Speakers in Series

[bs1777]

One quick yes or no question. When i run speakers in series, should i double the power to them. EX: two, 110 watt speakers in series. Should i double the power going to them to 220 watts?

-Thanks

[Speedskater]

Two (or more) identical speakers (that is, the same model or part number) may be wired in series. The maximum wattage will be the sum of the individual wattage's. The impedance will also be the sum of the individual impedance's.

[bs1777]

So the two wattages get added together, so i do double the power?

[Mooly]

Originally Posted by bs1777

So the two wattages get added together, so i do double the power?

Can your amplifier deliver the required voltage to generate 110 watts in each.

Amplifiers deliver voltage that generates power in the load... they don't supply power as such unless you state all the conditions.

It's a subtle difference...

[bs1777]

well i have two speaker @ 110 watts each. But im currently choosing and amplifier. And wondering weather to go with 110 watts or 220 watts.

[Mooly]

An amplifier that can deliver 220 watts into say 8 ohms will almost certainly not deliver anything like that into two series connected 8 ohm speakers.

Do you see why The amplifier will have a maximum voltage it can put out... nominally 28 volts RMS for 100 watts into 8 ohms. That 28 volts is determined by the power supplies etc in the amp and determines its specification with regard to "power".

Give it two series connected 8 ohm speakers and it can still only swing 28 volts (across now 16 ohms) giving only 24.5 watts in each speaker.

So the question is "can the amplifier I am looking at deliver 220 watts into x? ohms"

Does that make sense...

[Arty]

the answer is:
NO.
reason is:
P power
V voltage
I current
R impedance

P = U* I
I = U / R
so substitute I in first equtation with the secund one
P = U *U /R

now actual values
220 = U * U /16
U^2 = 220*16
U = ~ 59 volts.

Amplifiers are not rated usualy for 16 ohm load.
Usualy they are ment to drive 8 ohm load.

the amplifier that can do what You ask has power of:
P = 59*59 /8
P = approx 435 watts @ 8 ohm.

before i get some comments regarding the above from the ones with deeper knowledge, i do know this is just a rough estimated value, and things are not so easy in real life. But, for the original question it gives an answer in its simple form.

[simon7000]

Originally Posted by Arty

the answer is:
NO.
reason is:
P power
V voltage
I current
R impedance



before i get some comments regarding the above from the ones with deeper knowledge, i do know this is just a rough estimated value, and things are not so easy in real life. But, for the original question it gives an answer in its simple form.

You got it right. 110 watts @ 8 ohms for two speakers in series would require 440 watts 8 ohm rating. Think of two sets of 8 ohm speakers in series (4 speakers)

[AEIOU]

Originally Posted by bs1777

One quick yes or no question. When i run speakers in series, should i double the power to them. EX: two, 110 watt speakers in series. Should i double the power going to them to 220 watts?

-Thanks

It's not a matter of should, but a matter of why.
Do you have a need to play them full blast?

[Arty]

would be better to get an amplifier that can deliver 200 watts to 4 ohm, and wire the speakers in paralell.

that is anyways a more proper way to do this.
And chanses You can find an amp that can do this for You is a lot higher.