How to Amplify a Non Powered Speaker

Amplifiers or receivers power non-powered sealed speakers.

A non-powered speaker is the predominant loudspeaker that everybody knows. It's distinguished by the lack of a built-in amplifier within the cabinet as in a powered speaker. You amplify such speakers by connecting an external amplifier to the speaker's terminal connections, which are usually on the back of the speaker cabinet. You can also use a receiver that combines pre-amp and amplifier in one unit, like a surround sound receiver, to power a non-powered speaker.

Things You'll Need

• Speaker
• Amplifier
• Audio receiver
• Speaker wire

Instructions

1. Strip 5/8-inch insulation from both ends of a length of 12-gauge or smaller (for short cable runs) braided wire.

2. Twist the wires ends together tightly. Attach a twisted wire end to the amplifier outputs of a receiver or amplifier.

3. Attach the other twisted wire end to the speaker terminals of the non-powered speaker. Be sure to maintain the color connection: black-to-black, red-to-red, white-to-white. Red is always the positive or hot lead.

4. Make sure line-level inputs are attached to an amplifier if separate amps are being used to power the speakers. This is not necessary for a receiver or integrated amplifier.

Tips & Warnings

• Wireless speakers are another form of non-powered speaker. Just remember that both the amplifier/receiver and the speaker have to be equipped with wireless antenna/transmitters for Wi-Fi communication.

References

• DJ-Equipment-Review: DJ Speakers Discussed

Resources

• PC Mag: Intellitouch Wireless Speakers