How can I connect four speakers to a mini system cheaply and safely?

Question

I want to use a cheap CD system to provide background music for a room. I don't need fantastic sound and would prefer not to have to buy amps etc. My plan is to install four car speakers into the ceiling of the room and connect two to each output on the mini system.

The mini system has speakers with 6 ohm impedance. Can I wire two 12 ohm car speakers in parallel for each output without blowing the output amps of the system? An alternative would be to wire two 3 ohm speakers in series to each output, but I think the first speaker in the circuit would draw more power and hence the volume levels would be mis-matched. If I can't find speakers of the required impedance rating, can I add resistors in parallel to them to achieve an overall resistance of 6 ohms?

Any suggestions? Anything else I need to take into consideration? Thanks.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

OK you got it...But series doesn't make one speaker noticabley quiter than the other.

Parrellel = 1/2 impedence
Series =X 2

You can have higher than 6 ohms with no damage to your speakers or amp (in your mini system)
but if you have less than 6 ohms you will blow your output transistors in the output stage of your amp.


Good luck it sounds like you won't need it!

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks. I thought that was the case but it's nice to have it confirmed. The speakers are for a shop so only low level background noise is needed. Thanks again.

Answer 2

forget the car speakers.. they will sound AWFUL,the mini system will blow or not be able to power the different ohm ratings properly... you will damage it..... why not get/borrow a amplifier with 2 speaker outputs, decent speakers.... (and i am sure your parents/landlord would appreciate you cutting big holes in the ceiling.....)
some people do have some WEIRD ideas...............