How to Wire Subwoofers by Series or Parallel
by Adam Smith
When wiring your subwoofers to your amplifier, it is important to wire them correctly. Subwoofers can either be wired in series or parallel. When wired in series, subwoofers will increase in impedance, while wiring in parallel lowers impedance. Certain subwoofers and amplifier combinations need certain wiring patterns. Make sure to consult the manufacturer's manual that is included with your audio equipment to determine the setup that is suitable for you.
Series Wiring
Step 1
Cut the speaker wire into three 2-foot sections. Strip a half-inch of sheath off of each end.
Step 2
Connect a section of wire from the positive terminal of the terminal cup (located on the back of the subwoofer box) to the positive terminal of the first subwoofer. Connect the second wire from the negative terminal of subwoofer 1 to the positive terminal of subwoofer 2.
Step 3
Connect the final wire from the negative terminal of subwoofer 2 to the negative terminal of the terminal cup.
Parallel Wiring
Step 1
Cut four 2-foot sections of speaker wire and strip a half-inch of sheath off each end.
Step 2
Connect one end of a speaker wire to the positive terminal of the terminal cup and connect the other end to the positive terminal of subwoofer 1. Connect a second length of speaker wire from the positive terminal of subwoofer 1 to the positive terminal of subwoofer 2.
Step 3
Connect the third speaker wire to the negative terminal of the terminal cup and the negative terminal of subwoofer 1. Connect the final length of speaker wire from the negative terminal of subwoofer 1 to the negative terminal of subwoofer 1.
References
Things You'll Need
- 2 subwoofers
- Subwoofer box
- Speaker wire
- Wire cutter
- Wire stripper
Writer Bio
Adam Smith has been freelance writing since the start of 2010. He mostly writes automotive, culinary and sports articles for eHow. Smith also works as a research assistant in the health and aging field. He is currently a student in a Masters of Public Administration program at West Virginia University, where he already received a bachelor's degree in criminology.
