In the world of audio equipment, dual voice coil (DVC) speakers have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and sound quality. However, wiring these speakers can be a bit complex, especially if you’re new to the game. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dual voice coil speaker wiring diagrams.
What is a Dual Voice Coil Speaker?
A dual voice coil speaker is a type of speaker that has two separate voice coils, each with its own set of connections. This means that you can wire the speaker in different ways to achieve different ohm loads and power levels.
One of the biggest advantages of a DVC speaker is that it allows you to wire it in series, parallel, or a combination of both, giving you greater flexibility in terms of system design and amplifier compatibility. Additionally, because each voice coil has its own set of connections, you can wire two identical DVC speakers together to create a 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm load.
Wiring a Dual Voice Coil Speaker in Series
Wiring a DVC speaker in series means connecting one voice coil to the amplifier’s positive terminal and the other voice coil to the negative terminal. This creates a higher overall impedance, which is useful if you’re trying to match the speaker to an amplifier that has a higher output impedance.
For example, if you have a 4-ohm DVC speaker and you wire it in series, the overall impedance will be 8 ohms. This means that you should use an amplifier that is designed to work with an 8-ohm load to ensure optimal performance.
However, wiring a DVC speaker in series also means that you’ll get less power from the amplifier, which can affect overall loudness and clarity. If you’re looking for more power, you may want to consider wiring the speaker in parallel instead.
Wiring a Dual Voice Coil Speaker in Parallel
Wiring a DVC speaker in parallel means connecting both voice coils to the amplifier’s positive and negative terminals simultaneously. This creates a lower overall impedance, which allows the amplifier to deliver more power to the speaker.
For example, if you have a 4-ohm DVC speaker and you wire it in parallel, the overall impedance will be 2 ohms. This means that you should use an amplifier that is designed to work with a 2-ohm load to ensure optimal performance.
However, wiring a DVC speaker in parallel can also create more heat, which can be harmful to the speaker if not properly managed. Additionally, if you wire two identical DVC speakers in parallel, the overall impedance will be half of each speaker’s individual impedance.
Wiring a Dual Voice Coil Speaker in Combination
Wiring a DVC speaker in combination means using both series and parallel wiring to achieve the desired load and power level. This is useful if you have multiple DVC speakers that you want to wire together, or if you want to create a specific load for your amplifier.
For example, if you have two 4-ohm DVC speakers, you could wire each speaker in series to create an 8-ohm load, and then wire both speakers in parallel to create a 4-ohm load. This would give you a higher overall impedance than wiring both speakers in parallel, but still allow you to get more power out of the amplifier.
Common Wiring Configurations for Dual Voice Coil Speakers
When wiring DVC speakers, there are several common configurations that you can use to achieve different loads and power levels. These include:
| Configuration | Overall Impedance | Power Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Series | 8 ohms or higher | Less power, but higher impedance |
| Parallel | 2 ohms or lower | More power, but lower impedance |
| Series/Parallel | 4-ohm, 6-ohm, or 8-ohm | Flexible load and power handling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wire a DVC speaker to a mono amplifier?
A: Yes, you can wire a DVC speaker to a mono amplifier. However, you’ll need to use a wiring configuration that matches the amplifier’s output impedance and power handling capabilities.
Q: How do I know what impedance my amplifier is designed for?
A: You can usually find information about your amplifier’s output impedance in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.
Q: What happens if I wire a DVC speaker incorrectly?
A: If you wire a DVC speaker incorrectly, you could potentially damage the speaker, the amplifier, or both. Always double-check your connections before powering on your system, and consult a professional if you’re unsure about any aspect of speaker wiring.
Q: Can I wire two DVC speakers together for even more power?
A: Yes, you can wire two identical DVC speakers together to create a variety of loads and power levels. However, you’ll need to be careful not to exceed your amplifier’s power handling capabilities or the speakers’ thermal limits.
Q: How can I test the impedance of my DVC speaker?
A: You can test the impedance of your DVC speaker using a multimeter or ohmmeter. Simply set the meter to the resistance setting and connect the probes to the speaker’s terminals. The meter should read the speaker’s nominal impedance (e.g. 4 ohms).
Conclusion
Dual voice coil speakers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a high-quality audio system with greater flexibility and power handling capabilities. However, proper wiring is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your equipment. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you should be able to wire your DVC speakers with confidence and achieve the results you desire.
