How to connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier with a bridge

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

The quality of listening to music programs in a car depends on the parameters of two main components. These are speaker systems and a low-frequency unit used to connect speakers. Additional factors that ensure good sound are connecting wires and their proper installation in the cabin. Car sound systems have different numbers of channels. A four-channel block is considered a universal design. It allows you to connect a subwoofer, front speakers and rear speakers to a 4-channel amplifier.

Car audio amplifiers

Purpose and principle of operation

The sound of your car radio can be improved by installing high-performance speakers. Unfortunately, the parameters of the standard equipment do not allow the use of high-power sound emitters, which limits the possibilities of modernization with little cost.

In such a situation, installing an autonomous sound amplifier will help out. It is an electronic device powered from the vehicle's on-board network that increases the amplitude (span) and power of low-frequency electrical oscillations.

Four-channel car power amplifier with adjustable parameters

The input of the device is supplied with a signal taken, usually from the linear output of the radio. An acoustic system is connected to the output. In other words, in the electrical circuit the amplifier is located between the audio source and the speakers.

Classification

A car's interior sound system consists of several channels—separate “lines” for generating, amplifying, and processing the low-frequency electrical signals needed for speakers.

For this reason, one of the criteria for classifying car amplifiers is the number of channels, each of which has its own input and output.

Photo gallery: examples of car amplifiers for 1–6 channels

Low frequency amplifier for subwoofer

Car stereo audio amplifier

Six channel car amplifier

Typically the device has from 1 to 6 channels. The stereo system requires two (left and right speakers). The "front plus rear" scheme - four.

When a subwoofer is needed, choose amplifiers with an odd number of channels (3 or 5) or those that allow connection in bridge mode. The latter allows you to use a more powerful speaker, as it uses two amplification channels simultaneously. In addition, the low-frequency speaker can be connected using a separate single-channel amplifier - a monoblock.

Based on a combination of energy efficiency and output signal distortion indicators, automotive audio amplifiers are divided into classes A, B, AB, C and D.

Class A devices have the lowest efficiency and the least signal distortion. In contrast, Class C is characterized by high energy efficiency and high distortion.

Class AB is an economical compromise solution that combines acceptable sound quality and good energy efficiency.

Class D includes equipment with digital signal processing, which provides excellent sound. Its disadvantage is its high cost.

Specifications

From a consumer point of view, the most important parameter of car audio amplifiers is output power. Its value is indicated in the passport or certificate. You should not rely on the numbers printed on the case or front panel. As a rule, they are not true.

There are several techniques for measuring output power. The following are most often cited in documentation.

PMPO (Peak Music Power Output) - maximum peak output value. In practice, it does not characterize either the sound quality or the capabilities of the device and, as a rule, is given for advertising purposes.

RMS (Root Mean Squared) - root mean square (square) value of power at a given signal quality. This parameter characterizes the state at which even an inexperienced listener notices sound distortion.

DIN POWER is the most adequate parameter measured at the rated load with a normalized harmonic distortion coefficient. Its varieties are also referred to in the documentation as IEJA and IHF.

Among the main technical characteristics (except power output):

frequency range,
nonlinear (harmonic) distortion coefficient,
signal/noise ratio,
dumping factor.

In practice, the same characteristics of equipment from different manufacturers differ slightly and provide high sound quality.

Choice

Based on the number of channels, the amplifier is selected based on the number of speakers that need to be connected and their connection diagram.

An additional advantage may be the presence of crossovers - built-in audio frequency filters (HPF highlights the upper ones, LPF - the lower ones) with adjustable parameters (cutoff frequency, gain, slope).

When choosing the power of a car amplifier, take into account the capabilities of the speakers. To operate for a long time, they do not need to be overloaded, so the power should be less than what the speakers are designed for.

If there is no linear output (tulips) in the radio, which happens very rarely, you will need a high-level input.

How to connect a sub to a 4 channel amplifier

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier will provide excellent sound quality in the car. Separate low-frequency amplification paths allow you to connect front and rear speakers and a subwoofer to a four-channel device.

Connecting a subwoofer to a four-channel amplifier can be done in two ways. In the first case, the connection of the speaker systems looks like this:

Channel one – front speakers
Second channel – rear speakers
The third and fourth are a bridge subwoofer

The second option implies that the four-channel unit will be used only for the subwoofer. In this case, two low-frequency speaker systems are connected. One in the first and third channels, and the second in the third and fourth. Connecting a subwoofer with a bridge to a 4-channel amplifier is considered the most convenient option. This configuration means that the low-frequency sound system is connected between the plus of one channel and the minus of the second as shown in the figure.

Bridging a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer should be done very carefully. The instructions for the amplifier indicate the minimum permissible impedance of the loudspeakers, which can be used on one channel or on two channels in a bridge connection. Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier may have limitations, since some models allow connecting a speaker with a resistance of at least 4 ohms. When connecting a four-channel amplifier to a subwoofer, it is important not to reverse the polarity and make the connection as shown in the diagram.

Before installing the connecting cable onto the screw terminal, it must be thoroughly cleaned to remove the oxide film from the surface of the copper. You need to unscrew the screw, make a copper loop at the end of the cable and tighten it under the washer. If you only clamp the end of the cable, vibration may weaken the thread and the wire will come out from under the washer.

How to setup

Correctly setting up the subwoofer allows you to make the most of all the capabilities of the speaker system in your car. Some music lovers still use factory settings, but this can greatly affect the sound quality. This feature is explained by the fact that the manufacturer cannot take into account the preferences of each listener. In addition, the quality of the reproduced sounds is greatly influenced by the type of car body and the installation features of the subwoofer.

Inaccuracies when connecting the subwoofer to the standard radio and setting up the system cause resonance in the car and rattling of individual elements of the plastic trim. To correct the sound, experts suggest using a specialized disc. It can be found in auto stores. This disc contains musical compositions with which you can fine-tune the settings.

Active subwoofer

To properly set up an active subwoofer in a car, you need to go through several stages of work. The stages of work are similar for any type of connection (to a monoblock or through amplifiers).

First of all, turn on the low-pass filter. It can be located on the radio itself or on the amplifier. The filter can be called as follows: Low Pass Filter (abbreviated LPF), as well as LF or low-pass filter. This action is necessary to minimize the sound of mid and high frequencies. When the filter is turned on, only bass will be heard.

Initial volume and frequency settings. Before you properly configure the sub, you need to find the filter frequency control - it is located on the amplifier and marked Frequency. Its indicator should be at around 80 Hz. The sensitivity control can be recognized by the inscription Gain or Level. Its level must correspond to that of other regulators.

Switching polarity. Only the fact in which direction the speaker cone will begin to move depends on the specific connection. In order to adjust the parameter, you need music in which the bass is reproduced clearly and clearly. After this, you need to find a sound option in which the subwoofer will produce sounds that are indistinguishable from the sounds from other elements of the speaker system.

The next task is to adjust the subsonic. This name refers to a subtonal filter that cleans musical compositions from excessively low sounds. In most cases, a level of 20 Hz will be sufficient. Those who prefer the loudest bass possible may need a level of 40 Hz.

It is equally important to configure the subwoofer taking into account mid-bass performance. This again requires volume control and a low-pass filter.

If you need soft bass, set the volume higher and the filter lower.

How to connect a four-channel amplifier to a subwoofer

Connecting a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer by bridge is carried out with a copper stranded wire of the appropriate cross-section. This is an acoustic cable designed specifically for connecting speaker systems, especially high power ones. Ready-made kits are available for sale, but it is not recommended to buy them. They are inexpensive, but have low quality insulation. Some manufacturers offer connecting cables with copper-coated steel cores. You cannot connect a 4-channel amplifier to a subwoofer with such wires.

A low-frequency speaker system is usually placed in the luggage compartment of a car, and a low-frequency system can be installed in the passenger compartment or in the trunk. Therefore, the cable consumption will be small. To connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, you need to select the cross-section of the connecting wires. For most systems, a cross-section of 4 mm2 will be sufficient, and for very powerful speakers 6-8 mm2. There is a well-known rule - the thinner the speaker cable, the worse the playback quality. This is especially true for low frequencies, so there is no need to skimp on cable cross-section.

Connect 4 channel amplifier to 1 subwoofer

Some car enthusiasts install two loudspeakers in a closed box or bass reflex to get powerful and rich bass. Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is done using a bridge circuit, but each two channels will work as a bridge to their own speaker. It will no longer be possible to connect other speaker systems, but the bass will be exceptionally strong and dense. To organize sound in the car interior, you will need a separate low-frequency unit. The connection diagram for one subwoofer for 4 channels is made with a thick acoustic cable in compliance with all reliability requirements. It is best to lay the cable in a corrugated plastic sleeve. The plastic material used to make the hoses does not support combustion so that in the event of a short circuit, fire can be avoided. It is important to secure cable lines with ties to avoid breakage in case of strong vibration.

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier yourself

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4 channel amplifier

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier without losing power? What needs to be done so that the connection diagram of a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is fully and correctly implemented? All these questions require answers, which we will try to provide in the article.

Important Points to Consider When Bridging

Before connecting, you should always check whether your amplifier supports the bridged connection option.
Make sure the device you are using can support the required resistance. A very strict rule applies here: the amplifier must have an operating impedance higher than the minimum value allowed for it. For example, when your device has a minimum impedance of 2 ohms, then it should be connected so that the operating resistance value is 4 ohms. If it falls below the minimum value set by the manufacturer, the device may simply turn off.
We must not forget that if two amplifiers are connected to a bridge, then the slave’s protection may be turned off. This must be taken into account and monitored carefully.
You cannot connect different channels/amplifiers to the coils separately.
Particular attention must be paid when bridging car speakers to a 4-channel amplifier. Sometimes this can cause a sudden increase in load on the generator or subwoofer.

What is an amplifier for?

The audio system, as you know, has long been of interest to the driver. If earlier more attention was paid to the chassis or technical serviceability of the vehicle, today, on the contrary, it is to comfort. And car audio occupies one of the leading positions in this regard. In order for the audio system to play at full power, recently they began to connect a subwoofer - a separate speaker that reproduces low frequencies. It is connected through an amplifier. Today there are three types of amplifiers installed in a car.

Note. The amplifier is installed in the car so that the driver and his passengers can fully enjoy the sound of music or watching a movie or video. For this reason, a properly selected and installed amplifier is of great benefit.

Of the above types of amplifier, 4-channel is considered the most popular, because it can be used for both 4 and 2 speakers, as well as a subwoofer. In addition, the 4-channel amplifier can be used to connect 2 subwoofers.

Note. The best and most widespread manufacturers of high-quality 4-channel amplifiers are considered to be models from the brands Alpin, Blaupunkt, Magnat, etc.

A 4-channel amplifier can be of two more classes:

AV amplifier (see How to connect an amplifier to a car radio: your own master), that is, analog, with high amplification quality, but low efficiency and low power;
D is a digital amplifier, already with high efficiency and high power, but low quality.

Connector groups

A 4-channel amplifier has not one, but several groups of outputs. Let's look at them in more detail:

Power connectors or outputs for power supplies.
12 V outputs, which are powered by the battery. When connecting wires to these contacts, it is recommended to also install a fuse at a remote distance from the battery.
REM output, where the control cable from the head unit is connected.
Output 1.3 GND or simply grounding. Designed to be connected to the machine ground.
Inputs for speakers and subwoofers, with plus/minus contacts.
The lineinput and output outputs are linear for RCA or simply tulip wires.

We connect two amplifiers

Now let's figure out how to connect two four-channel amplifiers in parallel to each other.

If you are a fan of loud and high-quality music, you may need two amplifiers for a more powerful sound output.

Both amplifiers can be powered from one power cable using a splitter (tee). The main thing is not to forget about the load on the wire: the more power you need, the larger the cross-section of the positive cable should be. The minus should be taken from one place so that there is no interference. Remote - wire for turning on the amplifier, we also make one for two, branch and connect. Well, we connect a four-channel interconnect RCA cable on one side to the linear output, on the other to the linear input.

Instructions for setting up a 4-channel amplifier

Generally, there are three types of amplifier settings you need to know. All of them are given below.

Amplifier setup for four speakers but no subwoofer

The amplifier's filter/crossover is turned off, and only the speakers reproduce the entire frequency range.
We put the Crossover Selector switch in the Flat position.
Level is set to position 8V.
Bass Boost is set to 0dB.
Now you will need to increase the volume on the car radio, but not more than 90%.
The equalizer, if it is not configured, is set to position 0 according to music styles.
Connect the amplifier and slowly turn the Level clockwise until the end.

Setting up an amplifier for a subwoofer and speakers

Crossover Selector Front on the amplifier is set to the HP position.
Phi Pass is set to 60Hz-80Hz.
Crossover Selector Rear is installed on LP.
Love Pass is adjustable in the frequency range 65Hz-85Hz.
Level is set to 0.
Bass Boost is also at 0dB.
As with the above-described Level setting, rotate it all the way, but adjust the sensitivity.

Tuning for local gain

Crossover The selector is set to Flat.
Turn on HP for tweeters.
Turn the Hi PASS control to the 250Hz position.
We adjust the amplifier using the Level rotator.

Note. If the car radio in the car is a new version, adjusting the amplifier may not be necessary. These radios already have automatic Bass Boost settings. If this is the case, then you will just need to adjust the Level rotator.

Connection diagram for a passive subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

To connect this type of speaker to a 4-channel amplifier, you will have to use a standard circuit.

Connection diagram for 4 channel amplifier and subwoofer

First, the subwoofer and other speakers are connected to the amplifier.
Then the amplifier is connected to the car radio.
Having received the signal directly from the car radio, the amplifier distributes it. Part of the signal is sent to the sub, and part to the tweeters.

Amplifier 4 channel connect subwoofer

Note. Often the subwoofer is placed in the trunk of a car. In view of this, it is necessary to stretch cables there through the entire cabin. In this case, the path from the battery to the trunk is implied, and so much cable needs to be calculated.

Connection diagram for subwoofer and 4 channel amplifier

When wiring cables, you need to make sure that the positive wire is protected with something, for example, corrugation. Basically, this means protecting the part that is located in the engine compartment, as close as possible to the battery.

Features of connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier

The power cable must be connected to the amplifier, first preparing the technological hole. Often this same hole already exists in cars. It is either closed with a rubber plug, or, as in domestic cars, remains open. If you couldn’t find a hole, you can make it yourself using the necessary drill bit and drill. It is recommended to insert a rubber bushing into the hole so that the wire does not fray in this place.

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

The wiring must be routed in the engine compartment, finding the standard wiring harness. The necessary wire should be brought into the interior.
The amplifier will be located in the trunk of the car.

How to connect a subwoofer to a four-channel amplifier

Two wires must be connected to the amplifier: plus and minus.
After this, as soon as the amplifier receives power from the battery, we run the cable to the head unit (car radio). Standard tulips and a special wire are used as a cable - thin and single-core, responsible for controlling the power supply of the amplifier (in many cases the blue wire).
We connect the tulips and the wire to the back of the car radio, which must be removed in advance.

How to connect a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier

We stretch the cable through the interior and connect the RCA connectors to the amplifier.
Now all that remains is to connect the subwoofer. The amplifier is 4-channel and therefore you can connect a subwoofer depending on what connection scheme is used.

Note. It is recommended to install a capacitor, which is indispensable in cases where the maximum power of the amplifier exceeds 400 V. The capacitor can be installed either in the trunk or in the engine compartment.

The instructions given above will help many times more if, in addition, you watch the video review and photo materials. If you do this whole operation yourself, you will be able to save a lot on costs, because the price of such a service at a service station is very high.

Good nutrition is the key to success

The amplifier connection procedure begins with the power wires. Wiring is the most important element of a car audio system; the volume and sound quality depend on it. Amplifiers need a stable power supply, otherwise the power will not be enough and the sound will become distorted. To understand why you need to pay attention to the quality of wiring and how it affects the sound reproduced by a loudspeaker, you need to know what a music signal is.

Some suggest that it represents a sine wave, however, the musical sinhala is characterized by a large difference between the normal and peak value. If sharp signal bursts are not important for car speakers, then in the case of an amplifier the situation is completely different. If the signal exceeds the permissible power for even a second (or even a millisecond), then these “anomalies” will be audible even to those who cannot boast of a good ear for music.

If the car amplifier is connected properly, the signal will flow through the wires undistorted. Carelessly done work or incorrectly selected wire cross-section will result in the sound being more compressed, rough and sluggish. In some cases, wheezing may also be clearly audible.

How to choose a wire cross-section?

Wire is the most common metal with a certain level of resistance. The thicker the wire, the lower the resistance of the wire. To avoid sound distortion during large voltage fluctuations (for example, when playing powerful bass), you must install the correct gauge wire.

It is worth noting that the cross-section of the positive cable should not be larger than the negative one (the length does not matter).

An amplifier is considered to be a rather electrically intensive device. For its effective operation, high-quality grounding is necessary so that it is possible to receive the necessary energy from the battery. To choose the correct wire cross-section, you need to make some calculations. First, look at the instructions for the amplifier (or directly at the box from the manufacturer, if there is no documentation, use the Internet) and find the rated power value (RMS) there. Rated power is the signal power an amplifier can deliver over an extended period of time to one channel of 4 ohms.

If we consider four-channel amplifiers, they usually have a power of 40 to 150 watts per channel. Let's say that the amplifier you purchased produces 80 watts of power. As a result of simple mathematical operations, we find out that the total power of the amplifier is 320 W. Those. How did we calculate this? It’s very simple to multiply the rated power by the number of channels. If we have a two-channel amplifier with a rated power (RMS) of 60 W, then the total will be 120 W.

After you calculate the power, it is advisable to also determine the length of the wire from the battery to your amplifier and you can safely use the table to select the required wire cross-section. How to use the table? On the left side the power of your amplifier is indicated, on the right you select the length of the wire, go up and find out what cross-section you need.

The table shows the cross-sections of copper wires, remember that a large number of sold wires are made of aluminum coated with copper, these wires are not durable and have more resistance, we recommend using current copper wires.

Fuse selection

In order to secure the connection of the car amplifier, it is necessary to protect the power supply from the battery to the amplifier using a fuse. Fuses should be placed as close to the battery as possible. It is important to distinguish between a fuse that protects the device itself (whether it is an amplifier or a radio) and a fuse installed on the power wire.

The latter is needed in order to protect the cable itself, since a considerable current flows through it. Make sure that the fuse ratings match, since if the wiring fuse rating is too large, the wire may burn out as a result of a short circuit. If the rating, on the contrary, is less, then the fuse can easily burn out at the time of peak loads and then there will be no other choice but to buy a new one. The table below shows the wire cross-section and the required fuse rating.

Read also: Magnet for attaching a phone in a car

Diagram of how to connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier in a car

To improve the sound quality of loudspeakers, additional multi-channel audio amplifiers are used, allowing you to connect a subwoofer. The car owner is able to independently connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, and then adjust the sound picture in the cabin.

Connecting speakers

Now the question is how to connect speakers to a four-channel amplifier in order to enjoy the sound from the speakers.

There are several options here: we can connect several loudspeakers both in parallel and in series. You need to know the power and impedance of both the amplifier and speakers. The amplifier is afraid of resistance lower than stated! That is, the greater the resistance, the better for him.

If the amplifier has an output resistance of 4 ohms, then we connect the speakers so that their total value is at least 4 ohms. Otherwise, our amplifier will heat up. The operating temperature of the output transistor is 85 degrees. Anything higher can break our amplifier.

Connection diagram

Connecting the amplifier begins with laying the power cables and the control cord leading to the head speaker unit. For power supply, a copper cable with insulation that does not deteriorate when exposed to negative temperatures is used. The wiring is routed under the floor and sill trims, and then routed to the battery installation location (under the hood or in the luggage compartment). It is recommended to connect the negative and positive power cables to the battery. Additionally, a capacitor is provided in the circuit to smooth out voltage drops.

The positive cable is equipped with a special fuse located at a distance of 400-500 mm from the battery terminal. The rating of the insert depends on the parameters of the standard protective devices located in the amplifier block. For example, when using a fuse rated for a current of 40 A in an amplifier, the rating of the protective unit in the power circuit should not exceed 50 A. Metal crimped tubes or soldering are used to connect electrical wiring components; twisted wires do not provide unreliable contact and are susceptible to oxidation.

Then the user connects a special cord to the 4-channel amplifier to synchronize the turn-on, coming from the radio (with blue insulation). When the audio device is turned on, a low-voltage signal is supplied through the cord to the amplifier's power supply. After turning on the additional equipment, sound broadcasting through the speakers begins. The amplification equipment is equipped with a control LED that allows you to visually check the functionality of the power circuits.

The player, equipped with linear outputs, is connected to the amplifier unit with special acoustic wires with a metal screen that reduces sound distortion due to exposure to electromagnetic fields. For a radio without linear ports, use a special adapter connected to standard speaker outputs.

It is recommended to lay speaker cables away from electrical motors, circuits or components of the ignition system or electronic components that are a source of interference. When running cords, it is not allowed to press the insulator against the metal edges of the body panels, which can cut the protective layer. When switching the amplifier module, the correct connection of the channels is monitored; if the cross-connection is incorrect, you will have to switch the signal cables in the correct sequence.

Speaker cables are connected to the 4 speakers (factory wiring can be used), which are led out to the installation site of the amplifier unit. The unit is located in the free space under the passenger seat, on a special pedestal in the luggage compartment or on a suspension under the rear acoustic shelf. The cords are laid under the soundproofing of the cabin floor. It is possible to connect 8 speakers, which are connected in pairs (in parallel or in series).

When connecting loudspeakers to an amplification device, the polarity of the connection must be observed. The negative terminals of the speakers are connected to the negative contacts of the corresponding channel; it is prohibited to combine the cables into a common line with a connection to the ground (car body). If connected incorrectly, the loudspeakers broadcast the signal out of tune, disrupting the uniform distribution of sound in the car interior. When connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier, it is necessary to make adjustments to the switching circuits.

How to connect a subwoofer

The low-frequency loudspeaker is connected by a bridge to the outputs for rear speakers. The negative cable is connected to the negative terminal of one output, and the positive signal comes from the positive terminal of the opposite channel. Front channels are used to connect the remaining speakers, which are connected in parallel or in series. The connection diagram depends on the resistance rating of the coils and the characteristics of the amplifier unit.

In the connection circuit of a 4-channel amplifier and subwoofer, it is possible to introduce an additional low-frequency speaker (with identical characteristics), which is switched by a bridge to the front channels. In this case, an additional amplifier unit is introduced into the car's acoustic system, servicing loudspeakers that reproduce medium and high frequencies.

How to choose an amplifier

When choosing an amplifier, you need to pay attention to the following details:

The amount of power for each channel. This is one of the main characteristics of an external amplifier. It must match the power of the radio and other equipment.

Scheme

The power of each channel in the amplifier should be less than the power of the subwoofer speaker and rear speakers. If this condition is not met, you may get unpleasant wheezing in the speakers.
The amplifier and speakers must have equal load impedance. It is acceptable if the speakers have this figure slightly higher.
The frequency range of the external amplifier should not be less than 20 Hz - 20 KHz.
If a subwoofer is installed in the car, then a two-channel amplifier is needed.

What you will need

To carry out the work yourself, you need a small set of tools and various consumables.

Bridge connection has become widespread because it allows the use of 1 channel amplifier.

Before you begin the actual work, you need to prepare:

Amplifier, speakers and subwoofer. You can find ready-made kits on sale, so there is no need for knowledge in selecting such devices. The service life of the entire system largely depends on the quality of the installed equipment.
Thick cable to power the device. At the same time, experts recommend not saving on the purchase of this consumable, since too small a cross-section can cause overheating and melting of the outer insulation.
B+ amplifier terminal, which is used to connect the power cable to the battery bus. The connection cannot be made, because there is a possibility of oxide and other problems.
Fuse to be used with a 4-channel amplifier. The device is installed closer to the energy source. Missing a fuse may cause damage to the fuse.
GND - ground connection terminal. It is recommended that this wire be led from the battery itself, and not from the vehicle body. This is due to the fact that the metal is susceptible to corrosion, which significantly reduces conductivity. There is no need to skimp on the quality of the wire used.
R.E.M. A blue wire often comes out of the radio; when the device is turned on, a voltage of 12 V is supplied.
Electrical tape for insulating connections. It eliminates the possibility of a short circuit.
A special corrugation, which is used for laying the cable, so that in the future problems will not arise during the operation of the system. It protects the insulation from mechanical damage and exposure to high humidity.

You can work with the cable using wire cutters, a soldering iron and other common tools. A tester is used to check the condition of the system; it can indicate resistance or an open circuit.

A modern amplifier has a complex design that has a large number of connectors. This allows you to connect multiple devices at once. All outputs can be divided into several groups:

Outputs and connectors for power cable.
12 V output, which is supplied with power from the battery. When using it, it is recommended to additionally use a safety element.
The REM output is required to connect the head unit. The amplifier works in tandem with a radio, for which a high-quality cable is used.
GND is ground. It is required to connect to the machine.
There are separate inputs for the speakers and subwoofer.
Outputs for RCA.

On the reverse side you can find the corresponding symbols, so during operation there are no problems with connecting various elements of the system. All amplifier models are conventionally divided into 2 categories:

AB - connects to the head unit, is analog, increases sound quality with low efficiency and low power. Amplifier models from this group are inexpensive, but they drain the battery a lot.
D - is a digital device that is characterized by increased efficiency and high power. However, such an amplifier produces low quality sound.

The highest quality offers include equipment produced under the Alpin and Magnit brands.

Connecting interconnect wires and control (REM)

To lay the cable, you need to find the linear output on the radio. The linear output can be recognized by the characteristic “bells” that are located on the rear panel of the radio. The number of linear outputs differs in different radio models. Usually there are from one to three pairs. Basically they are distributed as follows: 1 pair - you can connect a subwoofer or 2 speakers (labeled as SW\F) If there are 2 pairs of them, you can connect 4 speakers or a subwoofer and 2 speakers (outputs are labeled F and SW), and when there are 3 pairs of linear ones on the radio wires you can connect 4 speakers and a subwoofer (F, R, SW) F This is Front i.e. front speakers, R Read rear speakers, and SW Sabwoorer I think, and so everyone understands what.

The connection will require an interconnect wire, which should never be skimped on. It is prohibited to lay the interconnect cable near the power wires, as various types of noise will be heard when the engine is running. You can run the wires both under the floor mats and under the ceiling. The latter option is especially relevant for modern cars, in the interior of which there are electronic accessories that create interference.

You also need to connect the control wire (REM). As a rule, it comes with interblock wires, but it happens that it is not there, purchase it separately; it does not need to be of a large cross-section - 1 mm2 is quite enough. This wire serves as a control for turning on the amplifier, i.e. when you turn off the radio, it automatically turns on your amplifier or subwoofer. As a rule, this wire on the radio is blue with a white stripe; if it is not there, use a blue wire. It is connected to the amplifier to a terminal called REM.

Connection diagram and instructions

Connecting a subwoofer to a 4-channel amplifier is carried out in several stages. They are as follows:

Work begins by connecting the subwoofer and speakers to the amplifier. It takes a lot of time, because you need to dismantle the finishing material. The panels are fastened using self-tapping screws and clips.
The next step is to connect a control device, which is a multimedia system or a standard radio. To do this, a cable is laid throughout the cabin. The interconnect wire should be located away from others, as it may cause interference.
The power cable is being laid and connected. This requires a special terminal that fits the battery output.

After connecting all the elements, the signal leaves the installed radio, after which it is distributed. When installing a subwoofer, it is placed in the luggage compartment, so to connect it you need to run a cable through the entire cabin.

The features of connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier are as follows:

When devices are far removed, the cable is laid through technological holes. They are closed with rubber plugs, thereby increasing the degree of insulation. If there are no technological holes, you can create them yourself, but this requires a special tool. It is recommended to insert rubber bushings that protect the cable from rubbing.
There are 2 special connectors for connecting a subwoofer. In this case, the connection diagram of a 4-channel amplifier provides for a bridge connection, which requires 2 wires: plus and minus.
All 4 speakers also have corresponding connectors. The speakers are connected taking into account that all contacts must be well insulated. Otherwise, corrosion may appear on the metal surface, causing conductivity to decrease.
The cable is laid away from others. This is due to the possibility of strong interference. When connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier, a high-quality cable must be used.

The connection is made taking into account that the cable must be well insulated.

The connection diagram used involves laying a cable from the battery to the amplifier to power it. Recommendations for performing such work are as follows:

A cable of the required cross-section is selected.
The connection to the battery is made using a special terminal. It must be securely fastened, which eliminates the possibility of contact loss due to vibration.
A fuse is installed in the immediate vicinity of the energy source. It eliminates the possibility of overloading the device.
The cable is routed through a shield that protects the engine compartment. It often has technological holes with sealing bushings. If there is no hole, you can create it yourself by drilling using a nozzle of a suitable diameter.
It is recommended to lay the cable in a special corrugation. It provides a high degree of protection against environmental influences.
In case of system power above 400 V, it is recommended to install a capacitor. It is placed in the luggage compartment to eliminate the possibility of overloading the device.

After connecting all the elements, you need to check the operation of the system. If everything functions correctly, then you can begin installing the dismantled finish. When considering how to connect a subwoofer, it is worth considering that 2 similar elements are not allowed to be connected simultaneously to a 4-channel amplifier.

Step-by-step instructions for serial connection

In this embodiment, the resistance is summed up and calculated using the formula:

R1 - first speaker,

R2 - second speaker.

In this case, R1 must be equal to R2, otherwise the speaker system will quickly wear out and the expected sound effects will not live up to expectations. Using this scheme, you can connect as many speakers as you like, but their R value should not exceed the maximum permissible R of the amplifier. It is also worth considering that the more speakers are connected in series, the less sound power will be output.

Negative 1 is connected to the positive channel of column 2.
Positive 1 is connected to the negative terminal of the device.
Negative 2 is connected to the positive output.

The serial connection of three or more speakers is carried out according to the same scheme, where each subsequent one is polarly connected to the previous one, and their outermost contacts are polarly connected to the terminal of the device.

Sound settings

You can connect the amplifier to the car radio yourself. After installing all the elements, you need to configure the system as follows:

The crossover is installed in the HP position.
The Phi Pass indicator is 60-80 Hz.
The “Rear” selector is set to LP.
“Love Pass” is adjustable in the range of 65-85 Hz.
The level is set to 0.
“Bass Boost” is also adjusted to 0 dB.

The above settings allow you to achieve the best sound of the created system. If the amplifier is part of the radio, then the setup is carried out through the built-in functions of the device.

When installing a speaker system, laying the cable, you should choose the shortest path; it is not recommended to create a large number of connections, since they significantly reduce the reliability of the system.

DIY connection

If you decide to connect the amplifier to the car radio yourself according to the diagram, familiarize yourself with the installation process. It makes no difference where the device will be installed - under the car seat, next to it or on the rear parcel shelf. The main thing is to adhere to a certain scheme of actions.

Tools and materials

Algorithm of actions

It is necessary to connect the interconnect cables from the car radio to the device. If the device is four-channel, then two pairs of wires will be needed, if the device is two-channel, then one pair is enough.
The next step is the installation of power cables to the device, we are talking about positive and negative wires. The best option is to install directly to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. To simplify the task, you can connect the negative cable directly to the car body, because its body is the mass, so you don’t have to pull the wire to the battery. As for the control cable, it connects directly to the car radio without problems.
If the amplifier is mounted in the luggage compartment, then the cables should be laid where other wiring is located. Today, many cars are equipped with special channels for electrical wiring, which will isolate the cables from external influences.
Pay attention to cable connections. In order to do everything correctly and the music is of high quality, and the signal passes through without loss, acoustic terminals are used. One of the important conditions is that the contact of the cables must be reliable, but if it is not possible to purchase such terminals, then the connection can be made without them. Regarding the capacitor, its installation is optional. You need to connect a capacitor if the wires you are using leave much to be desired and their connection is not strong.
The final stage will be the installation of acoustic wiring from the device to the car's music speakers or subwoofer. If you confuse the polarity of the wires, nothing bad will happen. After installing the device, you need to listen to how well the speakers play; if you hear that the sound is repeating and playing with noise, then the polarity must be changed. What is important in this case is reliable contact of all elements of the speaker system so that the wires do not become disconnected arbitrarily as a result of vibrations.

Messages 17

1 Topic by ivan 2014-03-13 15:43:17

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Topic: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

connection diagram for a 4-channel amplifier. 4 speakers + sub

2 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 16:21:51 (2014-03-13 16:42:33 edited by kapelkaK)

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

connection diagram for a 4-channel amplifier. 4 speakers + sub

Minus the sub . As you want (4 speakers + sub), you need a 5-channel or 4 + 2 in a bridge circuit.

Standard connection diagram for 4-channel wuxia:

3 Reply from ivan 2014-03-13 16:54:05

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I know such a scheme! So I’m wondering if the sub should be put on the rear speakers or on the front ones

4 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 17:02:47

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

if you put the sub on the rear speakers or on the front ones

And it will work as a simple speaker (if it doesn’t grunt)

5 Reply from ivan 2014-03-13 20:11:27

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I don’t like it when the front 2 and bass are playing

although right now I’m hooked

Added: 2014-03-13 21:11:27

Can I connect it through a filter?

6 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-13 21:05:04

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

What kind of head do you have?

7 Reply from ivan 2014-03-14 08:06:08

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

Added: 2014-03-14 09:06:08

How do you connect the front ones from the head and the sub to the front from the amplifier?

8 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 08:24:24

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

There are many Kenwoods, what model? On the back of the head there are linear output connectors. Depending on the model, you can connect: 1. nothing; 2. rear + sub; 3. front + rear + sub; 4. front + rear.

Near the antenna socket.

9 Reply from ivan 2014-03-14 09:52:46

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

I have a 4-channel output, what are tweeters needed for? When I put music in the field, I connected tweeters from them, so an idea appeared

10 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 11:41:07

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

11 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 12:02:39

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

12 Reply from iliaBkmz 2014-03-14 13:52:05

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

It seems to me - from the very beginning of the topic - there is a wrong idea. Why install a 4-channel VUS + VUS for the subwoofer if the radio does not have a sufficient number of linear channels for this? Maybe start with a selection of radios? A sub connected to the same channel as the front will “kill” the entire front and the whole point of the procedure described above will be lost.

If you only have 4 outputs (although strangely, usually either 1 or 3), put two two-channel channels, one for the speakers, two speakers from the radio directly and one two-channel bridge to the sub - IMHO - the best choice

13 Reply from kapelkaK 2014-03-14 14:19:49

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

So I’m trying to get a model of the head from the TS to tell him what can be done. And there are 5 linears.

14 Reply from Daniil.Smit 2015-04-23 16:06:19

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

And why am I looking now and many people install a 4-channel amplifier, front midbass and tweeters, and a sub in the back. So it’s really better than let’s say the front is the same, and the coaxial ones in the back are also through an amplifier? I just thought about something and it turned out wrong it’s expensive, considering that I have an excellent GU-X3600UI. Right now there are only 250W coaxial pioneers in the front, there used to be a fusion in the back, but they died, and the pioneer plays great.

Added: 2015-04-23 17:06:19

I also read a lot here, watched enough of the sound sound and came to the conclusion that I also have bad wires to the speakers and GU. Both are 0.75. I think 2 is enough for the speakers, and 4 from the battery for the GU

15 Reply from Daniil.Smit 2015-04-23 22:31:44

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Re: Connection diagram for 4-channel amplifier (4 speakers + sub)

It’s just strange to me that there’s only one sub in the back. And my friends have this kind of garbage, but only they have a coaxial front and a sub in the back, but damn, either they’re hands-offs, or it actually reproduces sound distortion instead of music.

16 Reply from maximilyn64 2015-08-28 19:40:15

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