Determining Total Speaker Impedance; Preparing The Speaker Wires - Radio Shack 32-2055 User Manual

Connecting Your Amplifier

Determining Total Speaker Impedance

Before you connect speakers to the amplifier, you must determine the total
speaker impedance. To determine total speaker impedance, you must first
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 exceed the amplifier'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.
Note: A total speaker impedance higher than 16 ohms or lower than
4 ohms can damage your amplifier or speakers. When determining the
total speaker impedance, first 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
7.6 m
(25 ft) or less
Over 7.6 m
(25 ft)
To prepare the speaker wire, remove about ½ inch (12.5 mm) of insulation from
the end you are connecting to the amplifier. Twist the exposed wire to secure all
of the wire strands.
Wire Gauge
18 gauge
16 gauge
14