Speakers now have numerous terminals, allowing you to transfer the audio signal to separate drivers, amplifiers, and other devices. Some speakers only have two terminals, but most speakers nowadays have four. Wired speakers with four terminals are now an excellent option to improve the sound quality of your music. However, wiring 4-terminal speakers can be complicated when you’re a beginner with wiring.
In general, you can wire your 4-terminal speakers in three different ways:
- Bi-Wiring
- Bi-Amping
- Leave the conductive bar between its terminals and connect speaker wires
In this article, learn how to wire speakers with 4 terminals in various ways.
3 Methods to Wire Speakers with 4 Terminals
There are three ways to wire four-terminal speakers:
Method 1: Bi-Wiring
Bi-wiring divides the signal into two independent routes, each of which goes to a different speaker. This configuration allows each amplifier channel to drive its speaker, boosting sound quality. With that, each speaker can work independently, which leads to a cleaner, sharper sound with greater detail and clarity than a single-wired configuration. So, here are the steps:
Step 1: Power Switched Off
Ensure that the power to the entire system is switched off.
Step 2: Remove Bridges
Remove the bridges from the speaker’s binding posts to separate the LPF & HPF crossovers.
Step 3: Left Channel Outputs
Connect two sets of speaker wires to the receiver’s left channel outputs.
Step 4: Speaker Wires
Connect one pair of speaker wires to one set of binding posts on your left channel speaker.
Step 5: Other Pair of Speaker
Connect the other pair of speaker wires to your left channel speaker’s other set of binding posts.
Step 6: Perform the same Process
Perform the same processes on the right channel speaker, but connect those wires to the right channel outputs instead.
Method 2: Bi-Amping
Bi-amping is when two separate amplifiers are connected to a pair of speakers. It has several advantages, including higher power handling, clear and more accurate sound quality, and less distortion. Bi-amping may necessitate more equipment and setup than typical amplification, but it can be well worth the effort for those trying to get the most out of their audio system. Here are the steps:
Step 1: System Power
Make sure to turn off the entire system’s power.
Step 2: Remove Bridges
Remove the bridges from the speaker’s binding posts, which separates the LPF & HPF crossovers.
Step 3: Choose Amplifier
Choose which amplifier will be used for low and high frequencies.
Step 4: Speaker Wires
Connect one set of speaker wires to each amplifier’s left and right channel outputs.
Step 5: Positive and Negative Terminals
Connect the amplifier’s positive and negative terminals for high frequencies to both speakers’ positive and negative terminals.
Step 6: Connect Amplifier
Connect the amplifier’s positive and negative terminals for low frequencies to both speakers’ positive and negative terminals.
Method 3: Leave the Conductive Bar between its Terminals and Connect Speaker Wires
This method will ensure that the current will properly flow through the speaker. It will complete the circuit and enable the speakers to function correctly. However, you should be cautious because it might be harmful if done incorrectly. Hence, use the proper gauge wire for your application. A too thick or thin gauge wire might cause resistance and lower sound quality. Also, if you’re running the cable through walls or ceilings, utilize an in-wall speaker wire. This wire is made to be safe and non-flammable. So, here are the steps: (1)
Step 1: Turned Off and Unplugged Speaker
Make sure the speaker is turned off and unplugged.
Step 2: Take Off Speaker’s Cover
Take off the speaker’s cover, then locate the four-speaker terminals on the speaker’s back.
Step 3: Conductive Bar
Between terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, you should leave the conductive bar.
Step 4: Speaker Wires
One pair of speaker wires should be connected to terminals 1 and 3, while the other set should be connected to terminals 2 and 4.
Step 5: Replace Speaker’s Cover
Replace the speaker’s cover and turn it on by plugging it.
Step 6: Check Speaker
Check to see if the speaker is operating properly, and adjust your device’s sound settings if necessary.
FAQs
Why are there four terminals on speakers?
Speakers have four terminals for bi-wiring connections. The fundamental rationale for having four terminals on some speakers is that instead of running a single connection to each speaker, you may use a separate cable for each pair of terminals. In that way, it allows you to divide the frequency ranges. The mid and high-frequency drivers should be wired into one set of terminals. On the other hand, the low-frequency drivers should be wired to another set of terminals
What are the benefits of speakers with four terminals?
The obvious benefit is the significantly improved sound quality. Bi-wiring is said to remove undesired distortion from speaker output. The premise is that dividing the high and low frequencies minimizes cable strain and allows for clearer signal transmission. When using the four terminals on a speaker set, you send one pair of speaker cables to the tweeters and the other two wires to the woofer. The tweeter and woofer currents are effectively separated.
How to utilize your 4-terminal speaker?
When connecting the four-speaker terminals, I recommend utilizing the shortest speaker wire possible. Commonly, the cable must be long enough to allow for minimal tension or wear and tear. However, the shorter the cables are, the lower the likelihood of undesired noise in the output. Next, make sure your speaker cables are the same length to avoid imaging and phasing issues. It ensures that their physical properties match and reduces the likelihood of audio discrepancies. (2)
Take a look at some of our related articles below.
- How to wire tweeters without crossover
- How to test coax cable signal with multimeter
- Where to find thick copper wire for scrap
References
(1) walls – https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/lists/the-worlds-most-famous-walls/
(2) physical properties – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/
acsreagents.2004
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