How to Connect 2 Amplifiers to One Set of Speakers

To connect two amplifiers to a set of speakers, there are three safe methods to do it, one of them being, using an active crossover. Keep reading to find out more.

There are many reasons you may need to connect two amplifiers to a speaker set, such as if you want to use outboard amplifiers to upgrade your home theater system, or if you want the stereo system in your home to sound better and louder. Regardless of your reasons, we will discuss methods you can use to connect the amplifiers to your speakers, and any issues that may arise from that.

3 ways you can connect 2 amplifiers to 2 speakers

Through active crossovers

To isolate the audio signal’s low and high frequencies and direct them to different amplifiers, you need a device known as an active crossover. These devices redirect the high frequencies to the high-frequency amp that powers the midrange and tweeters, and the low frequencies to the low-frequency amp that powers the subwoofer and woofer.

All speakers will have in-built crossovers, but you can purchase one separately to act as a bridge between the amp and the stereo preamp. This is the best method, but there are some considerations to be mindful of before using it:

1. The amps must be of high quality in terms of features such as power output and frequency range.
2. The crossover must be of high quality and match seamlessly with the speakers, the system, and your preferences.
3. The speakers must have separate inputs for low and high frequencies, or you should use a separate subwoofer with separate connectors.

Using an amplifier switch

Amplifier switches are boxes that allow you to change between different amplifiers while they are connected to the speakers. Therefore, this is a connection solution you can only use if you plan to use one amplifier at a time. However, it will not allow you to increase the system’s volume or power.

Before you use it as a solution, these reasons will justify applying it:

• Testing the sound quality from different amplifiers
• Using the sound effect of using different amplifiers to play different music or at different times
• If you want to operate a stereo amp for music and a home theater surround sound amplifier for movies

Follow these steps to set up the amplifier-speaker connection through this method:

1. Run the speaker wire from the back of one amp into the Input A slot on the switch box rear. Ensure you connect the wire correctly.
2. Run the speaker wire from the back of the second amp into Input B as you did earlier.
3. Use the speaker’s front panel controls to switch between the two amplifiers.

Using a surround sound processor

You cannot have a functioning home theater system without a surround sound processor, because it divides the audio signal into several channels. These channels include one for the subwoofer, one for the dialogue speaker (front center channel), two for the surround speakers (rear right and left), and two for the front right and left speakers.

The output connectors that join the subwoofer and speakers to the sound system are marked on the receiver’s rear panel. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. On the rear panel of the AV receiver, look for the section with the “PRE OUT” connectors.
2. Once you locate it, connect RCA cables from the front speaker outputs to the front speaker amplifier’s input jacks. Ensure you connect them correctly.
3. Apply the same steps to the subwoofer, center channel speakers, and surround speakers.
4. Connect speaker wires from both amplifiers to the corresponding speakers.

For further instructions regarding the adjustment of individual channels, consult the owner’s manual.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the theory behind speaker-amplifier connections before attempting any connection between them to avoid the risk of damaging your equipment. Using these tips, you will know when to apply any method when connecting them for the best results.

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