How to Connect Two Speakers to One Output?

Do you want to learn how to connect two speakers to one output? Are you ready to become your own handyman? We’ve prepared an easy step-by-step guide on how to connect your devices, and today we’re sharing it with you!

Checking Whether You Can Connect Two Speakers to One Output

So, is it possible to connect two speakers to one output? Yes, it is! That one output needs to be a regular amplifier. Therefore, your first assignment will be checking the maximum current rating of your amp. That way, you will make sure that the device will be able to handle both speakers without causing issues with the audio. In case you found that your amp is strong enough to sustain the power of two speakers, you can freely move on to the next step.

Getting to Know the Basics of the Connection You will be Making

Now, besides checking whether your devices can be connected at all, you also need to know some basics on the connection you are about to make. Namely, there are two ways to connect your speakers to your amp: in a series and in parallel. In case you have no idea what we mean by that, don’t worry. We’ll explain everything thoroughly.

First of all, connecting “in a series” means that all of the components you will link will be connected end-to-end in a line. That line will form a single path that will allow the current to flow seamlessly. In most cases, as a series circuit needs to go through every component, all of them will need to carry the same current. Moreover, since this type of connection has only one path for the current to pass, in case something happens with one of the components, the entire circuit will open or just stop working.

The best example we can give you are the old-school Christmas tree lights. If one of those light bulbs would break, every light on the string will stop working as well. Thus, you would need to replace that one bulb in order to repair your Christmas tree lights.

On the other hand, a “parallel” connection means that you’re connecting all of the components across each other’s leads. The current can flow in many different paths. The components in this circuit have the same difference of voltage on their ends, and those differences are the same in magnitude. You will be able to calculate the total current of the components by simply summing up the currents of every individual component.

Choosing the Best Way to Connect Two Speakers to One Output

You now know everything about the main two ways to connect your two speakers to your amp. But, which way is better for your speakers? Thankfully, you don’t have to be an expert in order to find out. You will decide on how to connect your speakers by checking their impedance.

Two Speakers

You can find your speakers’ actual impedance written on the back of your devices or the boxes they came with. In case you can’t find the box, you can check the instructions that were in the box with your speakers. In addition, many manufacturers post the specs of their gadgets online. Thus, you can also Google your model in order to find out the impedance of the devices you’ll be connecting.

After you find what you’re looking for, the answer to the main question of this section is pretty simple. In case your speakers are less than 8 ohms, you can link them to your amp in a series. On the contrary, those whose speakers have 8 ohms or more should wire them in parallel.

Connecting Two Speakers to the Amplifier in a Series

The reason why you are connecting speakers with 8 or fewer ohms in a series has to do with the total load impedance of your amp. In a series connection, two speakers with, for instance, 4 ohms, add up to the total load of 8 ohms. As most amplifiers can sustain the load of 6 or more ohms, a series connection is the best way to go.

The easiest way to understand the connection you’ll be making is by looking at pictures. But, we’ll also try to explain the whole process as simple as possible.

If you want to connect your speaker cables directly to the amp, the first thing you’ll need to do is take the speaker wires of both speakers and attach them directly to the amplifier. You should insert a wire from one speaker into the positive terminal and the wire from another into the negative. Then, take the other two wires and join them together, so they form a shape that resembles a triangle.

In case you need your speakers attached to the amp, but you want one speaker to be connected with the other one, the process is similar. Firstly, you should cut one wire to be closer to one speaker. Then, attach it in a series to the wire of the second speaker. Then, use the other wires to link your speakers to the positive and negative terminals of the amp. That’s it!

Connecting Your Speakers to the Amp in a Parallel

In a parallel connection, two speakers carrying 8 ohms create a total load of 4 ohms. So, the parallel connection lowers the numbers and allows your speakers to be attached properly without the risk of your amp not being able to carry out the connection.

The first way to connect your speakers in a parallel is by attaching them directly to the amp. You should simply take all of your speaker cables and connect each of them to the positive or negative terminals. So, you will have a positive wire attached to the positive port of the amp and the negative one inserted into the negative. The same goes for the other speaker.

On the other hand, if you want your speakers to be first connected to each other, your steps will be a bit different. You should take the wires of one speaker and connect them to the second speaker. Then, take the wires of the second speaker and connect them to the amplifier. After doing all of the steps, your speakers will be properly attached to the amp!

Final Thoughts

Congrats! You made it to the end of our article, which means you now know how to connect two speakers to one output! Even though the process won’t be the easiest one, if you follow our guide carefully, you will have your devices ready to go in no time!

If you liked this article, we know that you will also love other posts we’ve prepared for you. So, check out our website for more!

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