How to Wire a Two-Channel Mono Block Amp to Two Subs
Larger home amplifiers designed for high wattage output are often configured internally as dual-mono designs, created for the purpose of outputting similar amounts of current as two independent amplifiers. Monoblock designs, given their inherent high-current capabilities, are ideal for driving passive subwoofers. Ideal for the DIYer that wants to custom-match their subwoofer designs with a beefy amp, wiring a stereo dual-mono amplifier to two subwoofers is the same as wiring a conventional stereo amplifier.
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Things You'll Need
- Preamplifier
- Dual-mono amplifier
- 2 Passive subwoofers
- Speaker wire
- RCA/XLR cables
- Male to dual female RCA/XLR Y adapter
- Wire cutters
- Wire stripper
Instructions
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1
Access the rear of the preamp and the amplifier. Locate the subwoofer RCA preout on the preamplifier, and the matching inputs on the monoblock amplifier.
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2
Connect the RCA cables from the subwoofer preout to the corresponding RCA input on the amplifier. Attach a male to dual female Y adapter in situations where the preamp has only one subwoofer preout, and the amplifier has two.
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3
Cut two lengths of speaker wire to span the distance from the rear of the amplifier to each passive subwoofer.
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4
Strip 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of each length of speaker wire.
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5
Unscrew the binding posts on the speaker outputs of the amplifier, and both subwoofers.
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6
Insert the speaker wires into the exposed holes on the binding posts of the amp and subs. Screw the binding post caps back down to secure the wires.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make all RCA and speaker level connections with the system powered down.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit home movie theater components image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
