How to Wire Subwoofers in Parallel
Nothing adds more bass impact than adding subwoofers. Adding two, driven off the same amplifier channel, can make a dramatic difference in volume and impact. Parallel wiring lowers amplifier impedance (or load), making the amp work a little harder, and creating more output. All that's required are a few simple tools and speaker wire to make this visceral experience a reality.
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Things You'll Need
- Two 4-ohm subwoofers
- 2-ohm stable amplifier
- 20-foot spool of 12-gauge speaker wire
- Klein tool
- Screwdrivers (Allen, Philips, flat-head)
Instructions
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1
Turn over both subwoofer drivers, so the magnet is facing outward.
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2
Cut two lengths of speaker wire to reach from the amplifier to each subwoofer, using the Klein tool.
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3
Cut a 1/4-inch piece of insulation from each end of both pieces of speaker wire. There should be eight bare wire ends now visible.
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4
Using the appropriate screwdriver, connect the end of the positive wires (usually has printing or a molded ridge) to the positive terminals on the amplifier. If this is a mono amplifier, both positive wires will be combined at the single positive amplifier terminal. If it is stereo, the positives will be combined at the left channel's positive terminal.
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5
Using the appropriate screwdriver, connect the end of the negative wires to the negative terminals on the amplifier. If this is a mono amplifier, both negative wires will be combined at the single negative amplifier terminal. If it is stereo, the negatives will be combined at the right channel's negative terminal.
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On the back of the subwoofers, connect the two positive speaker wire ends to both positive terminals, one wire each. Repeat this step for the negative terminals.
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Tips & Warnings
For added impact with a 2-ohm stable stereo amplifier, connect two subwoofers in parallel to each channel.
Amplifiers should be at minimum 2-ohm stable. This is important, should strong bass passages threaten to place the amplifier into protection (temporary shutoff).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Inside sound system image by Dmitry Sosenushkin from Fotolia.com
