In summary, I prefer the higher sound quality that can be achieved with wiring in parallel. While it does take a bit more effort overall to get a proper connection, the end result is well worth it for audiophiles. If you don’t mind adding another piece of equipment to your kit, wiring with a switch box can deliver the same great results with less wire configurations and hassle.
Now let’s take a closer look at the different methods you can use.
Wiring in Series
If you are using a powerful amp and know it can handle the entire impedance needs of your speakers, wiring in series can be an effective way to get a big sound return. However, take some time to check the specifications on both your amp and your speakers to ensure they can work well together.
Before you start wiring, be sure you know the difference between the positive and negative terminals on all pieces of equipment. With series wiring, you will get the best results when using four equally matched speakers. You also need to be sure your 2-channel amp is high quality and more than capable of handling all four speakers together.
- Start by connecting the positive terminal of the amp to the positive terminal of the first speaker.
- Then, connect the first speaker’s negative terminal to the second speaker’s positive terminal.
- Repeat this process until all four speakers are connected to each other in a simple chain series.
- To close the circuit, you will connect the negative terminal from the fourth speaker to the negative terminal on the amplifier.
Wiring in Parallel
I have heard many people agree that wiring in parallel can give you the best sound results overall, and in my experience, this can be true when done correctly. You want to ensure you have a high-quality amp; otherwise, sound distortion and degradation will happen quickly.
This method of wiring up four speakers is very simple and, while it doesn’t look pretty, it can get your speakers up and running in a short amount of time with no complex wiring configurations needed.
- Start by connecting the positive and negative wires from the left channel of the amp to one of the left speakers.
- Next, connect the first speaker to the second speaker, in the same way, connecting positive to positive and negative to negative.
- Repeat this process for the other two speakers, only use the right side terminals on the amp.
You will end up using more wire in the long run, which can add to your cable management obligations or give you a more cluttered look. But when wired correctly, you will notice a solid and rich sound coming from all four speakers together, which makes this a great wiring option for audiophiles to consider.
Using a Switch Box
If you don’t mind purchasing another piece of equipment, using a switch box is another method I have used and had good results from. In this method, you will connect the amp to the switch box, then all four speakers to the switch box independently.
- Start by adding wires to both the positive and negative terminals on all four speakers.
- Connect the positive wires from each speaker to the positive terminal in the switch box.
- Repeat this process for the negative wires from each speaker.
- Finally, connect your amp to the switch box by wiring the left and right channels to the switch box’s designated channel terminals.
Conclusion
All three methods can deliver great sound, but not every wiring method will work with every amp and speaker setup. Always take the time to read over the user manual on your amp as well as your speakers so you know what kind of power ratings you will be dealing with.
Once connected, parallel wiring can deliver a crisp and clear sound across all four speakers equally. I have used this wiring method and prefer it out of the three options. But I would also recommend going with a switch box setup if you want to have more control and protection over each speaker in the configuration.