Many people believe that putting an amplifier in their car is too difficult and should only be done by a professional. However, if you’re a music enthusiast who wants to give your car’s audio system a boost, installing a 4-channel amplifier is an excellent option. And the best part is that you don’t need to be an expert to complete it.
Remember that connecting a four-channel amp to a six-speaker system is a bad idea. Purchase a 6-amp channel or use a 4-channel amp to connect four speakers. However, a 4-channel amp can be connected to power six speakers.
Let’s find out how to wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers.
4 Channel Amplifier – What Is It?
For full-range power improvement/amplification, this amplifier has four distinct output channels. A stereo amplifier is another name for a four-channel amplifier. It’s designed to help your car’s audio system sound better by boosting or improving low-quality input signals.
Two speakers may be powered using a 4 channel amplifier as a bare minimum. It’s also capable of driving two subwoofers at the same time with no performance issues. The most common configuration of this amplifier is, normally, a 5.1 surround sound system.
What’s the point?
Assume you want to connect your car’s front and back speakers so you may get the best audio quality possible. For such circumstances, a four-channel amplifier is an excellent choice.
A 4 channel amplifier’s ability to simultaneously connect two speakers and a subwoofer is another major advantage.
Types of 4 Channel Amplifiers
4 channel amplifiers are classified into four classes: A, B, AB, and D, with types AB and D being the most common.
Class AB is a combination of classes A and B. They are adored for the continuous flow of electricity that they provide. They are, nevertheless, analogous. The output signal from class D amplifiers, on the other hand, is pulsed because the current is continuously cycling between on and off.
The switching, on the other hand, may result in greater distortions at higher frequencies as a consequence. Furthermore, they are more productive. Low-pass filter systems are incorporated into amplifiers in order to mitigate this issue.
Amplifier with 4 channels
Amplifiers are most often purchased for their increased power. The power of an amplifier is calculated by the RMS (Root Mean Square) and wattages of the input and output signals.
Watts per channel is the amount of power that can be delivered to each speaker by each amplifier that you select. It is recommended that you choose an amplifier with a greater power rating than the speakers and subwoofers that you plan to use in your system.
When it comes to impedance in ohms, the greater the value, the lower the RMS per channel that is needed. This is why connecting your speakers in series is not a major problem since the speakers will not use excessive amounts of electricity.
However, connecting them in series may create an issue since the speakers will use a significant amount of power owing to the reduced overall impedance of the system.
Sizes of Four-Channel Amplifiers
If you have a lot of available space in your media room, you shouldn’t be concerned about the size of your amplifier.
This was more of an issue with analogue amplifiers, since the power could be dictated by the size of the device. However, because to technological advances, it is now feasible to get smaller amps that are still capable of delivering a powerful push.
4 Channel Amplifier Manufacturers
Brands like as JL Audio, Pioneer, and Alpine have long roots in the audio business and are well-known for providing high-quality amplifiers on a consistent basis. Fact is, you do not want to purchase substandard gadgets from off-brands and then have to deal with the consequences.
Aside from that, the costs of amplifiers vary considerably. You’ll need to think about your financial situation and choose which choice is the greatest fit for you. Here are some rather decent and widely available 4-channel amplifiers that you are likely to come across on the market:
Alpine 4-Channel Power Pack Amplifier
This is a little amplifier that has the capability of increasing the output of a receiver by 45 watts. The class D amplifier has a configurable high-pass filter and delivers 45 watts by four at either four or two ohms.
It goes without saying that the Alpine power pack is one of the most handy and powerful amplifiers on the market today.
Pros:
Because of its tiny size, the amplifier is simple to conceal within your dashboard.
Easy installation
Cons: I haven’t come across any yet.
Rockford Fosgate Prime 4-Channel Amp
This device, which is equipped with both over-current and short-circuit safety, delivers 50 watts to each speaker in each of the four channels. Although the gadget is defensive, if you exceed the power, it will quickly enter protection mode and prevent further damage.
It has a 45-watt rated power on every channel, and it has adjustable high-pass filters as well.
Pros:
- Simple installation
- Quick shipping
- Excellent value for money.
Cons: There aren’t any drawbacks.
Pioneer Class FD 4-Channel Bridgeable Amp
It is a class D amplifier that delivers 100 watts per speaker. Furthermore, the amp has the capability of being bridged to command up to 300 watts of sub.
In order to make sound changes simple, it is equipped with high-pass and low-pass filters. This device, which has the capacity to generate high-quality mids and highs, provides you with the power you want in a clean and smooth manner.
In this case, the car speakers are sharing the amp’s power, which means your device has less power available to each speaker when you wire four speakers from two channels.
Pros
- They’re smaller and take up less room.
- For the same money, you can receive more power.
Cons None actually.
Is it possible to Wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers?
The answer is yes, a 4-channel amplifier is capable of powering six speakers without any issues. It’s not the greatest practice, however, since the amp will be overworked if you connect too many speakers. For optimal efficiency and uncompromised sound quality, 4 speakers should be connected to a 4 channel amp and 6 speakers to a 6 channel amp.
Even so, connecting six speakers to a four-channel amp is possible and never a bad idea. Going above the amplifier’s rated power may seem simple, but it may put undue strain on the system and cause it to overheat, particularly on cheaper models. Also learn How to choose amplifier for speakers: Complete buying guide.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
The following is a list of the things that you’ll need in order to Wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers.
- A pair of RCA adapter cables
- Quality speaker wire
- Fuse and fuse holder (for a hitch-free electrical connection)
- Zip ties
- Crimp tool
- Electrical tape
- Digital test meter (for measuring voltage)
There are just four stereo channels on the 4-channel amp, but there are six speakers to connect. As a result, the speaker cables cannot be connected directly. Instead, you’ll have to decide on the best way to connect the bottom parallel and series wires together.
Whichever method of installation or connection you choose, four of the six speakers must be wired in a two-channel configuration.
Cost
Amplifiers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a range of prices to match.
Choosing from a variety of high-quality designs is critical if you want the greatest possible performance and an unforgettable experience. These are well-established companies that have built a loyal following through time. Some of these companies are marketed as high-end. Those that fall somewhere in the middle of the pricing range are positioned as such.
The price of a high-end multi-channel amplifier ranges from $100 to $400. Allow approximately $120 for installation if you’re going to call in the pros.
Time
If you’re doing the installation yourself, it’ll take approximately 4 hours to hook up an amplifier to your car. Suppose, you’re bringing your car to a shop to get an amplifier installed. If that’s the case, finishing this procedure may take less time.
Series Connection
This method of connecting six speakers to a four-channel amplifier is simple and secure. The basic concept behind this technique is that one of the speakers acts as a hub for other speakers. You’ll connect one speaker to the next using wires in a linear pattern or arrangement.
A wire is stretched from the amplifier’s one end, which is then linked to the first speaker, and then to the next. The amp’s other end is linked to the final speaker. So, how does one go about doing this? On a single channel, two speakers are connected or powered in series.
This implies that two of the four channels will be used to connect four of the six speakers. The other two speakers are then separately linked to the remaining two channels.
Procedure: Wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers
- First, two speakers should be connected to the first channel.
- Connect the first speaker’s negative (-ve) wire to the first channel’s negative (-ve) connector.
- After that, connect the first speaker’s positive (+ve) wire to the second speaker’s negative (-ve) wire.
- Connect the 2nd speaker’s positive (+ve) connector to the 1st channel’s positive (+ve) terminal.
- To connect the third and fourth speakers to the second channel, repeat steps 2 through 4. There are two channels (channels 3 and 4) and two speakers (5th and 6th speakers) remaining to connect at this stage.
- Connect the third channel to the fifth speaker.
- The 6th speaker should be connected to the 4th channel.
What to like
- There will be no extra expenses, and you will not be required to replace any equipment.
- You won’t need to reduce the speaker load’s impedance.
- It protects the health of your amplifier.
Obvious Drawbacks
Because the speakers draw less power from the amplifier (power is decreased), the sound quality suffers.
Parallel Connection
This connection technique is the simplest if you understand the fundamental concept. Choosing it over alternative ways for connecting two or more speakers to an amplifier shows how popular it is.
Due to the nature of this method, each speaker must be connected to the amplifier separately. The load impendence of the system is determined by dividing the impendence of each speaker by the total number of speakers connected.
For example, putting four speakers in parallel to an amplifier with an impedance of 8 ohms each gives a 2-ohm impedance.
Procedure: Wire a 4 channel amp to 6 speakers
- First, connect the speaker’s negative (-ve) wire to the amplifier’s channel 1’s negative (-ve) terminal.
- Connect the first and second speaker’s negative (-ve) wires together, not twisted.
- Then, connect the first speaker’s positive (+ve) wire to the first channel’s positive (+ve) terminal.
- To complete the circuit, connect the 2nd speaker’s positive (+ve) wire to the 1st speaker’s positive (+) terminal.
- Connect the third and fourth speakers to the second channel after steps 1–4.
- Then the 5th and 6th speakers are connected one by one to the last two channels.
Instead of connecting the first and second speakers individually, you may choose to combine their positive (+) wires and attach them to the positive (+ve) terminal of the first channel.
Then connect the negative (-ve) wires from both speakers to the negative terminal of the first speaker channel. This method may also connect the third and fourth speakers to the second channel.
Several benefits
- This technique is easy to understand.
- The sound has a lot of depth.
- It has a great deal of sound clarity.
Disadvantages
As a consequence, the overall speaker load impendence has reduced. This allows the speaker to draw too much power from the amplifier, causing overheating, which is apparent when the speaker is used loudly.
Concerns Regarding the Installation of Four Speakers and a Subwoofer
Let’s clear up a few things before moving on. To connect four speakers and a subwoofer to a single 4-channel amplifier, you need to know a few things.
To connect a subwoofer to two channels of rear speakers, you’ll need to move the front-back fader control. Not all vehicle amplifiers are capable of driving speakers with a resistance as low as 2 ohms. There may be a problem if your device doesn’t support it. Additional components are required as well.
As a result, your amp has less power available to each speaker when using two channels to connect four speakers. However, do not be alarmed; a good-sounding four-speaker and subwoofer system will still allow you to enjoy listening to music.
Bottom Line
Connecting six speakers in series or parallel with four-channel amplifiers is simple and safe. Each speaker is connected to the amplifier separately using a parallel connection. Because of this, the impedance load is greater.
It is possible that parallel connections may cause the amplifier to overheat due to the additional load. However, parallel contacts will offer excellent sound quality. The speakers are linked end to end via a series of connectors. It’s safer, but the sound quality suffers as a result.
FAQs: How To Wire 6 Speakers To A 4 Channel Amp
This FAQ part is all about finding solutions to some of your concerns that may come while searching for How To Wire 6 Speakers To A 4 Channel Amp. Let’s learn more!
What’s the difference between a two-channel and a four-channel amplifier?
A two-channel amp enables you to connect with fewer speakers, while a four-channel amp allows you to connect with more speakers.
What’s the deal with my stereo being so hot?
Although it is feasible to connect or wire six speakers to a four-channel amplifier, it is recommended that just four speakers be connected.
When four speakers are connected or wired in parallel to two of the four available channels, the two channels are subjected to a continuous load of two (2) ohms if the speakers are operated at maximum volume for an extended length of time. This is not good for your audio if it continues. Your stereo is certain to fail at some point.
While the parallel connection does not provide the same level of security as the series connection, the sound quality makes it a better connection option.
How can I keep my stereo from overheating?
If you have 4 speakers connected to 2 channels in parallel, make sure you constantly play/listen to music at a low or moderate level to keep your stereo from becoming too hot. You won’t have any problems as long as the stereo isn’t turned up to eleven. This is a good approach to keep your audio working at a comfortable temperature at all times.
If you can’t seem to get enough of loud music, if you’re going to turn up the volume on your stereo, make sure it’s just for a short time and not on a regular basis.
What happens if you connect more speakers than an amp can handle?
When you add more speakers to an amp than it can handle, the amp’s load rises.
As a consequence, the amplifier’s temperature rises or becomes very hot, potentially harming the amplifier over time.
How can I find or test a high-quality speaker?
To obtain the greatest outcomes or results from your amplifier, your speaker must likewise be robust or of high quality.
Paying attention to the frequency is the greatest method to detect or test a good speaker.
Such a speaker may be regarded an outstanding option if the frequency is reproduced precisely and clearly without the addition or removal of any information.
How can I connect my four-channel amplifier to my speakers?
In essence, four speakers are linked to two channels, while the other two speakers are connected to the remaining two free channels separately. Assume you have two speakers in the front, two speakers in the rear, and two speakers on the sides of your car.
In such scenario, the two front speakers should be connected to the first channel, while the two rear speakers should be connected to the second channel. The other two channels may then be wired separately to the two speakers on the sides of the car, with each speaker linked to a single channel.
Freelance tech journalist & author of soundboxlab.com …Read More
