As an audio fanatic, having to learn how to wire a 4 channel amp to 4 speakers and a sub might not be a bad idea. The best thing about having a high stereo system is that you can listen to your audios in bliss and satisfaction.
On this note, it’s imperative to take your stereo capabilities to the next level by understanding the wiring techniques of various extensions which can be utilized to boost the audio frequency of your speakers.
Further, this wiring technique is practicable and easy to follow through. And in this guide, we will explore the various options and steps that can be undertaken for you to successfully wire a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub.
Take note; you can only wire a 4 channel amp to four speakers or two speakers and a sub, not both.
Learn What is an Amp
An amplifier sometimes referred to as an amp, can be said to be an electronic device or electronic component that intensifies the power of an input signal.
To achieve this, the electronic circuit takes power from an electronic supply and distributes the power to the input terminal, intensifying the input signals and subsequently amplifying the signal at its output.
Further, the process is quite long, but all you need to know is that the work of an amplifier is to boost an input signal. There are numerous types of amplifiers. Some of which are;
Audio Frequency Amplifier
Audio frequency amplifiers can intensify the low-level signals in the human hearing range. That is between 20Hz to 20 kHz; this estimated figure varies between different audio-frequency amplifiers.
Moreso, these types of amplifiers use the powered inputted signals from a voltage to provide ample power for the loudspeakers.
Ultrasonic Amplifier
Ultrasonic amplifiers are built for specific objectives such as cleaning purposes, scanning purposes, metal fatigue detention technique, remote control system, and a host of others.
Intermediate Frequency Amplifier
Intermediate frequency amplifiers are used to increase the voltage signals in T.V. devices, radar devices, and radio signals.
Further, the amplifier’s primary duty is to amplify the voltage sent to the T.V. or radar signals before the video and audio info is disassociated by the radio signals.
D.C. Amplifiers
DC amplifiers are more distinct or evident in electronic devices and measuring appliances. Moving forward, they are used to power low-frequency signals when the D.C. level of the signal is an important criterion.
Wide Band Amplifiers
Wideband amplifiers can be considered to be used in evaluating equipment such as oscilloscopes (analyzes waveform of electronic signals).
For there to be an effective measurement, this amplifier must have gained enough power from D.C.
Radio Frequency Amplifier
R.F. Amplifiers are low noise and high-performance amplifiers that act as a buffer between the receiving antenna and circuit to prevent unwanted signals from both devices.
Buffer Amplifier
Buffer amplifiers exist with other amplifiers such as video amplifiers, D.C. amplifiers, wideband amplifiers, ultrasonic amplifiers, R.F.
amplifiers, intermediate frequency amplifiers, and audio frequency amplifiers. They exist in between two circuits, created to prevent one circuit from being over the other. Buffer amplifiers are best used as impedance matching devices.
Video Amplifier
Video amplifiers are a special set of amplifiers. They control the picture information of T.V., videos, or radar systems.
What are Speakers
In essence, the speaker system can be considered to be an intermediate between the electronic audio system and the physical world.
Speakers are of different sets, sizes, and qualities. However, having a great stereo system can be very advantageous and pleasurable.
The following are types of speakers with distinctive features and purposes;
- Subwoofers
- Center-Channel Speakers
- Tower / Floor Standing Speakers
- Bookshelf Speakers
- Portable Speakers
- Surround Speakers / Satellite Speakers
- Soundbars
- In-Wall Speakers
- Built-In Speakers
- In-Ceiling Speakers
- Outdoor Speakers
- Smart Speakers
Whereas subwoofers are utilized to boost the lowest audio frequency. This is different from speakers because it uses electronic signals to produce sounds, and the subwoofer boosts low-end audio frequency.
Differences Between Connecting a 4 Channel Amp to Four Speakers and Eight Speakers
On numerous counts, people tend to increase the number of speakers wired to an amplifier as an extension of the sound system for various purposes.
However, you should not just increase the number of speakers you have. There are various reasons why the speakers are increased.
For instance, room space, the purpose of the room, quality of the speakers, and so on. Furthermore, these reasons may vary from person to person.
The differences between wiring a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub and wiring a 4 channel amps to eight speakers are;
Scope/Capabilities
Truly, connecting 4 channel amps to four speakers and a sub is in comparison to connecting 4 channel amps to eight speakers different in scope or capabilities.
In essence, the scope or capabilities that the first would cover would be less than the second one, which consists of eight speakers.
However, this is not strictly speaking because the number of a speaker driver or numbers of speakers does not determine the efficiency of its sound.
Power Range
Another notable difference between both examples is that a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub would require more power or voltage to produce the same loudness as a 4 channel amp to eight speakers.
Here, the power withdrawn is from the amplifier but different inputted voltage from the amplifier.
Connectivity
In sum, it’s imperative to understand that the connectivity between both examples in the subheading may be similar but not the same.
Therefore, the way you wire a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub is different from connecting a 4 channel amp to eight speakers.
Cost
Another important thing to note is that evidently, the cost difference between both examples would differ. Therefore, the cost needed to get a 4 channel amp, four speakers, and a sub would be different from getting 4 channel amp and eight speakers.
Distinctive Purposes
Apart from getting a 4 channel amp, four speakers, and a sub/ 4 channel amp and eight speakers, the basic thing to note is that both examples are one way of ensuring a great sound system.
However, it can be noted that both examples might be used for different purposes. The former can be used in a spacious room while the other can be used in a large building.
Further, it can differ, but their purposes can be distinct.
Can I Wire a 4 Channel Amp to 4 Speakers and a Sub
To wire a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub, you need to understand that you should never try to run an amplifier with a lower speaker load than the rating.
Further, the ohms rating of the speaker can be considered to be the resistance to the flow of electrical current that the amplifier sees at the terminal of the speaker.
Step 1: Ascertain Whether or Not the Speaker Matches the Amplifier Rating Capabilities
In point, this is very important because consequently, if not adhered to, it can lead to overheating or explosion. Also, you can measure the speaker’s ohms with a multimeter.
Step 2: Figure Out the Wiring Method You Should Implement
There are two wiring methods; series and parallel wiring methods. For series wiring, the total value of the speaker ohm is added together.
And the speakers get only ½ of the total amp power output. Whereas the parallel wiring method relays the same amp power to all speakers because the speaker ohms are divided.
However, to wire a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub, you might have to implement both wiring methods.
Step 3: Conduct the Wiring Method for Three Systems
The systems are:
- System 1: Connect two speakers to the front channel using the parallel wiring technique. Here, you should get two ohms for each channel. Connect this to the subwoofer and rear channels.
Next, connect the positive left-end and negative right-end audio amplifiers. Highly recommendable for 4 channel amplifiers. - System 2: Here, the wiring method here is similar to system 1. Using the parallel wiring method, connect the two rear speakers and the subwoofer. Here, you can choose two Ohm or four ohms sub connections.
- System 3: Connect two rear speakers with four ohms and a wired subwoofer using the parallel wiring method. In this system, a resistor is connected to the speaker wire.
Step 4: Check for Results
For a successful and accurate result, use a multimeter and adjust to ohms mode if it does not self-adjust automatically. Measure the ohms using a multimeter, and then read the result.
Check the table below for more info:
| Speaker Loads | Power Impedance |
| 2 ohms | 1 – 1.8 ohms |
| 4 ohms | 3.2 – 3.6 ohms |
| 8 ohms | 6 ohms – more |
| 16 ohms | 12 ohms – more |
Take note; the speaker rating won’t be exactly classified as it is. As seen from the table, it’s reduced a little.
Step 5: Next, Test Runs the Wiring Connections and Ensure that They are Secured and Intact
These specs are allowed systematically when you have successfully wired a 4 channel amp to four speakers and a sub.
How Does it Work
Most guides on ‘How To Wire A 4 Channel Amp To 4 Speakers And A Sub’ might not dwell on the underlying process of the whole thing.
However, creating a wiring technique or process that involves connecting numerous amps and speakers and a sub can be the true definition of finding the best stereo system for your space to please your ear and other satisfactory reasons.
Now, the speaker’s impedance rating is very essential to the process of connection. In essence, this is why it remained the first step in the previous subheading.
To achieve a successful connection, you have to confirm and do a detailed evaluation of the speaker’s impedance rating and minimum load.
After completing that, the remaining action has to do with wiring the correct wires and setting up control with a few easy steps enumerated in the previous subheading.
You can work on the connection and successfully connect 4 channel amps to a speaker and sub without any complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many speakers can I hook up to a 4 channel amp?
Do you need a 4 channel amp for 4 speakers?
However, if you’ve installed a front and rear speaker, then you require a 4 channel amplifier. For a 4 channel amp, you might also require four speakers or two speakers and a sub. Evenly, this depends on the user.
How do you hook up 4 speakers to an amp?
Instead, you can wire four speakers to an amp using a four-zone speaker selector switch. With this selector switch, you can quickly run the wire from the central location to the speakers. In addition, it is easy to set up and also quite safe.
How to hook up a 4 channel amp to front and rear speakers?
Next, get quality cables for wiring. Also, you can run the connection directly at the speaker or tap off the wiring and run at the speaker level amp input. Nevertheless, wire the amp power and the remote-on wire. Be safe.
How to wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers?
The two speakers connected to two channels are safe and proper, whereas the four speakers connected to two channels might lead to overheating and might destroy your devices.
Further, it is recommended to connect four speakers to 4 channel amps, more equivalent.
How to properly connect 3 speakers in parallel/series?
However, the thing about parallel wiring is that the overall resistance drops whenever speakers are added, and according to Ohm’s law, the current must increase.
For series-parallel wiring methods, all devices work connected, and if there’s a fault in any of them, it leads to the overall failure of the connection.
As such, the overall resistance here increases. Here, the speakers are connected wholly, from A positive to B positive, then C positive. The same thing applies to negatives.
Can a 3-ohm speaker work with a 4-ohm amplifier?
How many speakers can a 4000-watt amplifier handle?
Can you use 8-ohm speakers on a 4-ohm stereo system?
Will a speaker get damaged if the wires for positive and negative are reversed?
Therefore, the bass frequency suffers the most when there’s reverse polarity, but physically, there would virtually be no effect.
Conclusion
Finally, this guide has discussed the possible issue that could arise when trying to figure out how to wire a 4 channel amp to 4 speakers and a sub.
However, in essence, it is practical and safe to use an equivalent channel amp with some speakers. Technically speaking, you can achieve a connection if the amp and speaker are not equivalent but preferable and recommendable.
Furthermore, the guide has been created for your convenience and understanding. Therefore, if you are in doubt about something or have a question, feel free to reach out at any time.
