires to get mixed up and clustered when dealing with audio equipment. Most times, we just leave the wires clustered and forget about them, but they can become a real pain later.
To prevent stress, when next you want to check your wiring, try to distinguish between the wires. You can use a marker or label to highlight each wire for easy identification. Try to use a label that will last a long time and still be visible.
Use Passive Subwoofers
Passive subwoofers are the opposite of powered woofers because they don’t come with a preinstalled amplifier. Passive subwoofers produce bass sounds.
For a passive subwoofer to work perfectly, it needs to be linked to an external amp. Using four passive subwoofers with a 2-channel amp will be a great match.
Type of Amplifier
The type of amplifier you purchase will go a long way to determine how many speakers you can attach and the sound quality.
There are two well-known classes of amps: solid-state amps and tube amps. The solid-state amps are better suited for musical instruments. They also require frequent replacement.
On the other hand, the tube amps perform better but are fragile. Also, the tube amp is better suited for connecting multiple speakers and will be a better choice in this case.
Get Standard Equipment
If you want to use multiple speakers with your amplifier, it is best to plan a robust budget. Most of the equipment suitable for use with multiple speakers has a higher power rating, which equals a higher price.
It is better to save up and get high-quality audio equipment than buy a cheap one that will spoil after some months of use. Think of it as more of an investment than a liability, which will help your choice.
Let the Experts do Their Part
Sometimes we feel we can easily solve the problem with our electrical equipment, but this is not advisable with audio equipment. If any of your equipment has a problem that will require you to open it up, take it straight to the store you bought it from or a trusted technician.
If you try to open the equipment by yourself, you’ve already violated the warranty, and you might make it worse.
Conclusion
If you want a better sound experience, you can now connect 4 speakers to your 2-channel amplifier. We’ve looked at the different methods you can use to connect the speakers in series, parallel, and with a speaker selector switch.
If you were wondering how to connect 4 speakers to a 2 channel amplifier, your questions have been answered above. We’ve also shown you someuseful tips when setting up your sound system.