Connecting Speakers; Determining Total Speaker Impedance; Preparing The Speaker Wires; Connecting Two Speakers In Series - Radio Shack 32-2055 User Manual

The Basics

connecting speakers

You can connect one or more 4-, 8-, or 16-Ohm speakers to
the amplifi er. To ensure equal volume from each speaker, all
connected speakers should have the same impedance rating.
Proper phasing is important when you use more than one
speaker in the same room or area. Out-of-phase speakers can
lose up to one-half of their potential volume, and can have a
signifi cantly decreased bass effect .
Most speaker terminals are color-coded or have a mark
that indicates the terminal's polarity. Usually, terminals with
positive polarity are red or have a plus (+) symbol, and
terminals with negative polarity are black or have a minus
(-) symbol. Phasing is correct when you connect + to + and
- to -.
You can also bridge the amplifi er's channels. The amplifi er
has two channels: A and B. If you connect two pairs of
speakers, follow these guidelines:
• Speakers connected to the same channel (A or B) are
part of a pair and must be of the same impedance.
• Speakers connected to different channels (A or B) are
not part of a pair and can be different impedance.
Speaker
Terminals

determining total speaker impedance

Before you connect speakers to the amplifi er, you must
determine the total speaker impedance. To determine total
speaker impedance, you must fi rst decide if you are going
to connect the speakers in series, parallel, or a series/parallel
combination.
If you are connecting more than two speakers in series
only or parallel only, be sure the total impedance does not
STEREO/MONO
Switch
16
exceed the amplifi er's maximum impedance (16 ohms) or fall
below the minimum impedance (4 ohms). You can achieve
a proper total impedance by combining series and parallel
connections.
A total speaker impedance higher than 16 ohms
or lower than 4 ohms can damage your amplifi er
NOTE
or speakers. When determining the total speaker
impedance, fi rst determine whether you are
connecting the speakers in series, parallel, or a
series/parallel combination.

preparing the speaker wires

Use the shortest length of wire possible to connect the
speakers. After placing the speakers, use this table to
determine the wire length and choose the appropriate gauge.
Wire Length
7.6m (25 ') or less
Over 7.6m (25')
To prepare the speaker wire, remove about 1/2 inch
(12.5mm) of insulation from the end of the speaker wire you
are connecting to the amplifi er. Then twist the exposed wire
to secure all of the wire strands.

connecting two speakers in series

Speakers are connected in series when the fi rst speaker's
positive terminal is connected to the next speaker's negative
terminal.
Determine the total speaker impedance of speakers
you want to connect in series by adding up
NOTE
the individual impedances of all the connected
speakers.
For example: If connecting two 4-ohm speakers in
series, your total speaker impedance is 8 ohms.
17
The Basics
Wire Gauge
18 gauge
16 gauge