Are you undecided between buying parallel vs series speakers? This article will help you compare these two types of wiring in detail in terms of sound quality, ease of setup, and compatibility with amplifiers.
Let’s explore to make the best choice for your needs.
General Overview: Introducing The Parallel Speaker And Series Speaker
Let’s start by taking a closer look at the two types of products we’ll be comparing: series and parallel speakers.
Parallel speaker
In order to wire this type of speaker, all positive and negative leads must be connected. This lowers the circuit’s total resistance, enabling more current to flow to the speakers and boosting their output volume. Each speaker works separately from the others in a parallel setup. The others will continue to talk even if one of them falters.
Series speaker
These speakers are connected using speaker terminals. Audio power amplifiers combine the audio speakers, and speaker wires carry the audio signal from one to the next. In a series connection, each receives a portion of the amplified output from the amplifier.
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Table Of Comparison: Key Specifications
| Key specification | Component speaker | Coaxial speaker |
| Dimensions | Vary depending on the model of the cable | Vary depending on the model of the cable |
| Weight | Vary depending on the model of the cable | Vary depending on the model of the cable |
| Type | Typically 2-way or 3-way | Typically 2-way, 3-way or 4-way |
| Frequency response | 40Hz – 20.000Hz | 40Hz – 20.000Hz |
| Sensitivity | 6dB – 96dB | 80dB – 100dB |
| Impedance | Increase | Decrease |
| Power | Increase (decrease total impedance) | Decrease (increase total impedance) |
| Speaker failure | If one speaker fails, the others still work | If one fails, the whole system stops working |
| System complexity | More complex (need to manage impedance) | Simpler |
| Amplifier requirement | Requires higher power | Can operate with lower power |
| Sound volume | Increases due to higher power | Possibly decreases due to lower power |
Comparing Parallel And Series Speakers
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these types regarding sound quality, ease of setup, and amplifier compatibility.
Sound quality
Regarding sound quality, parallel choices maintain their good quality, while series-connected types can have a bad or “odd” sound. Many coaxial products and 2-way or 3-way cabinets or car speaker systems use crossovers in their design.
Speaker crossovers are employed to prevent unwelcome sound frequencies from penetrating those that aren’t appropriate for them.
Ease of setup
Series wiring is substantially more complicated than parallel wiring. All connections for positive voice coils should go to the positive amplifier terminal. In contrast, all links for negative voice coils should go to the negative amplifier terminal when wiring two or more voice coils in tandem.
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Compatibility with amplifiers
Pays attention to your stereo or amplifier’s minimum Ohms rating before wiring in parallel. If you connect your speakers in parallel, the amplifier can get overloaded.
When building a sound system, understanding the impedance of a speaker circuit is crucial. It will aid in both system performance optimization and preventing harm to your amplifier and speakers.
Which Is Better, The Component Or The Coaxial Speaker?
Speakers should always be linked in parallel for the best results, and connected ones can have a poor or “odd” sound, whereas parallel types keep their sound quality. Certain speaker types can, however, occasionally be used in series without degrading sound quality (or causing other problems).
A parallel speaker connection may be the best if you desire power handling capabilities, greater sound quality, and efficiency. A series speaker connection is the best option, though, if you require speakers with matched impedances or need to be able to take greater voltages.
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Conclusion
Parallel speakers are generally preferred over series ones due to their better sound quality and ease of setup.
However, it’s essential to pay attention to your stereo or amplifier’s minimum Ohms rating before wiring your products in parallel to avoid overloading the amplifier.
FAQs
