How to Wire a 4-Channel Amp to 6 Speakers

Hey there, audio enthusiasts!

Are you looking to upgrade your sound system but don’t want to break the bank? Or maybe you already have a 4-channel amp and want to know if it’s possible to wire it up with six speakers. Well, fear not! As someone who has been tinkering with car audio for years, I’m here to guide you through the process.

How to Wire a 4-Channel Amp to 6 Speakers

But let’s be real:

Wiring a 4-channel amp to six speakers can be tricky and even risky if done incorrectly. That’s why in this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the wiring options available and weigh their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to make an informed decision on how best to wire your setup without damaging your precious equipment.

So sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey through the world of car audio wiring.

Warning: You might just become obsessed with perfecting your sound system after reading this!

Is Connecting 6 Speakers to a 4-Channel Amplifier Possible?

Even though many individuals are interested in giving this kind of connection a go, it is not encouraged by the vast majority of producers. A 6-channel amplifier would be ideal for your six speakers for better sound quality. Otherwise, the speakers might overwork the amplifier, causing internal damage.

Indeed, you may establish such a link quite simply. However, going above the amplifier’s capacity causes the system to overheat from overuse. If your amplifier is cheaper, it may not do very well with this.

You should only continue with the assembly once you realize this action’s potential hazards.

How to Wire 6 Speakers to a 4-Channel Amp

You may hook up a 4-channel amplifier to six speakers in parallel or serial configurations. Regardless of your approach, you’ll need to use just two channels to control the volume for your four speakers, while the other two channels each handle a single speaker.

Parallel Wiring

You must join all the positive speaker wires together, and the same is true for the negative wires if you want to create a parallel connection. In this situation, you’ll repeat this process until all six speakers are linked together. Hence, you can connect two speakers with one channel and two other speakers with another. Then, you may join the remaining two speakers in a single-channel amp.

If any of the speakers in your audio system were to stop working, the system would still work because of the wiring method. This method can offer a great quality sound.

A parallel connection also improves audio quality significantly. You should note, however, that if specific channels are responsible for driving two speakers at once, they will produce more heat than necessary. If your speakers or amplifiers are low-cost ones manufactured with subpar materials, this might hasten their decline in performance. The additional heat produced is fine if you maintain the volume of your sound equipment at an average level. Still, it becomes a significant problem if you play music at a very high volume for lengthy periods.

Series Link

To connect your speakers in series, you’ll need to link them one after the other in a line, with each speaker’s positive wire connected to the following speaker’s negative wire. The most common benefit of this wiring is that it shares the electricity supply uniformly. Because this method does not generate extra heat, your stereo should survive much longer. Also, this is the safest method for wiring speakers.

However, there is a notable degradation in sound quality when using a series connection for your audio. When one speaker goes out, the whole sound system goes down because of how the wiring is.

How Can I Figure Out Which Approach to Connectivity Is Best?

You must first determine your amplifier’s maximum and lowest resistance values. To accomplish this, follow the instructions outlined in the handbook you got with your purchase.

It’s crucial to keep the load from exceeding the amplifier’s capability; thus, this is a must. Upon receiving a favorable response, you may move forward with wiring the speakers in series.

If the total is more than the maximum, double the impedance of your left speakers by that number, and then divide that number by the total. You can make a parallel connection if your result is within certain bounds.

If your calculation shows that the speaker load would exceed the amplifier’s capability, you should not try to hook them up.

Problems with Wiring Four Speakers and a Subwoofer

Wiring four speakers and a subwoofer to a single 4-channel amplifier requires some familiarity with certain concepts. As you turn down the volume on the rear speakers for the remaining two channels to connect a sub, you will need to switch the faders from the front to the back. It’s not all automobile amplifiers’ ability to power speakers with impedance as low as 2 ohms. A workaround may be necessary if your system doesn’t. 

Connecting four speakers to a two-channel amplifier means cutting the power to each speaker in half.

Refrain from fretting too much; a decent four-speaker and subwoofer setup will allow you to listen to music without interruption.

How to Wire 6 4 Ohm Speakers to a 2-Channel Amp

Ensure you’re connecting your amplifier’s positive left terminal to the speaker’s positive left terminal in the head unit. Connect your speaker’s negative end to the left speaker’s positive end. Put the negative end of the second left speaker into the negative input of the amplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

  • How many speakers can a 4-channel amp handle?

An amp with four channels is sufficient for six speakers. Typically, you may connect 2-8 speakers to a 4-channel amplifier.

  • What happens if you use a powerful amp for the speakers?

Amplification should not exceed the capabilities of speakers. However, if you connect both speakers in series and turn down the amplifier’s level, you may use them for testing. It’s important to use caution since even a little increase in volume might irreversibly harm the speakers.

Conclusion: How to Wire 6 Speakers to a 4-Channel Amp

Learning how to connect a 4-channel amplifier to 6 speakers, either in series or parallel is not difficult. Both processes, however, require that you take certain safety measures. Follow the correct speaker wiring procedures to avoid damaging your speakers or other gear while listening to music. It’s essential to realize that the safest way to wire speakers is in a series configuration.

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Danny Reid

Hey, I'm Danny, and I know how hard it can be to find the perfect audio gear. Need a new stereo, amp, speakers, or subs? Don't worry – my blog is here to help you cut through the noise! My mission is to give you the best reviews, so you can make the right decision for your audio needs. And if you ever get stuck thinking, "Where does this blue wire go?" don't worry – I've got tons of cool tips to help you out of any jam. So come along with me on this fun, sound-filled adventure, and let's find the perfect audio setup to make your tunes really sing!