Calling it a bad idea might be a little harsh, but neither would I expect a noticeable improvement. Why? Well, the combined impedance of the three will be 6 ohms (assuming that they are individually 4 ohm). This will reduce the overall output for a given volume setting by roughly 2dB. So you will have to turn the volume up a little to get the same output! 🙁
However, as there are three speakers, the individual output by the original center speaker will be reduced by roughly 2dB. 🙂 So there are "swings and roundabouts" as we Brits say. However, do not let that put you off giving it a try. 😉
Note: You could get a more solid improvement if you use 4 speakers instead of 3. Why? Because, if you connect them in serial pairs, then connect the pairs in parallel, the combined resistance remains 4 ohms. So the output level remains the same (for a given volume setting). 🙂 However, the individual output by each speaker is reduced by 6dB. Hence reducing distortion etc. 🙂 Also the power handling is quadrupled. 🙂 BUT... That assumes that the amp has the oomph to drive the array. So you might not get the full benefit in practice. 🙁
Thanks jedaisoul. 🙂
Based on my calculations and the fact that they are quoted at 8ohm nominal (but can dip to 4ohm), I could either end-up with 5.3ohm or 12ohm nominal.
12ohm would probably be the safest option.
This is achieved by having two in series, in parallel with one (view diagram in previous post). 🙂
Based on my calculations and the fact that they are quoted at 8ohm nominal (but can dip to 4ohm), I could either end-up with 5.3ohm or 12ohm nominal.
12ohm would probably be the safest option.
This is achieved by having two in series, in parallel with one (view diagram in previous post). 🙂
I only have 3 Domes I'm afraid.
Agreed. But whether the nominal impedance is 4 or 8 ohms, my comments apply.
Perhaps you could use two of the Domes with a different pair of speakers, even if only temporarily, to see whether there was a worthwhile benefit?
It might make the setup easier but I don't think it's necessary.
Some examples of successful mismatched speakers...
Should your center speaker match the same Brand as your Front Left and Front right speakers? | AVS Forum
Some examples of successful mismatched speakers...
Should your center speaker match the same Brand as your Front Left and Front right speakers? | AVS Forum
Well, if that's the way you feel about it. I think if I were in a position where I found a completely different centre was an improvement then really I'd be looking for better L and R.
But in all fairness, YMMV.
But in all fairness, YMMV.
Regardless of the fact that I only payed £650 for the pair (used, in mint condition, from a reputable dealer), I doubt I could find anything better that I could afford...
Definitive Technology Mythos ST-L Loudspeaker | Sound & Vision
Definitive Technology Mythos ST-L Loudspeaker | Sound & Vision
For that kind of money, assuming you don't charge yourself for your time and efforts.. you could build a speaker to compete with something sold for the cost of a new car. (In theory anyhow)
I'm sure I could, in theory, however I am skill/tools-less in this domain and my budget would be considerably lower. 😀
Remember I started the thread asking about re-using 3 speakers I already have. 😉
Remember I started the thread asking about re-using 3 speakers I already have. 😉
I'm a believer in that. I started in this field making the best of hand me downs. It's a great way to learn.
Let us know what you decide.
Let us know what you decide.
I've had an idea of a low cost (or even no cost) use for your spare speakers: Convert your 5.1 system to 7.1. I.e. Use them as "Surround Back" speakers. There are several ways that you could connect the speakers to your system:
1. The best way would be to obtain a 7.1 receiver/amplifier. Alternatively you might try:
2. Connect the surround back speakers in series with the surround ones. This will present a safe load, but you may need to raise the level of the surround channels by 3dB or so. Or, if you are brave (or foolish) enough...
3. Connect the live leads of the surround back speakers to the live terminals of the respective surround channels, and the negative leads to the live terminal of the center channel. Care: This could do permanent damage to the amp, so act with caution.
1. The best way would be to obtain a 7.1 receiver/amplifier. Alternatively you might try:
2. Connect the surround back speakers in series with the surround ones. This will present a safe load, but you may need to raise the level of the surround channels by 3dB or so. Or, if you are brave (or foolish) enough...
3. Connect the live leads of the surround back speakers to the live terminals of the respective surround channels, and the negative leads to the live terminal of the center channel. Care: This could do permanent damage to the amp, so act with caution.
Thanks for the suggestion @jedaisoul. 🙂
My system is already 5.2.1 and bumping it to 7.2.1 is a no-no, due to the missus not wanting any more wires running up walls. 😉
My system is already 5.2.1 and bumping it to 7.2.1 is a no-no, due to the missus not wanting any more wires running up walls. 😉
I've made a few speakers with two full range drivers in wired series, however they tend to beam high frequencies, a simple remedy it to have a small ( 1.5 uf ) cap in parallel with one driver to bias the treble in one driver. Works quite well.