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APPENDIX: MULTIPLE SPEAKER LOADS IN SERIES
Series connection is where the same signal current flows
through each of the speaker loads. The signal goes into one
terminal of the first speaker and out its other terminal; then the
signal goes into one terminal of the next load, and so on. If any
of the speakers in a series-connected branch of a system fails,
the signal is prevented from flowing through any of the loads (no
sound). Total impedance for series connections is the sum of
each of the impedances in the chain (see illustration, below).
Series connection schemes are usually used with “raw”
speakers (not often with speaker cabinets) for wiring conve-
nience. The exposed speaker connections make this method
easy for small “strings” of speakers in one area. Most PA-type
Multiple Lo-Z Loads in Series:
speaker cabinets are NOT wired for series connection ability;
consult your speaker’s documentation for connection information.
It is not recommended to connect speakers of different imped-
ances in series because power will be divided unequally
between them. If you are experienced with mixing and matching
speaker loads of varying impedances, no damage to the amplifier
will result as long as the total impedance is within 4 to 16 ohms
per stereo/parallel channel or 8 to 16 ohms, bridged.
Below are examples of series connections for 2, 4, 8, and 16 ohm
speaker loads. Series connections resulting in an impedance of
250 ohms or greater are not recommended.