How to connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier with a bridge

How to connect a sub to a 4 channel amplifier
4 channel amplifier for subwoofer and speakers
Connect 4 channel amplifier to 1 subwoofer

The quality of listening to music programs in a car depends on the parameters of two main components. These are speaker systems and a low-frequency unit used to connect speakers. Additional factors that ensure good sound are connecting wires and their proper installation in the cabin. Car sound systems have different numbers of channels. A four-channel block is considered a universal design. It allows you to connect a subwoofer, front speakers and rear speakers to a 4-channel amplifier.

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

We select the wires ourselves

The best option is to assemble the kit yourself, choosing copper wires taking into account the power of the audio system.

Power wires

The most significant component. Their incorrect choice will not only affect the sound quality, but can damage all components of the audio system.

So, knowing the power of the system and the length of the wire, we will determine the required cross-section. To select a cross-section, use the table below (calculation is given only for copper wires).

Advice from CarAudioInfo. Car audio stores have a lot of power cables from well-known brands. They are good in everything except the price. As an alternative, industrial wires can be used. Most often in installations there are KG and PV wires. They are not as flexible as branded ones, but they are much cheaper. You can find them in “Electrics” and “Everything for Welding” stores.

Interblock “tulip” and control wire

The purpose of the interconnect wire is to transmit the initial signal from the head unit to the amplifier. This signal is vulnerable to interference, and the vehicle contains a large amount of electrical equipment. If we install “tulips” intended for home use or budget car speakers, there is a high probability that extraneous noise will arise when the subwoofer operates.

When choosing, we advise you to give preference to well-known brands. Pay attention to the composition - not everyone in the budget segment has copper; the manufacturer indicates this on the packaging. Pay attention to the connectors themselves. It is better to choose metal and shielded wires - this will make the connection stronger and protect the signal from interference.

The next thing is the presence of a control wire. Does it go with “tulips”? Great! If it is not there, no problem, we purchase any single-core wire with a cross-section of 0.75-1.5 square, 5 m long.

How to connect a sub to a 4 channel amplifier

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier will provide excellent sound quality in the car. Separate low-frequency amplification paths allow you to connect front and rear speakers and a subwoofer to a four-channel device.

Connecting a subwoofer to a four-channel amplifier can be done in two ways. In the first case, the connection of the speaker systems looks like this:

Channel one – front speakers
Second channel – rear speakers
The third and fourth are a bridge subwoofer

The second option implies that the four-channel unit will be used only for the subwoofer. In this case, two low-frequency speaker systems are connected. One in the first and third channels, and the second in the third and fourth. Connecting a subwoofer with a bridge to a 4-channel amplifier is considered the most convenient option. This configuration means that the low-frequency sound system is connected between the plus of one channel and the minus of the second as shown in the figure.

Bridging a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer should be done very carefully. The instructions for the amplifier indicate the minimum permissible impedance of the loudspeakers, which can be used on one channel or on two channels in a bridge connection. Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier may have limitations, since some models allow connecting a speaker with a resistance of at least 4 ohms. When connecting a four-channel amplifier to a subwoofer, it is important not to reverse the polarity and make the connection as shown in the diagram.

Before installing the connecting cable onto the screw terminal, it must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the oxide film from the surface of the copper. You need to unscrew the screw, make a copper loop at the end of the cable and tighten it under the washer. If you only clamp the end of the cable, vibration may weaken the thread and the wire will come out from under the washer.

How to setup

Correctly setting up the subwoofer allows you to make the most of all the capabilities of the speaker system in your car. Some music lovers still use factory settings, but this can greatly affect the sound quality. This feature is explained by the fact that the manufacturer cannot take into account the preferences of each listener. In addition, the quality of the reproduced sounds is greatly influenced by the type of car body and the installation features of the subwoofer.

Inaccuracies when connecting the subwoofer to the standard radio and setting up the system cause resonance in the car and rattling of individual elements of the plastic trim. To correct the sound, experts suggest using a specialized disc. It can be found in auto stores. This disc contains musical compositions with which you can fine-tune the settings.

Active subwoofer

To properly set up an active subwoofer in a car, you need to go through several stages of work. The stages of work are similar for any type of connection (to a monoblock or through amplifiers).

First of all, turn on the low-pass filter. It can be located on the radio itself or on the amplifier. The filter can be called as follows: Low Pass Filter (abbreviated LPF), as well as LF or low-pass filter. This action is necessary to minimize the sound of mid and high frequencies. When the filter is turned on, only bass will be heard.

Initial volume and frequency settings. Before you properly configure the sub, you need to find the filter frequency control - it is located on the amplifier and marked Frequency. Its indicator should be at around 80 Hz. The sensitivity control can be recognized by the inscription Gain or Level. Its level must correspond to that of other regulators.

Switching polarity. Only the fact in which direction the speaker cone will begin to move depends on the specific connection. In order to adjust the parameter, you need music in which the bass is reproduced clearly and clearly. After this, you need to find a sound option in which the subwoofer will produce sounds that are indistinguishable from the sounds from other elements of the speaker system.

The next task is to adjust the subsonic. This name refers to a subtonal filter that cleans musical compositions from excessively low sounds. In most cases, a level of 20 Hz will be sufficient. Those who prefer the loudest bass possible may need a level of 40 Hz.

It is equally important to configure the subwoofer taking into account mid-bass performance. This again requires volume control and a low-pass filter.

If you need soft bass, set the volume higher and the filter lower.

How to connect a four-channel amplifier to a subwoofer

Connecting a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer by bridge is carried out with a copper stranded wire of the appropriate cross-section. This is an acoustic cable designed specifically for connecting speaker systems, especially high power ones. Ready-made kits are available for sale, but it is not recommended to buy them. They are inexpensive, but have low quality insulation. Some manufacturers offer connecting cables with copper-coated steel cores. You cannot connect a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer with such wires.

A low-frequency speaker system is usually placed in the luggage compartment of a car, and a low-frequency system can be installed in the passenger compartment or in the trunk. Therefore, the cable consumption will be small. To connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, you need to select the cross-section of the connecting wires. For most systems, a cross-section of 4 mm2 will be sufficient, and for very powerful speakers 6-8 mm2. There is a well-known rule - the thinner the speaker cable, the worse the playback quality. This is especially true for low frequencies, so there is no need to skimp on cable cross-section.

Classification of subwoofers and methods of installing them in a car

How to connect an FM transmitter to a car radio and adjust the sound quality

All car subwoofers are divided into two large classes: passive and active.

A passive subwoofer is a box with speakers built into it. In order for such a subwoofer to work, you will have to additionally purchase a sound amplifier of appropriate power, since passive subwoofers do not have their own amplifier.
Active subwoofers differ from passive ones in that they have their own built-in amplifier.

In fact, an active subwoofer is a ready-to-use acoustic system that is suitable, perhaps, for most car enthusiasts, except for those who have special requirements for sound quality. Very often, active subwoofers also have the ability to adjust sound frequencies and bass levels.

There is another type of subwoofer that does not have a housing and is a speaker with or without an amplifier - they are called frameless.

Cabinetd subwoofers, in turn, differ from each other in the shape of the housing and the material from which it is made:

Regardless of the type of subwoofer (active or passive), the body shape can be round, square or rectangular.
The material used to make the body can be multilayer plywood, chipboard or even fiberboard.

The frequency characteristics of the subwoofer also depend on the material of the housing, as well as its shape.

Methods for installing a subwoofer in a car

In most cases, subwoofers are installed in the trunk of a car, and the installation locations may vary. Most often, the subwoofer is attached to the back of the rear seat, but there are also options when the “sub” is installed on the side in the luggage compartment.

Woofers that do not have a cabinet are typically installed in the following locations:

In the interior trim of the car;
In the trunk floor;
The housing is made according to individual calculations, taking into account the characteristics of the free space in the car. Such subwoofers occupy a minimum of usable space in the luggage compartment of the car.

There are also compact models of subwoofers that are installed under the front seats of a car. However, such devices are not very powerful.

After determining the installation location, the subwoofer is directly installed in the car and its further connection to the car’s on-board network and to the amplifier or car radio.

Choosing a speaker for the subwoofer

Car subwoofers often use speakers ranging in size from 6 to 15 inches. We will focus on the most optimal and popular options - these are 10 and 12 inch speakers.

Why this particular size? Speakers under 10 inches are most often used for extra bass and front bass, and are unlikely to make a good subwoofer. Speakers as small as 15 inches are used in car audio competitions. A subwoofer with such a speaker has a volume of up to 90 liters and will not fit in every car. In addition, it greatly distorts the sound.

There is no consensus on what power speaker to choose. But one thing is for sure - the maximum power of the speakers must exceed the maximum power of the amplifier. If the speaker is operated at maximum volume for a long time, this will lead to sound distortion and noise. It's better to keep a balance.

If you do not plan to take part in competitions, we recommend choosing 10-12 inch speakers. A homemade box for a 12-inch speaker has a volume of 40-50 liters and will fit in any trunk.

Connect 4 channel amplifier to 1 subwoofer

Some car enthusiasts install two loudspeakers in a closed box or bass reflex to get powerful and rich bass. Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is done using a bridge circuit, but each two channels will work as a bridge to their own speaker. It will no longer be possible to connect other speaker systems, but the bass will be exceptionally strong and dense. To organize sound in the car interior, you will need a separate low-frequency unit. The connection diagram for one subwoofer for 4 channels is made with a thick acoustic cable in compliance with all reliability requirements. It is best to lay the cable in a corrugated plastic sleeve. The plastic material used to make the hoses does not support combustion so that in the event of a short circuit, fire can be avoided. It is important to secure cable lines with ties to avoid breakage in case of strong vibration.

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier yourself

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4 channel amplifier

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier without losing power? What needs to be done so that the connection diagram of a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is fully and correctly implemented? All these questions require answers, which we will try to provide in the article.

What is an amplifier for?

The audio system, as you know, has long been of interest to the driver. If earlier more attention was paid to the chassis or technical serviceability of the vehicle, today, on the contrary, it is to comfort. And car audio occupies one of the leading positions in this regard. In order for the audio system to play at full power, recently they began to connect a subwoofer - a separate speaker that reproduces low frequencies. It is connected through an amplifier. Today there are three types of amplifiers installed in a car.

Note. The amplifier is installed in the car so that the driver and his passengers can fully enjoy the sound of music or watching a movie or video. For this reason, a properly selected and installed amplifier is of great benefit.

Of the above types of amplifier, 4-channel is considered the most popular, because it can be used for both 4 and 2 speakers, as well as a subwoofer. In addition, the 4-channel amplifier can be used to connect 2 subwoofers.

Note. The best and most widespread manufacturers of high-quality 4-channel amplifiers are considered to be models from the brands Alpin, Blaupunkt, Magnat, etc.

A 4-channel amplifier can be of two more classes:

AV amplifier (see How to connect an amplifier to a car radio: your own master), that is, analog, with high amplification quality, but low efficiency and low power;
D is a digital amplifier, already with high efficiency and high power, but low quality.

Connector groups

A 4-channel amplifier has not one, but several groups of outputs. Let's look at them in more detail:

Power connectors or outputs for power supplies.
12 V outputs, which are powered by the battery. When connecting wires to these contacts, it is recommended to also install a fuse at a remote distance from the battery.
REM output, where the control cable from the head unit is connected.
Output 1.3 GND or simply grounding. Designed to be connected to the machine ground.
Inputs for speakers and subwoofers, with plus/minus contacts.
The lineinput and output outputs are linear for RCA or simply tulip wires.

Instructions for setting up a 4-channel amplifier

Generally, there are three types of amplifier settings you need to know. All of them are given below.

Amplifier setup for four speakers but no subwoofer

The amplifier's filter/crossover is turned off, and only the speakers reproduce the entire frequency range.
We put the Crossover Selector switch in the Flat position.
Level is set to position 8V.
Bass Boost is set to 0dB.
Now you will need to increase the volume on the car radio, but not more than 90%.
The equalizer, if it is not configured, is set to position 0 according to music styles.
Connect the amplifier and slowly turn the Level clockwise until the end.

Setting up an amplifier for a subwoofer and speakers

Crossover Selector Front on the amplifier is set to the HP position.
Phi Pass is set to 60Hz-80Hz.
Crossover Selector Rear is installed on LP.
Love Pass is adjustable in the frequency range 65Hz-85Hz.
Level is set to 0.
Bass Boost is also at 0dB.
As with the above-described Level setting, rotate it all the way, but adjust the sensitivity.

Tuning for local gain

Crossover The selector is set to Flat.
Turn on HP for tweeters.
Turn the Hi PASS control to the 250Hz position.
We adjust the amplifier using the Level rotator.

Note. If the car radio in the car is a new version, adjusting the amplifier may not be necessary. These radios already have automatic Bass Boost settings. If this is the case, then you will just need to adjust the Level rotator.

Connection diagram for a passive subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

To connect this type of speaker to a 4-channel amplifier, you will have to use a standard circuit.

Connection diagram for 4 channel amplifier and subwoofer

First, the subwoofer and other speakers are connected to the amplifier.
Then the amplifier is connected to the car radio.
Having received the signal directly from the car radio, the amplifier distributes it. Part of the signal is sent to the sub, and part to the tweeters.

Amplifier 4 channel connect subwoofer

Note. Often the subwoofer is placed in the trunk of a car. In view of this, it is necessary to stretch cables there through the entire cabin. In this case, the path from the battery to the trunk is implied, and so much cable needs to be calculated.

Connection diagram for subwoofer and 4 channel amplifier

When wiring cables, you need to make sure that the positive wire is protected with something, for example, corrugation. Basically, this means protecting the part that is located in the engine compartment, as close as possible to the battery.

Features of connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier

The power cable must be connected to the amplifier, first preparing the technological hole. Often this same hole already exists in cars. It is either closed with a rubber plug, or, as in domestic cars, remains open. If you couldn’t find a hole, you can make it yourself using the necessary drill bit and drill. It is recommended to insert a rubber bushing into the hole so that the wire does not fray in this place.

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

The wiring must be routed in the engine compartment, finding the standard wiring harness. The necessary wire should be brought into the interior.
The amplifier will be located in the trunk of the car.

How to connect a subwoofer to a four-channel amplifier

Two wires must be connected to the amplifier: plus and minus.
After this, as soon as the amplifier receives power from the battery, we run the cable to the head unit (car radio). Standard tulips and a special wire are used as a cable - thin and single-core, responsible for controlling the power supply of the amplifier (in many cases the blue wire).
We connect the tulips and the wire to the back of the car radio, which must be removed in advance.

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

We stretch the cable through the interior and connect the RCA connectors to the amplifier.
Now all that remains is to connect the subwoofer. The amplifier is 4-channel and therefore you can connect a subwoofer depending on what connection scheme is used.

Note. It is recommended to install a capacitor, which is indispensable in cases where the maximum power of the amplifier exceeds 400 V. The capacitor can be installed either in the trunk or in the engine compartment.

The instructions given above will help many times more if, in addition, you watch the video review and photo materials. If you do this whole operation yourself, you will be able to save a lot on costs, because the price of such a service at a service station is very high.

Car subwoofer: types and design features

A subwoofer (SBV) is an acoustic system that converts low-frequency sound waves.

You don't need it to listen to most music tracks. A sub is needed for high-quality sound of low frequencies (bass).

Subwoofers come in two types:

Active - they already have a built-in power amplifier;
Passive - there is no amplifier and requires additional connection so that the output sound is clear without distortion or interference.

A passive subwoofer may look like a regular large speaker or a box in which the speaker is placed.

Structurally, an active sub consists of the following elements:

body - wooden or plastic;
woofer;
signal regulator;
amplifier;
signal frequency regulator.

For high-quality sound, the active sub must be correctly connected to the radio.

Types of subwoofers by design:

Horn - the type has a folded horn-speaker, used at concerts;
Closed - is a speaker installed inside and tightly adjacent to the walls of a closed box;
Bass inverter - a type using a ventilation pipe, from which, under the force of sound waves, air comes out along with low-frequency sound;
Quarter-wave resonator - acoustics with a tunnel design, a tunnel-pipe, of a given length and cross-sectional size through which sound comes out;
Bendpass is a box with a bass inverter, divided in the middle by a wall into two chambers, different in volume, the speaker is placed in the partition between them.

Connecting a subwoofer to a radio via an amplifier

To connect the SBV to the car radio you will need a set of tools and materials:

knife;
set of screwdrivers and keys;
pliers and wire cutters;
insulating tape;
circuit breakers;
capacitor;
consumable fasteners (nuts/bolts);
O-rings;
wiring (“tulips”, speaker cable, power supply).

Important: before connecting, be sure to disconnect the terminals from the battery to avoid short circuits.

Connection process

Select a location in the car to mount the device. Depending on the model and size, this will be the trunk or the cavity under the rear seat of the car.

Now you need to lay the power cable from the battery from under the hood to the place where the amplifier and subwoofer will be installed in the luggage compartment. The connecting wires from the radio to the amplifier are laid in the same way.

Next, connect the “black” and “red” wires to the “-” and “+” contacts of the amplifier, respectively.

When the amplifier is powered, it is connected to the car radio; ordinary RCA wires - “tulips” and a power wire (usually “blue”) are suitable for these purposes.

Now you need to carefully remove the radio using a screwdriver and knife.

Then “tulips” are connected to the radio according to the colors of the connecting wires. In order for the sub to turn on simultaneously with the car radio, you can immediately connect the “+” power wire.

RCA connecting wires are connected to the amplifier ports according to polarity. The power cable is also connected.

An additional fuse is inserted into the resulting connection diagram to protect against voltage surges and short circuits. It is better if it is installed next to the battery so that it can be easily changed.

Next, the wires are connected to the radio into the linear output connectors (LO), and their opposite end into the LINE-IN connector of the amplifier.

Recommendation: To avoid voltage surges in the car’s electrical network, experts advise additionally installing a capacitor on the circuit. This is not necessary if the subwoofer power is below 350 W.
Advice: in order for the sound to be of high quality and reproduced without interference in the connections, it is recommended to use speaker wires with a cross-sectional thickness of 4 mm or more.

Diagram of how to connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier in a car

To improve the sound quality of loudspeakers, additional multi-channel audio amplifiers are used, allowing you to connect a subwoofer. The car owner is able to independently connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, and then adjust the sound picture in the cabin.

Connection diagram

Connecting the amplifier begins with laying the power cables and the control cord leading to the head speaker unit. For power supply, a copper cable with insulation that does not deteriorate when exposed to negative temperatures is used. The wiring is routed under the floor and sill trims, and then routed to the battery installation location (under the hood or in the luggage compartment). It is recommended to connect the negative and positive power cables to the battery. Additionally, a capacitor is provided in the circuit to smooth out voltage drops.

The positive cable is equipped with a special fuse located at a distance of 400-500 mm from the battery terminal. The rating of the insert depends on the parameters of the standard protective devices located in the amplifier block. For example, when using a fuse rated for a current of 40 A in an amplifier, the rating of the protective unit in the power circuit should not exceed 50 A. Metal crimped tubes or soldering are used to connect electrical wiring components; twisted wires do not provide unreliable contact and are susceptible to oxidation.

Then the user connects a special cord to the 4-channel amplifier to synchronize the turn-on, coming from the radio (with blue insulation). When the audio device is turned on, a low-voltage signal is supplied through the cord to the amplifier's power supply. After turning on the additional equipment, sound broadcasting through the speakers begins. The amplification equipment is equipped with a control LED that allows you to visually check the functionality of the power circuits.

The player, equipped with linear outputs, is connected to the amplifier unit with special acoustic wires with a metal screen that reduces sound distortion due to exposure to electromagnetic fields. For a radio without linear ports, use a special adapter connected to standard speaker outputs.

It is recommended to lay speaker cables away from electrical motors, circuits or components of the ignition system or electronic components that are a source of interference. When running cords, it is not allowed to press the insulator against the metal edges of the body panels, which can cut the protective layer. When switching the amplifier module, the correct connection of the channels is monitored; if the cross-connection is incorrect, you will have to switch the signal cables in the correct sequence.

Speaker cables are connected to the 4 speakers (factory wiring can be used), which are led out to the installation site of the amplifier unit. The unit is located in the free space under the passenger seat, on a special pedestal in the luggage compartment or on a suspension under the rear acoustic shelf. The cords are laid under the soundproofing of the cabin floor. It is possible to connect 8 speakers, which are connected in pairs (in parallel or in series).

When connecting loudspeakers to an amplification device, the polarity of the connection must be observed. The negative terminals of the speakers are connected to the negative contacts of the corresponding channel; it is prohibited to combine the cables into a common line with a connection to the ground (car body). If connected incorrectly, the loudspeakers broadcast the signal out of tune, disrupting the uniform distribution of sound in the car interior. When connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, it is necessary to make adjustments to the switching circuits.

What you need to connect speakers to an amplifier

To create a passive playback circuit complemented by a subwoofer, you will need a two-channel amplifier. When connecting a larger number of reproducing elements, it is worth selecting four-channel or even more advanced devices.

The connection of the speakers to the amplifier is realized using RCA or “tulip” speaker wires. These cables are colored red and white, so you can easily identify the desired channel.

Cable thickness is determined by the American Standard (AWG) index. The smaller it is, the thicker the wire. Thick wire has less resistance to current, which affects the sound quality and playback features.

speaker cable calculation table

For powerful amplifiers with low-impedance acoustics (4-6 Ohms), it is better to select thick 12 or 14 gauge cables. Moreover, the length of such wires can exceed 15 meters without loss of quality or sound distortion.

If the run length is less than 15 meters, 16 gauge wires designed to work with 8 ohm speakers will do. This approach seems to be economically feasible, and it is also easy to interact with the cable at the stage of installing the acoustics.

Sometimes you need to connect an amplifier to speakers without using special connectors. Here you will need to use a stripping tool. It is required to remove 1 cm of insulation at the end of the cable, twist the wire, and then connect it to the amplifier in a suitable way.

banana connector

A homemade banana connector seems to be a good option. Guarantees reliable contact with the receiver through a screw terminal built into the device. This connector can then be quickly connected or disconnected.

How to connect a subwoofer

The low-frequency loudspeaker is connected by a bridge to the outputs for rear speakers. The negative cable is connected to the negative terminal of one output, and the positive signal comes from the positive terminal of the opposite channel. Front channels are used to connect the remaining speakers, which are connected in parallel or in series. The connection diagram depends on the resistance rating of the coils and the characteristics of the amplifier unit.

In the connection circuit of a 4-channel amplifier and subwoofer, it is possible to introduce an additional low-frequency speaker (with identical characteristics), which is switched by a bridge to the front channels. In this case, an additional amplifier unit is introduced into the car's acoustic system, servicing loudspeakers that reproduce medium and high frequencies.

Active subwoofer

Active subwoofer Mystery MBV-301A

The active subwoofer is equipped with a built-in amplifier installed in the same housing as the speaker. On the outside of the case there are potentiometers for smooth adjustment of volume or frequency parameters. Thanks to the controls, the user can configure the device in accordance with the sound parameters of the other speakers in the speaker system.

Main characteristics of active subwoofers

Active devices include, for example, the Mystery MSK-12.3 subwoofer, which has the following parameters:

speaker diameter - 300 mm;
power in normal mode - 280 W;
peak power value - 560 W;
frequency range - from 28 Hz to 2900 Hz;
sensitivity - 90 dB;
The Mystery MK-2.80 amplifier is included in the package.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pros of an active subwoofer:

Possibility of saving space, since the amplifier is located in the same acoustic housing with the speaker.
Due to the built-in amplifier, the subwoofer has an expanded range of uses.
The subwoofer housing has separate outputs for installing standard speakers. Thanks to this, a separate acoustic system can be built based on the active device.
Various body shapes.

degraded sound parameters;
the amplifier and device may overheat;
amplifier power limitation;
relatively high cost of devices;
active devices are equipped with simplified housings.

What you will need

To carry out the work yourself, you need a small set of tools and various consumables.

Bridge connection has become widespread because it allows the use of 1 channel amplifier.

Before you begin the actual work, you need to prepare:

Amplifier, speakers and subwoofer. You can find ready-made kits on sale, so there is no need for knowledge in selecting such devices. The service life of the entire system largely depends on the quality of the installed equipment.
Thick cable to power the device. At the same time, experts recommend not saving on the purchase of this consumable, since too small a cross-section can cause overheating and melting of the outer insulation.
B+ amplifier terminal, which is used to connect the power cable to the battery bus. The connection cannot be made, because there is a possibility of oxide and other problems.
Fuse to be used with a 4-channel amplifier. The device is installed closer to the energy source. Missing a fuse may cause damage to the fuse.
GND - ground connection terminal. It is recommended that this wire be led from the battery itself, and not from the vehicle body. This is due to the fact that the metal is susceptible to corrosion, which significantly reduces conductivity. There is no need to skimp on the quality of the wire used.
R.E.M. A blue wire often comes out of the radio; when the device is turned on, a voltage of 12 V is supplied.
Electrical tape for insulating connections. It eliminates the possibility of a short circuit.
A special corrugation, which is used for laying the cable, so that in the future problems will not arise during the operation of the system. It protects the insulation from mechanical damage and exposure to high humidity.

You can work with the cable using wire cutters, a soldering iron and other common tools. A tester is used to check the condition of the system; it can indicate resistance or an open circuit.

A modern amplifier has a complex design that has a large number of connectors. This allows you to connect multiple devices at once. All outputs can be divided into several groups:

Outputs and connectors for power cable.
12 V output, which is supplied with power from the battery. When using it, it is recommended to additionally use a safety element.
The REM output is required to connect the head unit. The amplifier works in tandem with a radio, for which a high-quality cable is used.
GND is ground. It is required to connect to the machine.
There are separate inputs for the speakers and subwoofer.
Outputs for RCA.

On the reverse side you can find the corresponding symbols, so during operation there are no problems with connecting various elements of the system. All amplifier models are conventionally divided into 2 categories:

AB - connects to the head unit, is analog, increases sound quality with low efficiency and low power. Amplifier models from this group are inexpensive, but they drain the battery a lot.
D - is a digital device that is characterized by increased efficiency and high power. However, such an amplifier produces low quality sound.

The highest quality offers include equipment produced under the Alpin and Magnit brands.

Connecting interconnect wires and control (REM)

To lay the cable, you need to find the linear output on the radio. The linear output can be recognized by the characteristic “bells” that are located on the rear panel of the radio. The number of linear outputs differs in different radio models. Usually there are from one to three pairs. Basically they are distributed as follows: 1 pair - you can connect a subwoofer or 2 speakers (labeled as SW\F) If there are 2 pairs of them, you can connect 4 speakers or a subwoofer and 2 speakers (outputs are labeled F and SW), and when there are 3 pairs of linear ones on the radio wires you can connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer (F, R, SW) F This is Front i.e. front speakers, R Read rear speakers, and SW Sabwoorer I think, and so everyone understands what.

The connection will require an interconnect wire, which should never be skimped on. It is prohibited to lay the interconnect cable near the power wires, as various types of noise will be heard when the engine is running. You can run the wires both under the floor mats and under the ceiling. The latter option is especially relevant for modern cars, in the interior of which there are electronic accessories that create interference.

You also need to connect the control wire (REM). As a rule, it comes with interblock wires, but it happens that it is not there, purchase it separately; it does not need to be of a large cross-section - 1 mm2 is quite enough. This wire serves as a control for turning on the amplifier, i.e. when you turn off the radio, it automatically turns on your amplifier or subwoofer. As a rule, this wire on the radio is blue with a white stripe; if it is not there, use a blue wire. It is connected to the amplifier to a terminal called REM.

Connection diagram and instructions

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is carried out in several stages. They are as follows:

Work begins by connecting the subwoofer and speakers to the amplifier. It takes a lot of time, because you need to dismantle the finishing material. The panels are fastened using self-tapping screws and clips.
The next step is to connect a control device, which is a multimedia system or a standard radio. To do this, a cable is laid throughout the cabin. The interconnect wire should be located away from others, as it may cause interference.
The power cable is being laid and connected. This requires a special terminal that fits the battery output.

After connecting all the elements, the signal leaves the installed radio, after which it is distributed. When installing a subwoofer, it is placed in the luggage compartment, so to connect it you need to run a cable through the entire cabin.

The features of connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier are as follows:

When devices are far removed, the cable is laid through technological holes. They are closed with rubber plugs, thereby increasing the degree of insulation. If there are no technological holes, you can create them yourself, but this requires a special tool. It is recommended to insert rubber bushings that protect the cable from rubbing.
There are 2 special connectors for connecting a subwoofer. In this case, the connection diagram of a 4-channel amplifier provides for a bridge connection, which requires 2 wires: plus and minus.
All 4 speakers also have corresponding connectors. The speakers are connected taking into account that all contacts must be well insulated. Otherwise, corrosion may appear on the metal surface, causing conductivity to decrease.
The cable is laid away from others. This is due to the possibility of strong interference. When connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier, a high-quality cable must be used.

The connection is made taking into account that the cable must be well insulated.

The connection diagram used involves laying a cable from the battery to the amplifier to power it. Recommendations for performing such work are as follows:

A cable of the required cross-section is selected.
The connection to the battery is made using a special terminal. It must be securely fastened, which eliminates the possibility of contact loss due to vibration.
A fuse is installed in the immediate vicinity of the energy source. It eliminates the possibility of overloading the device.
The cable is routed through a shield that protects the engine compartment. It often has technological holes with sealing bushings. If there is no hole, you can create it yourself by drilling using a nozzle of a suitable diameter.
It is recommended to lay the cable in a special corrugation. It provides a high degree of protection against environmental influences.
In case of system power above 400 V, it is recommended to install a capacitor. It is placed in the luggage compartment to eliminate the possibility of overloading the device.

After connecting all the elements, you need to check the operation of the system. If everything functions correctly, then you can begin installing the dismantled finish. When considering how to connect a subwoofer, it is worth considering that 2 similar elements are not allowed to be connected simultaneously to a 4-channel amplifier.

Connecting the sub: important points and instructions

Let's look at the process of installing a subwoofer in a car with a connection to the standard radio

Before starting work, pay attention to a few points:

The subwoofer housing and the amplifier itself are large devices. We need to think about where to place them. Most often, a place is allocated for them in the luggage compartment of a car.
If the standard head unit does not have outputs for connecting a subwoofer and there is no control wire, then think about replacing the radio. This will protect you from possible short circuits, simplify connecting the subwoofer and allow you to get high-quality sound. An active woofer requires battery power. The power cable must be of appropriate length and cross-section. Consider where to route it from the engine compartment to the luggage compartment. It must be firmly fixed with plastic clamps.
Check the presence of a line output for the subwoofer on the standard radio. If not, there is a way out. The subwoofer is connected to speakers or AUX output. This solution is not ideal and affects the quality of sound reproduction.
To control the active subwoofer, a System Remote Control wire is required. Without it, the amplifier module does not work. If the radio does not have such an output, then you can directly supply constant +12 volts to the input of the active subwoofer. With this connection, the amplifier operates continuously and discharges the battery.

How to connect two subwoofers to one monoblock

Monoblock
Two channel amplifier
Four-channel ULF

How to connect a subwoofer through speakers

A monoblock is a separate amplifier that works only on the low-frequency channel. The connection diagram for two subwoofers to a monoblock depends on the resistance of the voice coil winding. If it is equal to 4 Ohms, then both parallel and series connections of windings are allowed. As a result, the total resistance of the speaker system can be 2 Ohms or 8 Ohms. Connecting a subwoofer 8 Provides the highest quality bass reproduction with a minimum of non-linear distortion. This configuration is the safest for a low-frequency unit, since the currents in the amplifier circuits will be small and the elements of the output stages will not overheat. You can connect 2 subwoofers with speakers of 2 Ohms each to the monoblock. In this option, only a serial connection is allowed if the car uses an AB class amplifier. If the basis of the low-frequency system is ULF class D, then parallel connection of loudspeakers with a total resistance of 1 ohm is allowed.

In addition to speaker systems with two speakers, speakers with two windings are often used in low-frequency channels. Typically, such heads have a winding resistance of 2, 4 or 8 ohms. You can connect a two-coil subwoofer to a monoblock, as well as separate speakers, in several ways. Since there are two coils, their separate connection to the monoblock is impossible. To do this, you need to use a two-channel or four-channel amplifier. The connection diagram for a 2 X 2 Omak monoblock subwoofer allows parallel connection of windings for ULF class D and only serial connection for other classes of amplifier equipment.

The most common mistake when connecting a 2 X 2 sub is using only one winding. Some people believe that there is only one channel in a monoblock and it is enough to connect only one winding. Testing of speakers with two coils and different connection schemes showed that when only one coil is connected to the output of a low-frequency amplifier, the sensitivity of the speaker system decreases by approximately 3 dB. Therefore, you can connect a subwoofer to a monoblock only by connecting both windings.

Connecting two subwoofers

How to connect a car subwoofer at home

To connect two subwoofers, you need to connect their adjacent wires according to the standard principle: “+” connect to “+”, “-” to a similar “-”. It is necessary that the configured device be carefully matched to the relative technical characteristics of the other device. The pair connection can be:

Consistent. So the car owner will receive a total resistance of 4 ohms, and a large proportion of AB format amplifiers are designed only for a fixed resistance. The total power of the speakers is summed up.
Parallel. In a spare circuit, the final resistance size must be 1 ohm; this indicator is already considered critical for most AB type amplifiers, and for the neighboring class D it is the operating level.

In the process, everything depends on how to install the amplifier, where the 2 subwoofers in question will be connected in the future.

Sound settings

You can connect the amplifier to the car radio yourself. After installing all the elements, you need to configure the system as follows:

The crossover is installed in the HP position.
The Phi Pass indicator is 60-80 Hz.
The “Rear” selector is set to LP.
“Love Pass” is adjustable in the range of 65-85 Hz.
The level is set to 0.
“Bass Boost” is also adjusted to 0 dB.

The above settings allow you to achieve the best sound of the created system. If the amplifier is part of the radio, then the setup is carried out through the built-in functions of the device.

When installing a speaker system, laying the cable, you should choose the shortest path; it is not recommended to create a large number of connections, since they significantly reduce the reliability of the system.

Messages 17

1 Topic by ivan 2014-03-13 15:43:17

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Topic: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

connection diagram for a 4-channel amplifier. 4 speakers + sub

2 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 16:21:51 (2014-03-13 16:42:33 edited by kapelkaK)

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

connection diagram for a 4-channel amplifier. 4 speakers + sub

Minus the sub . As you want (4 speakers + sub), you need a 5-channel or 4 + 2 in a bridge circuit.

Standard connection diagram for 4-channel wuxia:

3 Reply from ivan 2014-03-13 16:54:05

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I know such a scheme! So I’m wondering if the sub should be put on the rear speakers or on the front ones

4 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 17:02:47

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

if you put the sub on the rear speakers or on the front ones

And it will work as a simple speaker (if it doesn’t grunt)

5 Reply from ivan 2014-03-13 20:11:27

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I don’t like it when the front 2 and bass are playing

although right now I’m hooked

Added: 2014-03-13 21:11:27

Can I connect it through a filter?

6 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 21:05:04

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

What kind of head do you have?

7 Reply from ivan 2014-03-14 08:06:08

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

Added: 2014-03-14 09:06:08

How do you connect the front ones from the head and the sub to the front from the amplifier?

8 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 08:24:24

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

There are many Kenwoods, what model? On the back of the head there are linear output connectors. Depending on the model, you can connect: 1. nothing; 2. rear + sub; 3. front + rear + sub; 4. front + rear.

Near the antenna socket.

9 Reply from ivan 2014-03-14 09:52:46

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I have a 4-channel output, what are tweeters needed for? When I put music in the field, I connected tweeters from them, so an idea appeared

10 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 11:41:07

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

11 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 12:02:39

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

12 Reply from iliaBkmz 2014-03-14 13:52:05

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

It seems to me - from the very beginning of the topic - there is a wrong idea. Why install a 4-channel VUS + VUS for the subwoofer if the radio does not have a sufficient number of linear channels for this? Maybe start with a selection of radios? A sub connected to the same channel as the front will “kill” the entire front and the whole point of the procedure described above will be lost.

If you only have 4 outputs (although strangely, usually either 1 or 3), put two two-channel channels, one for the speakers, two speakers from the radio directly and one two-channel bridge to the sub - IMHO - the best choice

13 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 14:19:49

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

So I’m trying to get a model of the head from the TS to tell him what can be done. And there are 5 linears.

14 Reply from Daniil.Smit 2015-04-23 16:06:19

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

And why am I looking now and many people install a 4-channel amplifier, front midbass and tweeters, and a sub in the back. So it’s really better than let’s say the front is the same, and the coaxial ones in the back are also through an amplifier? I just thought about something and it turned out wrong it’s expensive, considering that I have an excellent GU-X3600UI. Right now there are only 250W coaxial pioneers in the front, there used to be a fusion in the back, but they died, and the pioneer plays great.

Added: 2015-04-23 17:06:19

I also read a lot here, watched enough of the sound sound and came to the conclusion that I also have bad wires to the speakers and GU. Both are 0.75. I think 2 is enough for the speakers, and 4 from the battery for the GU

15 Reply from Daniil.Smit 2015-04-23 22:31:44

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

It’s just strange to me that there’s only one sub in the back. And my friends have this kind of garbage, but only they have a coaxial front and a sub in the back, but damn, either they’re hands-offs, or it actually reproduces sound distortion instead of music.

16 Reply from maximilyn64 2015-08-28 19:40:15

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Messages [ 17 ] 064 [Closed]

1 Topic by agesd 06/27/2012 16:39:25 (7 years 1 month ago)

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Topic: How to connect speakers (front) and sub to a 4-channel amplifier

An acquaintance helped me connect 2 speakers (front) and a sub (trunk) to a 4-channel amplifier. The funny thing is that now the settings in the radio (lleft, right) control the distribution of signal power between the front and rear

that is, the front is connected to the left channel, and the sub to the right

An acquaintance explains that it’s no different when there’s only one amp

Explain the situation - I’m completely off topic

2 Reply from SergK78 06/27/2012 17:14:22 (7 years 1 month ago)

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Re: How to connect speakers (front) and sub to a 4-channel amplifier

incorrectly connected: left-front, right-rear mixed up

3 Reply from Kvin 06/27/2012 17:28:04 (7 years 1 month ago)

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