How to connect speakers to an amplifier in a car: a guide

Start by changing the angle of the speakers towards your chosen listening position, which is usually the center line of the room, with only the inner side panel of each speaker visible if you are seated.

The banana and double banana plugs connect directly into the hole in the center of the screw terminal stem.

Multi-way speaker systems. How to connect a loudspeaker if the power values are not indicated, but only the resistances of the loudspeaker taps are indicated. About resistance when switching acoustics If you need to connect, say, four loudspeakers in series, then the method is similar. In the case of monophonic sound reproduction, polarity can be neglected, but with stereophonic sound reproduction, coordinated inclusion plays a very significant role.

Parallel connection Due to the 2-fold reduction in resistance, the amplifier can increase the operating load. Parallel connection of speakers Here everything is exactly the opposite: with a parallel connection, the load resistance drops in proportion to the number of speakers.

There are formulas for calculating the ratio of resistance and power that we will not present in this article. Rated power is the input signal power at which the speaker system can operate for a long time without significant distortion.

Incorrect speaker connections may cause the audio equipment to malfunction or not function properly. Typically, wideband or coaxial speakers are placed in doors or kick panels, low-frequency or mid-low-frequency speakers are placed in the back, and high-frequency speakers, given their directionality, are placed on the front panel, but, of course, this is not a dogma - it all depends on the specific machine, as well as the skill and imagination of the installer .

In addition, you will need for some time an RTA spectrum analyzer - Real Time Analyzer - the most expensive component usually available in a good equipment store. In the first case, the total resistance of the coils is reduced by 2 times.

sxematube - correct connection of speakers (speakers)

Scheme development

The connection diagram depends on the number of amplifier inputs, the location and power of the speakers, and the presence or absence of a subwoofer.

Power amplifiers are:

two-channel, designed to connect only a pair of speakers;
four-, used to connect two speakers and a subwoofer or four (there is also a daisy chain connection scheme for four speakers and a subwoofer);
six-, used for a standard connection of four pieces and a subwoofer.

It is also important to consider the rated power (W, W) and the resistance of all connected equipment (Ohm). They can be found either on device labels or in technical documents. The total connection resistance should not exceed the maximum permissible standard.

There are three ways to connect speakers to an amplifier.

Sequentially—speakers of the same type are alternately connected to each other and then to the device.
Parallel - performed by a polar connection directly to the outputs of the device, while their resistance and power may differ.
Series-parallel - used in cases where it is necessary to connect two columns with the same resistance and additional ones with other parameters.

How to connect

Connecting a two-channel amplifier using a bridge circuit is carried out in different ways depending on the radio, speakers and subwoofer used.

The connection method is also influenced by the number and characteristics of the components.

Radio tape recorder

The choice of the required method is determined by the connection diagram printed on the device label. Connecting the radio to a two-channel amplifier in bridging mode is carried out in the same way as to a standard one. There are 2 ways to transmit sound from the head unit.

In the first case, the connection is made using linear outputs. In the second case, the radio terminals intended for speakers are directly connected to the amplifier. If 2 amplifiers are used, then the linear output of the left channel is connected to the first, and the output of the right channel is connected to the second. The blue wire with a white stripe from the radio is connected to the input of the amplifier(s) power control relay.

Subwoofer

Before connecting a subwoofer to a two-channel amplifier, you should check its resistance. If the operating resistance of the amplifier is 4 ohms, then the subwoofer connected in bridging mode must have a resistance of 2 ohms. If these recommendations are not followed, the car audio system may become unstable.

To connect an amplifier to a subwoofer, connect its positive lead to the positive terminal of the left channel. The negative wire of the subwoofer is connected to the negative output of the right channel. As a result of this operation, the power of the sound reproduced by the subwoofer becomes higher. If you have a low-pass filter control, set the value from 100 to 250 Hz.

It is necessary to ensure that the speaker cones move in one direction. This provides the necessary sound quality at low frequencies. To carry out phasing, the subwoofers are connected in series.

After this, a AA battery is momentarily connected to the free wires. If the cones move in different directions, then the leads of one of the low-frequency loudspeakers change places. If it is necessary to connect both full-range speakers and a subwoofer, then a crossover is used for this.

Columns

Each bridged two-channel amplifier can only connect one speaker. It is worth considering that the sound of a car audio system in bridged mode will be monophonic due to channel combining. To get stereo sound in a car using the bridge method, there are several ways to connect 2 or more speakers to an amplifier.

One of them is to use another amplifier. Another is to connect the desired number of speakers in series to the bridged output. Full-range speakers are connected in the same way as a subwoofer. The high and low pass filter settings do not change. Thus, connecting a 2-channel amplifier via a bridge circuit will not cause any particular difficulties if the work is carried out correctly.

Step-by-step instructions for serial connection

In this embodiment, the resistance is summed up and calculated using the formula:

R = R1 + R2,

where R is general,

R1 - first speaker,

R2 - second speaker.

In this case, R1 must be equal to R2, otherwise the speaker system will quickly wear out and the expected sound effects will not live up to expectations. Using this scheme, you can connect as many speakers as you like, but their R value should not exceed the maximum permissible R of the amplifier. It is also worth considering that the more speakers are connected in series, the less sound power will be output.

Negative 1 is connected to the positive channel of column 2.
Positive 1 is connected to the negative terminal of the device.
Negative 2 is connected to the positive output.

The serial connection of three or more speakers is carried out according to the same scheme, where each subsequent one is polarly connected to the previous one, and their outermost contacts are polarly connected to the terminal of the device.

Theory. Connection types

In electrical engineering there are two types of connections - series and parallel. With a series connection, the resistance is summed up; with a parallel connection, it becomes lower than the smallest of the connected ones. This is something worth remembering and will come in handy in order to connect your speakers correctly.

Basic formulas for parallel and serial connections

There is also a mixed connection. This is when serial chains and parallel connections are “mixed”. In this case, calculation formulas are used, gradually arriving at one of the “pure” circuits - parallel or sequential.

Mixed compound and its conversion to "simple"

The figure shows the sequential transformation of a complex mixed connection into a simple one.

Parallel connection diagram

When connected in parallel, the load resistance drops and the output power increases in proportion to the number of speakers. Here you should pay attention to the maximum permissible load on the amplifier and the number of channels.

Most models are designed for a load of 2 ohms, less often 1 ohm, but for high-quality sound and longevity of the equipment, it is advisable to create an optimal load for the device. So, for example, when connecting two speakers with R = 4 Ohms and two speakers with R = 8 Ohms to an amplifier with R = 8 Ohms, we get the permissible resistance of all speakers (4+4+8+8=24 - total; 24: 4=6 - total resistance per device).

The negative channel of speaker 1 and speaker 2 is connected to the positive terminal of the device.
Positive - to the negative contact of the same channel.
All others are connected according to the same principle.

How to properly connect an amplifier in a car

There are three main problems related to the layout of automotive audio equipment. This is the wrong choice of connecting wires, their illiterate laying and poor-quality grounding, or rather the connection of equipment to the car body. Connecting the amplifier to the car must be done with wires of the appropriate cross-section. Any metal wire has a certain resistance. The thinner the wire, the higher its resistance, so you cannot install it with SHVVP wire, which is widely used in everyday life. Many companies produce copper-plated wire containing steel conductors coated with a thin layer of sputtered copper. It is unacceptable to use such wires to connect a car amplifier. This will not only greatly reduce the sound quality, but may also cause a fire. To work, you need to purchase special cables designed for such installation.

To understand how to connect an audio amplifier in a car

, you need to calculate the current in the circuit. To do this, you need to divide the amplifier power by the supply voltage. Since the device is powered by a car battery, the total power of the channels must be divided by 12 volts. A two-channel device with a power of 60 watts per channel has a total power of 120 watts. It is customary to increase the power by 1.5-2 times due to uneven consumption, so in this case a power of 240 watts is considered. 240 watts/12 volts = 20 amps. Based on this value, the wire cross-section is selected. The power of a four-channel system with a subwoofer reaches 800 watts or more, so all connecting cables must have the appropriate cross-section. The thin wire will heat up, which may cause a fire. When choosing a cable, it should be chosen with a reserve in terms of power and length. It is not recommended to wire the wires under tension. To reduce distortion, you often have to look for the correct position of the wires relative to each other. The diagram for connecting speakers through an amplifier in a car does not allow parallel laying of power cables and wires going to the speakers. This leads to interference in acoustic systems.

Parallel-serial connection diagram

This is the most popular connection method, as it allows you to regulate the power supplied to the device and avoid overloading it. This results in high-quality sound. This connection scheme combines both methods.

Step-by-step instructions for connecting four speakers to two channels of the device.

The negative terminal of speaker 1 is connected to the positive terminal of speaker 2.
Negative contact 3 is connected to positive
Positive contact 1 is output to a common positive channel with positive contact 3.
Negative contacts 2 and 4 are connected to a common negative contact.
The derived common channels are connected to the amplifier, taking into account the polarity of the contacts.

In the same way, subwoofers can be connected to this system if two-channel equipment is used. With four channels, the subwoofers are connected separately by a bridge.

Watch the connection video

Do-it-yourself installation of an amplifier in a car

And now about how to install the amplifier in the car.

We fasten the amplifier with self-tapping screws or bolts in the selected location.
The next step is to connect the amplifier to the radio. If the device is four-channel, then two interconnect wires are required, if it is two-channel, then one wire is needed.
After this, the amplifier is connected to a power source. The mass can be found on the machine body.
We connect the control wire.
It is recommended to install a capacitor between the battery amplifier. It will prevent battery discharge and equipment failure.
Then we connect all the speakers and the subwoofer to the device. When connecting, observe the polarity, and also ensure that the wires are securely fastened, as vibrations cause them to move away and contact is lost.

Adviсe

Let's give some advice.

In addition to calculating the load on the equipment in a specific connection, it is important to correctly select the wires that match the resistance in the circuit. Preference can be given to acoustic wires, which give the purest sound at the output, or to ordinary wires with R not lower than 4 ohms.
To avoid damage and short circuit, the polarity of the contacts + to - should be strictly observed.
When you turn on the radio for the first time to check, the volume should be minimal. If the sound is distorted, the equipment should be turned off immediately. This effect occurs when the polarity of the connections is not observed, which will have to be corrected.

Setting up the amplifier

Traditionally, several settings are used.

The sensitivity on the amplifier is designated as Level, possibly Gain.

LowFrequency (LPF) – low pass filter. This adjustment allows you to cut off as much of the subwoofer's low frequencies as possible.

HighFrequency (HPF) – cuts off the low end of high frequencies. Designed to adjust high and mid frequency speakers.

Crossover or x-over is a switch between high and low pass filters.

Turn the sensitivity to minimum.
On the radio, set the volume to maximum or almost maximum. Until distortion begins to appear in the sound. Now we begin to rotate the sensitivity control on the amplifier until significant sound distortion is heard. Turn it to a slightly lower level and leave it.
Reduce the volume on the radio.

This kind of simple theoretical knowledge will help you choose a good amplifier and correctly place it in the cabin.

Amplifier or receiver?

A receiver is essentially the same amplifier, only improved. It contains a radio receiver and a device for decoding and distributing multi-channel signals of different standards. For watching movies, the receiver will be the best choice, although you can use a separate decoder and separate amplifiers for each channel

If the speakers will be used to listen to high-quality music, on which attention is concentrated more intensely, higher-quality equipment that creates less distortion may be required. Here the choice is based on financial capabilities and ear sensitivity - a standard system is quite enough

In order for all equipment to have an adequate cost, the price of the receiver should be no more than 100% of the cost of the speakers themselves.

Amplifier Vincent SV-700

Speaker placement

When installing high power rear channels, they must be installed correctly. Oval speakers are mounted on the rear parcel shelf so that the speaker axis is directed diagonally across the vehicle. The rear right column should be aimed at the driver, and the left column at the front passenger. Only after proper installation has been carried out can the speakers be connected to the audio system.

To ensure high-quality sound, the speakers cannot be covered - they need more space for normal operation. As for tweeters, they need to be installed on the windshield pillars. If you mount them away from low-frequency speakers, you can achieve a bright quad effect. The direction of the tweeters is done in the same way - the front left one is directed towards the passenger, and the right one - towards the driver. The wiring must be secured securely.

How to connect speakers to a car radio

Car owners often ask how to connect speakers to a car radio. It turns out that there is nothing complicated in this procedure. It is enough to know the basic rules and follow the instructions below. Having learned how to connect speakers to a car radio, you no longer need to contact specialists because of this. Why do you think it is necessary to connect new speakers to a standard car radio? The answer suggests itself: for many drivers, music becomes an integral part of life. But a meager speaker system, consisting only of inexpensive standard speakers and the same car radio, will not be able to provide the required sound level. Then you have to change everything: buy new speakers, more powerful ones, and a modern car radio with various bells and whistles. There is another reason: some motorists want to connect more speakers. For example, they want to know how to connect 6 speakers to a car radio or all 8.

Note. Connecting speakers to a car radio is a responsible process, but not complicated. Even a beginner who has never done this before can handle this task quite well.

We select and buy all the materials and the amplifier itself

Purchasing equipment is an incredibly important step that will determine the quality of all work performed afterwards. If you give preference to an amplifier of unknown origin, which does not even have normal technical characteristics, there is a risk of ruining expensive acoustic equipment. The speakers simply may not be able to handle a bad signal.

When buying an amplifier, think about the actual power. As indications on the case, almost all manufacturers use an increased parameter, which is also present in the equipment, but only in potential terms. If the power in the technical data says 1000 Watts, then in reality such an amplifier delivers from 100 to 130 Watts. The following purchases are also important:

if you buy acoustics, subwoofers, then take care of their maximum compatibility with the amplifier;
you need to buy only the highest quality and most reliable wires - choose the most expensive options;
It is better to solder and crimp all connectors using professional equipment, otherwise you will have to frequently repair the system;
You should also think about purchasing special cable ducts for laying wires through the car;
at specialized retail outlets you can find specific fastenings for such channels;
if the sound system uses a subwoofer, you should also purchase a capacitor to connect in front of the amplifier;
If you are buying an amplifier for a ready-made speaker system, select the most suitable option.

The main problems of motorists who independently install amplifiers and other automotive equipment are expressed in the incorrect selection of equipment. Only the superficial parameters of the acoustics, radio and amplifier are compared, and then the speakers unexpectedly break due to the supply of too much power.

Problems are also possible if the equipment is connected incorrectly. Mixed-up outputs or bad wiring can even cause the entire system to overheat and catch fire. Therefore, be as careful as possible when connecting the system and use professional advice. When choosing equipment, also take help from specialists in stores.

How to connect a sound amplifier in a car

Organizing four channels, crossovers and a subwoofer poses some difficulties. The abundance of connecting wires imposes certain installation requirements. To connect the amplifier to the speakers in the car, use standard sets of connecting cables, which can be purchased in specialized stores. Connecting four speaker systems is carried out according to a similar principle, since all the necessary markings are on the device body. The main thing is not to confuse the polarity of connecting the speakers. Many car enthusiasts equip the interior of their car with a subwoofer. This is a powerful speaker system that allows you to reproduce low frequencies in the range from 20 to 120 Hz. Most models allow the connection of a subwoofer. This output of the final stage is organized using a bridge circuit.

Proper connection of the amplifier in the car guarantees high quality sound reproduction without interference or distortion. When connecting car audio equipment, it is very important to select a grounding point.

All components of audio equipment must be grounded at one point in the body. Otherwise, ground loops may occur, causing severe noise. The correct option is to ground the audio equipment to the negative terminal of the battery or to the point where it connects to the car body. For grounding we use stranded copper wires. The grounding point “under the bolt” must be thoroughly cleaned of oxides and degreased. To connect wires, it is best to use gold-plated terminals and connectors. Such connection of the amplifier in the car will provide

the most reliable contact, which will not depend on vibration and shaking. The housings of all elements included in the sound reproduction system must be reliably isolated from the car body. The wires leading to the speaker systems should not be parallel to the power cables.

How to properly connect speakers through an amplifier in a car

To prevent various kinds of interference from interfering with your music, you should connect the speaker connection system to the battery. To do this, you need a multi-core cable with a cross-section of 4 mm. The fuse is installed at a distance of half a meter from the battery.

The order in which the wires are connected cannot be ignored; first they are connected not to the radio, but to the speakers. Sound quality depends on insulation. Using silicone for this, you can be sure that it is able to protect the surface from cracks.

Care must be taken to ensure that the cable does not become tangled or twisted. To do this, the wires are laid under the threshold, in the door pillar, where they will be closed.