Parallel speakers

[Ajaysdisco]

I’m sure this topic has probably been covered as much as sign writing vehicles , but I’ve done a search and couldn’t find an obvious answer.

The question I have is as follows:
If I parallel up two passive speakers so that the amp is connected to the bass speaker and that is then linked to the top. Is the power spit 50/50 between the speakers e.g. if I am putting about 600w each side, would each speaker be running at 300w?
The reason why I ask is because I have 600w top and 400w bass (it’s not the best I know) and I don’t want to blow up the bass speaker!

Thanks

[Tony Scott]

Yes as long as each speaker has the same resistance (i.e. both are 8ohm) then each will get 300w.

...what amp are you using, don't forget that using 2 speakers in parallel halves the resistance so the amp will produce more power. 2x 8ohm in parallel = 4ohm.

[Ajaysdisco]

Thanks for the info, I am using a Crown XTi 4000 so the amp should cope.
Its looking like at some point I will need bigger bass speakers or external crossover and extra amp to get the most out of the system.

[Excalibur]

Assuming that when you say linked from top sub to top, you don't mean from a built in crossover. That wouldn't tend to split the power 50/50.

If they are paralled as Tony thinks, ( but I'm not sure they are ) you should be able to safely use an amp giving around 750-1200w per side at four ohms.

[Daryll]

Have a look at this , an excel document that works out all sorts of things , series , parallel , different impedances etc.

speaker.xls


Daryll

[Tony Scott]

Assuming that when you say linked from top sub to top, you don't mean from a built in crossover. That wouldn't tend to split the power 50/50.

If they are paralled as Tony thinks, ( but I'm not sure they are ) you should be able to safely use an amp giving around 750-1200w per side at four ohms.

Good point Peter....

Ajay, if your bass cab has as a passive x-over that has a mid/hi out for your top speakers and you link 'through' then the power will be divided unequally (this is not linking in parallel!).

However if your bass cabs have no mid/hi out and you are just using the bass cab's connectors to link in 'parallel' then the power will be divided equally.

[Ajaysdisco]

Good point Peter....

Ajay, if your bass cab has as a passive x-over that has a mid/hi out for your top speakers and you link 'through' then the power will be divided unequally (this is not linking in parallel!).

However if your bass cabs have no mid/hi out and you are just using the bass cab's connectors to link in 'parallel' then the power will be divided equally.

I thought it wouldn’t be simple!
I am using NJD speakers and on the back it says “Input” and “Link”, any ideas on whether this is a straight parallel link or how I could test it?!

[Excalibur]

I thought it wouldn’t be simple!
I am using NJD speakers and on the back it says “Input” and “Link”, any ideas on whether this is a straight parallel link or how I could test it?!

Don't take this as gospel, but as a rule, link is exactly that.

[Sapphire Disco]

You might get a clearer answer if you quote the exact models of both your speakers , but to be honest I think it's better to give subs a bit of wellie rather than under power them anyway (IMHO)

[Tony Scott]

I thought it wouldn’t be simple!
I am using NJD speakers and on the back it says “Input” and “Link”, any ideas on whether this is a straight parallel link or how I could test it?!

What model of NJD bass cab is it?

From the NJD manual:

Frequency Response
The NJD models are equipped with a built in passive crossover network, which
ensures a smooth transition between the individual frequency ranges. The
Individual crossovers are tailored to perfectly suit the cabinet and give the best day to day performance.

Pin Arrangement
The NJD cabinets are equiped with 2 Neutrik(C) speakon sockets wired in
parallel.

The pin arrangement is as follows..... blah blah blah