How To Use Multiple Speakers On One Home Theater Or Stereo Amplifier

!±8± How To Use Multiple Speakers On One Home Theater Or Stereo Amplifier

This is ultimately easy, but before explaining the process I feel it is necessary to provide a warning. Multiple sets of speakers usually can not be hooked directly to a standard audio amplifier without some sort of impedance matching device. This is in reference to those persons whom might want to run speakers in several rooms at the same time (distributed audio). If several sets of speakers are run from one set of speaker terminals the amplifier will usually overheat and shut down, and may blow the output stage (see footnote 1). These remarks do not apply to PA style amplifiers with 25 or 70 volt outputs, which require special speakers with transformers.

The correct solution is to use either an impedance matching speaker selector with the protection enabled, or use impedance matching in wall volume controls. Notice the underline in the sentence above. This is because most speaker selectors are made with a dangerous feature: a button, right in front, to disable the protection. If the switch was in back to prevent accidental deactivation of the speaker protection it would be much better. If the protection is accidentally switched off while running multiple pairs of speakers the amplifier will shut down, may blow output fuses, and very well may damage the output stage of the amplifier. There are really only 2 reasons to turn this switch off, the most relevant being that impedance matching volume controls are being used on ALL pairs of speakers. The other reason would be if only one pair of speakers are being run, making impedance matching unnecessary. In this event, though, leaving the protection switched in will make only a very small difference to the sound, so why not leave it on?

Remember it this way: only put one speaker per pair of terminals (usually red and black) on the amplifier. Do not try to use a surround amp to feed several rooms with one room on the center, one room on the rear surrounds etc. This is due to the way a surround receiver distributes the sound as you may end up with only the voice in one room and only the music in another! The correct hookup for a surround receiver puts surround sound in the main room and sound from the left and right main speakers is distributed. My recommendation for hooking up a surround receiver is as follows. Run the speaker selector from the front left and front right outputs on the amplifier. Hook your front left & right speakers to the first speaker switch on the speaker selector. You will need to re-balance your surround system by running the pink noise test as the speaker selector will decrease the output to the left and right speakers by a small amount. This allows running the main speakers & the other speakers connected to the speaker selector without one set being louder than the others. If your speaker selector has volume controls, you need to make sure when you use your surround system for movies the volume control is at the same setting it was when doing the pink noise test. You may hook the speaker selector to the 'b' speaker switch on the amplifier if speaker volume balance between your main left & right speakers and the rest of the speakers is not an issue.

Another variation is amplifiers with a direct speaker output for zone 2, 3, etc. These are set up to drive 1 pair of speakers, and must be used with impedance matching if more pairs are to be used. The zone outputs allow a second (or third etc) source, for example CD in one room and radio in another.

An impedance matching speaker selector provides multiple outputs from one input, and protects your amplifier from damage. Speaker selectors come with 4-12 outputs. As long as your amp has enough power, you can push as many sets of speakers as you want. Simply connect the speaker selector to your 'A' (or 'B') outputs and the rest of your speakers on the speaker selector. You can purchase speaker selectors with volume controls for each individual speaker. Another option is in wall impedance matching volume controls, which require no speaker selector. Most of these are set with jumpers at install time, providing the correct matching. If you want to run more pairs of speakers than the speaker selectors or volume controls are made for (usually 12 pairs max. depending on the hardware) you probably want a second amplifier to run the second set of volume controls (or speaker selector) from.

So, what is impedance and impedance matching? (Warning: semi technical material ahead)

The music signal to your speakers is called alternating current (or AC), because it varies polarity and voltage. This is in comparison to a battery, for example which produces a steady, or direct current. You may picture current as the amount of water flowing in a pipe (the wire) and voltage as the water pressure. Alternating current can be imagined as a flow that reverses direction and direct current as a steady flow in one direction. The analogy is not exact but is close enough to get a picture of what is happening. Standard house current in the US reverses direction (polarity) at an interval (or frequency) of 60 times per second, measures as 60 Hz (Hertz). If you visit our site you can see this article with explanatory diagrams included.

Your speakers have a certain amount of resistance to current. Imagine the resistance as a constriction in the pipe, limiting the flow. They have a DC resistance, termed the voice coil resistance, and resistance to AC is called impedance. Resistance and impedance values are measured in Ohms. Impedance is a complex sum of dc resistances, plus the resistance to various AC frequencies caused by capacitance and inductance (normal properties of electrical and electronic devices). It is usually specified for speakers as nominal impedance, and is referenced to particular frequencies . However, Just think of it as resistance to AC for practical purposes. This is usually rated at either 8 or 4 Ohms. Most home amplifiers prefer an 8 ohm impedance. Each time another speaker is added in parallel the impedance is reduced. Visualize several pipes connected together to the same pump, obviously the flow from the pump increases (up to the limit of the pumps capability). The amplifier is the pump. Two 8 ohm speakers reduce the impedance to 4 ohms, four 8 ohm speakers reduce the impedance to 2 ohms, and so forth.

An amplifier expects (most require) a certain amount of resistance to current flow. The lower the impedance, the more current flows through the output stage of a typical amplifier. This usually flows directly through a transistor (or other amplifying device) and damages the transistor or protective resistors in the output stage. If you get lucky it only blows an output stage fuse. The moral of the story is always use an impedance matching speaker selector, (or volume control) and your amplifier will always see a safe impedance load.

1 (footnote)

Why does the amplifier output stage blow? This is due to the nature of a typical amplifier. It must first be clear that an amplifier does not actually make the input signal bigger. What it does is recreate a larger (higher current and voltage) copy of the original signal, and puts that out to the speakers. It makes this copy from the power supply voltage, which is derived from the AC from the wall outlet. This voltage must be first converted to DC. If not done efficiently the amplifier will hum (because it doesn't know the words). The amplifier controls the power supply voltage by a sort of valve that controls the output voltage and current. These valves (transistors are usual, but may be integrated circuits, vacuum tubes, or other devices) are controlled by the input signal. In response to the input signal, the amplifying device allows more or less current (and/or voltage) flow through it to the output in an exact (hopefully) replica of the input signal. In order to have the majority of speakers work well with an amplifier, it needs a low output impedance (see the text above for a discussion of impedance). If the output impedance is too high, the frequency response will vary with the impedance of the speakers. This means that some sounds will be accented and some diminished from the levels they should be, and this effect will be different with every different set of speakers. In practical terms this means that, with the most commonly used circuit design, when the transistor (or other device) is fully on, it needs to pass almost all the power supply current available through it. This is the tricky part. The current flow is determined largely by the impedance of the speakers connected. Most amplifiers are designed to work with 8 ohm speakers, and may work into 4 ohms reasonably well. Some so called high current amplifiers may work well into 1 ohm. In other words, the amplifiers are designed that when the output transistors are passing the full current and voltage they can take, they are working into an expected value of impedance. When the impedance (ac resistance) of the connected speakers get too low, more current is allowed to pass through the amplifying device than it can take. It either burns up, or blows a fuse, or burns up emitter resistors, or some other form of damage occurs. Fusing often does not react fast enough to save the circuit. So why not design all systems to work into low impedances? Without going too far into it, this can result in huge cost increases. For example, for theoretically ideal performance into most of todays speaker systems, an amp should double it's power for every halving of impedance. So for 100 watts into 8 ohms, it must put out 200 into 4 ohms, 400 into 2 ohms, and 800 into one ohm(Remember,this is theoretically ideal, and almost no amplifiers can accomplish an actual doubling of power for a halving of load impedance). Most decent amplifiers today have significantly less than .5 ohms output impedance, so as to perform well with speakers that may drop to low impedances at some frequencies. Our theoretical amp, if made to operate into a .5 ohm load would need to have the capability to put out 1600 watts per channel without damaging anything (in the amplifier!). As you can imagine the cost of a good quality amplifier with this kind of capability is substantial. Now think about this: The average user of this massive amp, with 8 ohm speakers, will only see an average output wattage of 100 watts RMS (RMS stands for Root Mean Square, and is basically an average power measurement which is approximately 70 percent of peak power). For most users this would price the amp out of reach. Some amps are built to this type of standard, for the reason that there are speakers that drop as low as one ohm that sound much better if driven by a very high current amplifier. One such example is the Krell Evolution One, which is a monoblock. This means you need two for stereo. They will only set you back about ,000 dollars each. For those who might think I am making this up, use google to find prices on Krell monoblocks.

Copyright © 2006-2008 Seafawn Enterprises, LLC

Any information on this page may be freely copied, as long as the link below is included.

Buy home theater speakers & accessories

How To Use Multiple Speakers On One Home Theater Or Stereo Amplifier

Best Prices Used Recumbent Trike Purchasing Mantle Clocks

As several speakers on a stereo amplifier or home theater use

!±8± As several speakers on a stereo amplifier or home theater use

Ultimately, this is easy, but before that the explanation I need to issue a warning. Multiple sets of speakers is not usually directly to a standard audio amplifier will be connected, without any type of impedance matching. This is in reference to those individuals who want to run speakers in multiple rooms at the same time (distributed audio) might. If multiple sets of speakers from the speakers are running, the amplifier is usually overheating and shutdownand can blow the output stage (see note 1). These comments do not apply to 25 or 70 amp style volts output, requiring special transformers PA speakers.

The right solution is either a matching impedance selector with the protection enabled, or use wall impedance volume controls. Note the emphasis in the sentence above. This is because most speaker selectors are made with a dangerous feature: a button, front right, disablingSecurity. When the switch is in the back to avoid turning off the protection on the rapporteur, it would be much better. If the protection is turned off accidentally while running multiple pairs of speakers off the amplifier is turned on, the output fuses, and very well may be the final stage of the amplifier can be damaged. There are only two reasons to turn off this switch is the most important is that the impedance matching volume control is used on all pairs of speakers. OtherWould result if only one pair of speakers in use, eliminating the need for impedance. In this case, though, so the protection is effective only in very small difference to make the sound, so why not let on?

Remember this: Only one set per pair of terminals (usually red and black) on the amplifier. Do not try to use a surround amplifier, several surrounding areas with a space in the middle of feeds, a back room, etc. This is because asDistributes as a surround receiver you can end only with the voice in a room and only the music to another! The right connection to a surround receiver brings surround sound distributed in the main room and the sound of the main left and right speakers. My recommendation for connecting a surround receiver is as follows. Run the speaker selector from the front left and right amplifier. Hook the front left and right on the first speaker switchSpeaker selector. You must restore the balance of the surround pink noise from the test speaker is selected on the left and right speakers output fell by a small amount. This allows the execution of the main speakers and other speakers connected to the switch speaker selector, a phrase no louder than the others. If your speakers have volume control switch, be sure to use the surround system for movies, the volume control setting is the samewas here to see if the pink noise. You can turn on the speaker hook-switch for the speaker amplifier 'b' when the volume balance between left and right main speakers and the rest of the speakers is not a problem.

Another variation is a direct speaker output amplifiers for Zone 2, 3, etc. This pair of speakers for a hard set, and must comply with impedance, if more couples are to be used to use. The area gives a second (or third, etc.) source, providing, for exampleCD and radio in one room to another.

A speaker impedance selector has multiple outputs from one input and protects the amplifier from damage. Speaker selectors come out 12/04. As long as your amp has enough power, you can push as many sets of speakers as you want. Simply connect the speaker to switch 'A' (or 'B'), the outputs and the rest of the speakers on the speaker selector. You speaker selectors with volume control for each purchaseSpeakers. Another option is the impedance matching volume controls on the wall, that do not require the selection of speakers. Most of these bridges are set during installation, the correct pairing. If you want multiple pairs of speakers to run as the selectors have speakers or volume (usually up to 12 pairs. Depending on your hardware) needed a second amplifier to the second volume group (or speaker selector) to function.

So what is an impedance matching and impedance?(Warning: semi-technical stuff first)

The music signal to the speakers is called alternating current (or AC), because it varies the polarity and voltage. This is compared to a battery, for example, which produces a direct current or direct. You can view current flows as the amount of water in a pipe (the wire) and the power that the water pressure. AC can be used as a flux, the direction and returns to direct current as a constant flow in one direction of thinking. TheThe analogy is not exact, but close enough to get a picture of what happens. House standard is currently in the United States, the direction (polarity) in a range (or frequency) of 60 times per second, measured at 60 Hz (Hertz). When you visit our website, you can include these elements with explanatory diagrams.

The speakers have a certain resistance to flow. Imagine the resistance as a constriction in the pipe, restricting the flow. Do you have a DC resistance, the so-called Voice-CoilResistance and the resistance to alternating current is called impedance. Values ​​of resistance and impedance measured in ohms. Impedance is a complex sum of dc resistance, and resistance to various frequencies of AC capacitance and inductance (typical characteristics of electrical and electronic equipment) causes. It is usually expressed as a nominal impedance of the speaker, and refers to certain frequencies. However, just consider the resistance to alternating current for practical purposes. This is usually a value8 or 4 ohms. Most amps at home prefer an 8 ohm. Each time you add another speaker in parallel the impedance is reduced. View more tubes with the pump itself, the apparent increase of the pump (up to the limit of the pump-capable) connected. The amplifier is the pump. Two 8 ohm speakers reduce the impedance of 4 ohms, four 8 ohm speakers reduce the impedance at 2 ohms, and so on.

An amplifier expected (most require) a certain degree ofResistance to current flow. The lower the impedance, the more current flows through the output stage of a typical amplifier. Usually flows directly through a transistor (or other amplification device) and resistance to damage the transistor or power amplifier. If you're lucky only one fuse blows. The moral of the story is always a speaker impedance selector (or control volume) and your amplifier is always a safe load impedance.

1(Note)

Why is the output stage amplifier blown? This is due to the nature of a typical amplifier. It must first be clear that an amplifier is not really the input signal is greater. What it does is a copy of the latest greatest (higher current and voltage transformers) of the original signal and provides speakers. Does this copy of the supply voltage, which is derived from the AC wall outlet. This tension must first be converted into direct current. If not done efficientlyAmp hum (because they do not know the words). The amplifier controls the power supply through a kind of valve, the output voltage and current controls. These valves (transistors are common, but they can be integrated circuits, tubes or other devices) are controlled by the input signal. In response to the input signal, the amplification device allows more or less current (and / or voltage) through the production of an exact (hopefully) replica of the input signal. InFor most of the speakers with a good amplifier, it needs a low output impedance (see text above for a discussion of impedance). If the output impedance is too high, the frequency response varies with the impedance of the speaker. This means that some sounds are accentuated, and some of the layers to be removed, and this effect will be different with any other set of speakers. In practice this means that the circuit most commonly usedDesign, when the transistor (or other device) is fully up, must spend almost all the available power supply current through it. This is the hardest part. The current flow is essentially determined by the impedance of the connected speakers. Most amplifiers are designed to work with 8 ohm speakers, and can function relatively well at 4 ohms. Some so-called high power amplifier may work well at 1 ohm. In other words, the amplifiers that are designed, if the output transistors are the existence ofcan take full current and voltage that will work for an expected value of the impedance. If the impedance (AC resistance) of the connected speakers is too low, more current must pass through the amplifying device, as it can. Or a fuse blows or shock or burn entering emitter resistors or some other form of damage. Fusing often do not react quickly enough to save the circuit. So why are not all planning systems at low impedances? Without going too far init can result in increased costs of large size. For example, the theoretically ideal performance in most speaker systems of today, if a power amplifier, it is for each halving of impedance to be doubled. So for 100 watts into 8 ohms, should put out 200 into 4 ohms, 400 into 2 ohms and 800 ohms in one (remember, this is theoretically ideal, and almost every amplifier can be an effective doubling of performance for a halving of obtain the load impedance). Most decent amplifiers today have much less 0.5Ohm output impedance, as a good performance with speakers that can fall to the low impedance at some frequencies. Our amplifier theory, it was made to operate in a load of 0.5 ohms, the ability to put out 1600 watts per channel, without damaging anything (in the amp!) Have. As you can imagine the cost of a good quality amp with this kind of ability is remarkable. Now think about this: The average user of this massive amp with 8 ohm speakers, sees only an average performancePower of 100 watts RMS (RMS stands for Root Mean Square and is basically a measure of average power, which is about 70 percent of peak power). For most users, this would be the price as a buffer flow. Some amplifiers are designed for this type of standards, for the reason that the speakers that go down to one ohm, which sound much better if a very high power amplifier driven. One example is the Krell Evolution One, which is a single block. This means that you need two for stereo. Theironly $ 25,000 greater than you re dollar. For those who might think I do this until you use Google to find prices on Krell monoblocks too.

Copyright © 2006-2008 Seafawn Enterprises, LLC

All information on this site may be copied freely provided that the link is included below.

Buy home theater speakers and accessories

As several speakers on a stereo amplifier or home theater use

Jogging Stroller Quickly Step2 Clubhouse Climber Decide Now Dell Motherboards Buy

Home Audio Amplifier - 7 expert tips for improving your home theater sound

!±8± Home Audio Amplifier - 7 expert tips for improving your home theater sound

How do you want a system of house music that sounds so great that the actors are playing at home in front of you is? Choosing the right home audio amplifier is a dramatic contrast of music, sounds like good your home theater and music system at home is.

With these expert tips audio, the selection of your home entertainment system components, and music, and is home to an exceptional audio sound experience without youYou spend a small fortune.

Here's how to get the best value for your home-entertainment-music-system

o The biggest investment after your HDTV home audio amplifiers, the speaker should not be

or specific brands of AV receivers are known for exceptional music fidelity

or you need a certain minimum performance capabilities for great audio sound

Because either you have a system with 2 stereo channels will be

stereo music or home theater and surround sound needscompletely different amplifiers

or AV receiver vs. separate audio power amplifier components

What makes your heart or your home theater and audio system to music?

The problem is that you have many choices, and there are so many brands that there is very difficult to know where to begin to choose. When you shop at your local electronics store these days, you probably will not find an expert in home entertainment audio, to help themselves competent enough to reallyThem. Most online forums and web pages are for the most part, too.

The biggest difference between a good stereo sound system at home and a great sounding home entertainment system is the synergy of the components. In essence, how well all the pieces together at the sound of speakers, AV receiver, audio amplifier, DVD / Blu-ray, games consoles, iPods, DAC, and so on.

The heart of all your system of musical entertainment will be the Home AudioAmplifier is used. They are home audio amplifier such as the engine of your car. This is an important factor in the synergy of music you hear during your home entertainment system. Their second biggest investment after your HDTV should be at home audio amplifiers, not to be the speaker.

Choose your audio amplifier based on what is more interest on your home entertainment. These are mainly want to enjoy music in stereo (2 channels) or if you want your musicPart of the system of your home cinema system 5.1 or 7.1 home theater surround sound system?

In general, the most realistic sound of live musical performance that you can experience at home amplifiers, only 2-channel stereo listening.

If you are the best value in quality stereo music, select a stereo power amplifier with a minimum of 75 watts to 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms. If your budget is higher, you hear the best music stereo through a separateAmplifier stereo or mono amplifiers and a single stereo amplifier corresponding set. Home audio amplifier with 250 watts per channel offers the best bass and overall warmth and sound stage depth and width to listen to your music.

If your main interest is to enjoy surround sound home theater experience to hear a movie or playing video games and not just the music, there will be a home audio system with 5.1 or 7.1 multichannel capabilities need toGreat sound experience in your home.

They are the best value for home theater amplifier, finding a multi-channel AV (audio / video receiver). You have many options when choosing an AV receiver. All have the same capabilities, but today few people have the higher the high-fidelity sound, the musical synergy created for you. Select an AV receiver with at least 120 watts per channel for all channels. Marantz introduces some of the best-sounding AV receiver, you canBuy Marantz and quality is top notch.

Since the budget is not a problem, you hear the most incredible sound home theater system with separate muti-channel high power audio amplifier home with a matching Audio-Video Processor / Preamplifier. You want to try multi-channel home audio amplifier of at least 150 watts to 350 watts per channel. Some of the best brands in this category are: call for Marantz, Krell, Paragon, encyclopedia and a pair of Mcintosh. To a significant step forwardseparates an AV receiver, Marantz AV8003 MM8003 like and are cheap and have excellent sound quality make music an exceptional value for a premium audio system home cinema and home.

Remember when putting together your home cinema and home entertainment sound system music, the heart of your audio system on the quality of home audio amplifiers, which use you came.

Home Audio Amplifier - 7 expert tips for improving your home theater sound

Shop For Pet Safe Collar Buyers Thule Cycle Carriers