Wiring speakers to the Architect P250 EQ
The Architect P250 is a 2-channel amplifier that allows you to hook up 8 speakers (or more) to create a large, multi-speaker audio zone. Because there are only 2 channels, you will need to be mindful of how the speakers are wired to avoid putting the amp into protect.
Speaker Impedance
If you're an avid reader of AudioControl user manuals, or a big fan of speaker wiring techniques, you may already understand how speaker impedance changes when 2 or more speakers are connected to a single amp channel. When speakers are wired in parallel—meaning all positive wires are connected to positive terminals, and all negatives are connected together—they present a lower impedance value than the individual components are rated for. Here are two examples for calculating speakers wired in parallel:
- For three 8 Ohm speakers wired in parallel (pluses connected to pluses) the impedance is 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 = 3/8
Then take the inverse or 8/3 = 2.66 Ω - For two 4 Ohm speakers wired in parallel (pluses connected to pluses) the impedance is 1/4 + 1/4 = 2/4
Then take the inverse or 4/2 = 2 Ω
Often the real world is more complicated than theory, but for all intents and purposes this a good formula to follow.
P250 Amplified Outputs
The 4 stereo outputs on the Architect P250 EQ are wired in parallel with each other. Each output labeled "1" comes from the first amp channel, and all outputs labeled "2" come from the second amp channel. Because the outputs are wired in parallel, every speaker added will be in parallel with the others on the same output.
This amplifier can handle impedances as low as 2 Ω.
8 Ω speakers are some of the most common available, and if we follow the math in the previous section, four 8 Ω speakers in parallel will present a 2 Ω load. If all of the outputs on this amp have 8 Ω speakers connected to them, the amp will run smooth as a smooth thing, and you won't encounter any interruptions.
If your speakers have a lower impedance than 8 Ω, you may only be able to wire one or two of them to each amplified channel.
If you're not sure that your system will work with the speakers you have, reach out to the friendly folks on our tech support team and they'll help you out.
phone: 425-775-8461
e-mail: techsupport@audiocontrolpro.com
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