Bridge Speakers without Amp?

[Thisisrandy81]

I have a Kenwood hu that produces 22w RMS and 50w peak per channel (4). I also have 2- Polk 3-way 6x9 that require 125w RMS and 300 peak. These speakers are also 2.7 ohm speakers which mean they will draw more than minimal power but still nowhere close to the RMS.

My question is, Can I "safely" bridge the speakers directly from the radio's 2 front channels in order to produce more power to the speakers???

Please tell me pros & cons from experience.

I think I can but I would like to hear from someone who has done this. My concern is that by bridging it changes the resistance (ohm) from 2.7 per speaker to some other unknown number which I'm not sure if the radio's built-it amp can handle. It could possible bring it to an ohm load that the built-in amp is not stable handling and constantly shut down.

 

[ac0j]

Re: Bridge Speakers without Amp?

You cannot "bridge" the on board amp on a head unit. Your radio is designed to run 4 ohm speakers, run the 2.7's at your own peril. but wire ONE SPEAKER TO each channel only, or you WILL have trouble.

 

[TSL812]

Re: Bridge Speakers without Amp?

Your best bet would be to add an amp. You actually can bridge channels one some head units. You would need to look in the manual or possibly on the sticker on the stereo it's self to see if yours can. Just bridging two channels wont change the resistance unless you run more than one speaker per channel.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Bridge Speakers without Amp?

First your radio is rated at a level per the amount of ohms. Every solid state amp produces more power as the ohms decrease. As noted above you should make sure your unit is rated to handle your lower ohm load. (most are down to 2 ohms).

No you can not bridge your outputs unless your unit says it has bridgeable outputs. (bridging is combining two amps into one and is normally used to power subs since there really is no need for stereo output from your subs)

Now wiring multiple speakers in series or parallel is a totally different thing. (ohm's law) Series will raise the number and parallel will lower it. As long as your within your units rated range your fine running multiples but remember the higher the ohms the lower the power.

The other thing that is confusing you is your speakers ratings- you don't need to supply them with 125 watts. They will work fine with less.