Parallel mono a stereo amp

[kgveteran]

Would this be accomplished by taking a signal (like a center channel output ) , splitting it to both inputs on a stereo amp, then combining the positive terminals of both channels to now be a single positive and then the same to the negative terminals.

Would this double the power ? Would it be a safe way to power a 4 ohm load speaker, than bridging it in mono ?

KG

[littlesaint]

Would this be accomplished by taking a signal (like a center channel output ) , splitting it to both inputs on a stereo amp, then combining the positive terminals of both channels to now be a single positive and then the same to the negative terminals.

Would this double the power ? Would it be a safe way to power a 4 ohm load speaker, than bridging it in mono ?

KG

Sounds like a bad idea.

Parallel mono is to power two separate speakers with one signal source. If it's just one speaker, and you want to use both outputs of a stereo amp, you'd bridge them. However, it takes a fairly hefty amp to bridge into a 4 ohm load.

[Kevin D]

True.. Like LittleSaint said, that is bridging the amp. Even if your amp can be bridged, its generally not done by hooking both outputs to one speaker. Typically you would have to flip a switch or two, then use one positive as positive and the other positive as negative.

Kevin D.

[whoaru99]

Would this be accomplished by taking a signal (like a center channel output ) , splitting it to both inputs on a stereo amp, then combining the positive terminals of both channels to now be a single positive and then the same to the negative terminals.

Would this double the power ? Would it be a safe way to power a 4 ohm load speaker, than bridging it in mono ?

KG

I've read some say it's fine to do, other say it's trouble if the outputs are not exactly matched/balanced.

Some pro audio amps allow the channels to be paralled, but this is done by setting some switches, not merely connecting the outputs in parallel.

It probably wouldn't do much at higher impedances, but should increase/allow performance into much lower impedance.

Check on the Crown website and look at the specs on one of the MacroTech amps. I believe those specs will show you what differences could be expected between stereo, bridged mono, and parallel mono configurations.

[chrispy35]

Already clipping?

Unless your amp is clipping using the single output, I would expect there to be zero difference even if it was a safe way of configuring the setup.

Chris P.

[kgveteran]

This advice was given to me by tech support at an amplifier company.He stressed that the input needed to be the same signal and split with a "Y" connector.

KG

[whoaru99]

This advice was given to me by tech support at an amplifier company.He stressed that the input needed to be the same signal and split with a "Y" connector.

KG

Are you using one of their amps?

Will the tech stand behind his advice if yours goes up in smoke? Not saying your amp will or won't (go up in smoke) but sometimes advice changes under that level of committment.

[kgveteran]

Are you using one of their amps?

Will the tech stand behind his advice if yours goes up in smoke? Not saying your amp will or won't (go up in smoke) but sometimes advice changes under that level of committment.

I like the way you put that, yes I contacted the company tech support of the amp I was planning on buying.

I had just never heard of configuring an amp like that.He assured me doubling power and current due to the combination (without the magic smoke getting out).

[ThomasW]

Regardless of what the tech guy says this isn't a good idea. And I doubt that the repair dept is going to completely rebuild an amp based on an email exchange between you and someone in the tech dept. (they'll say you did something wrong if the amp goes up in smoke)

If you need more power buy a bigger amp, or get one that's designed to be bridged.

[whoaru99]

I'm in the "don't do it" camp, and I take a little issue with the "doubling power" scenario. The power aspect really depends on the circumstances.

First, when you parallel the channels, the max output voltage remains the same and is capped by the rail voltages. With parallel channels, only the current would be doubled.

Load impedance dictates current. The amplifier cannot force more current to the load than the load demands. So, unless the load presents a situation where extra current is demanded (lower impedances), parallel channels don't provide any significant power increase.

Note the MacroTech parallel channel ratings are into 1 ohm and 2 ohm loads where the current demands would be much higher than at 8 ohms or even 4 ohms.