Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel_
Isn't it possible to keep the impedance by wiring them correctly (from first principles, shouldn't parallel be OK, but series will be bad?)
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QUOTE=Daniel_;2605218]Isn't it possible to keep the impedance by wiring them correctly (from first principles, shouldn't parallel be OK, but series will be bad?)[/QUOTE]
Yep. It can be done, but it's a series/parallel if I recall to maintain 8 Ohms in a chain. Been a while since I've done one like that. Both in parallel would add impedance values giving you 16 ohms and less volume and making the amp work harder. Series would half the impedance to 4 ohms letting the amp push more juice and increasing the volume, but shortening or ending the amp's life. I would have to dig out my notes to see how I've done it in the past, but if memory serves it's a parallel/series to keep 8 Ohms.
If you are trying something like this ALWAYS check the impedance of the circuit on the amp side with everything connected except the amp. If you are within the specified impedance of the amp, you should be good to go. In general below 4 ohms and over 16 ohms will cause failure.
You can also add a resistor block at the amp to adjust the impedance to within the amp's ratings. But you have to be VERY careful, the blocks get really, really hot. Like burn the flesh from your fingers, start a fire kind of hot. But it is an option if done correctly.
Impedance matched volume controls are usually the best option in these applications. Just run a stereo pair to the control, then wire the speakers however you like. The impedance matching in the volume control will prevent the amp from seeing anything other than 8 ohms coming from the distribution side of the control. It also gives you room by room control over the volume, from off to the max the amp is set too.