How Do I Bridge My 1000 Watt Amp?
Bridging a 1,000-watt amp follows the same procedure as any multichannel bridgeable amp. Bridging allows stereo amplifier channels to work in tandem, providing combined wattage from each channel to drive a mono speaker system. In the case of a 1,000-watt stereo amp, each amplifier channel will output 1,000 watts to the left and right channel speakers. In bridge mode, the amplifier will output 2,000 watts but will no longer operate in stereo -- a result that is desirable in many high-powered subwoofer installations or to drive full-range live concert speakers. Instructions are for a 1,000 watt stereo amp configured by the manufacturer for mono bridging, connected to a speaker with 2,000-watt handling capacity.
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Instructions
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Turn the amplifier volume down and the power switch off.
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Determine the bridged output speaker ohm rating by reading the user manual or checking the back of the amplifier near the speaker terminals. It is vital that the connected speaker's ohm rating is equivalent to the amplifier's output ohm rating to prevent amp damage. Speaker specifications are published in the speaker user manual or printed on the speaker or cabinet back.
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Connect the positive speaker wire to the amplifier's right channel positive speaker output terminal. Connector types are varied and numerous, so consult your speaker and amplifier user guide if you are unsure of speaker connection types.
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Connect the negative speaker wire to the amplifier's left channel negative speaker output terminal.
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Turn on the amplifier's power and test for operation.
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Tips & Warnings
Some amplifiers have a bridging switch that must be placed in bridge mode prior to turning on the amplifier.
Amps and speakers use one or more wattage ratings. Use only published RMS (root-mean-squared formula for average continuous power output) wattage ratings rather than "peak" or "maximum" wattage to prevent damage to speakers and amps. RMS speaker wattage must meet or exceed that of the amplifier's output in bridge mode.
Not all amps are bridge-capable. Attempting to bridge an amp that is not configured for this operating mode will cause amplifier damage.
