Connecting a stereo amp as a mono-block

Joshua_G · 17th May 2010, 10:09 AM

I have a tube stereo amp that I'd like to try it in a mono bridge mode. It has a mono switch for the input. Should I connect the output terminals in series, or in parallel. For 8 Ohm speaker, should I connect the 4 Ohm output terminals in series?

rock4016 · 17th May 2010, 01:50 PM

If your amp is designed to bridge, it should have instructions in the manual. If you can't get a manual and there is no warrenty on the amp, and you know how to look at the insides with out shocking yourself, check to see if the output transformers are grounded, if they are then it's not able to be bridged.

Joshua_G · 17th May 2010, 02:04 PM

Thanks.
The amp came without a manual.
I just got email from the seller telling me to bridge with wire the (+) terminals of both channels and connect the speaker to the terminals of any one channel. From this I assume that the (-) terminals are grounded and the 2 channels are connected in parallel.

P.S.,
I wonder if connecting both channels in parallel will double the output power.

ChrisA · 17th May 2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua_G

Thanks.
The amp came without a manual.
I just got email from the seller telling me to bridge with wire the (+) terminals of both channels and connect the speaker to the terminals of any one channel. From this I assume that the (-) terminals are grounded and the 2 channels are connected in parallel.

P.S.,
I wonder if connecting both channels in parallel will double the output power.

So he told you to parallel to the two channels, not bridge them. If you can, I think the best way to do this would be to "bi-amp" the speaker. Run one amp channel to the bas driver and the other channel to other driver(s).

Don't expect doubling the amp's power to sound much louder.

Joshua_G · 17th May 2010, 06:49 PM

My speakers don't have bi-amp option, there is only 1 pair of terminals.
I don't lack loudness with this amp operating at stereo (a 15W/pc SET), but ability to drive my speakers to their full capability. I tried today the amp bridged, or paralleled, both its' channels driving 1 speaker and it seems like now it provides enough drive for my speakers.

17th May 2010, 10:09 AM	#1
Joshua_G diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Israel	Connecting a stereo amp as a mono-block I have a tube stereo amp that I'd like to try it in a mono bridge mode. It has a mono switch for the input. Should I connect the output terminals in series, or in parallel. For 8 Ohm speaker, should I connect the 4 Ohm output terminals in series?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Design Help (load line) on a SE Mono Block Amp build	myDogFred	Tubes / Valves	3	17th January 2009 08:44 AM
Luxman 3045 Mono Block Tube Amp	bwes87	Tubes / Valves	0	10th September 2008 08:13 PM
SI T-amp - Bridging for mono block use?	midside	Chip Amps	3	5th October 2006 02:53 AM
Starting First Amp - Questions on Mono Block Design	jawbreak	Chip Amps	3	12th December 2004 01:00 AM
mono block amp	Mark Osborn	Solid State	11	16th March 2001 06:07 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read

17th May 2010, 01:50 PM	#2
rock4016 diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005	If your amp is designed to bridge, it should have instructions in the manual. If you can't get a manual and there is no warrenty on the amp, and you know how to look at the insides with out shocking yourself, check to see if the output transformers are grounded, if they are then it's not able to be bridged.

17th May 2010, 02:04 PM	#3
Joshua_G diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Israel	Thanks. The amp came without a manual. I just got email from the seller telling me to bridge with wire the (+) terminals of both channels and connect the speaker to the terminals of any one channel. From this I assume that the (-) terminals are grounded and the 2 channels are connected in parallel. P.S., I wonder if connecting both channels in parallel will double the output power.

17th May 2010, 06:49 PM	#5
Joshua_G diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Israel	My speakers don't have bi-amp option, there is only 1 pair of terminals. I don't lack loudness with this amp operating at stereo (a 15W/pc SET), but ability to drive my speakers to their full capability. I tried today the amp bridged, or paralleled, both its' channels driving 1 speaker and it seems like now it provides enough drive for my speakers.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)