Splitting center channel question

NeilGabriel

I am thinking that I would like to split the center channel on the HT amp to run a pair of speakers (after some encouragement from engtaz). My question is if I do this by running them through a speaker selector box, am I likely to create a problem. In other words, I run the center channel speaker wire from the amp to the selector box and then off to two speakers instead of one. I am guessing no one will like running the sound through this mechanical box? My bigger concern was changing the ohms to an extreme that caused problems for the speakers. Will it be better to just connect the speakers to each other. I did just read an article by a guy who claims to have blown up his multichannel amp by having speakers with too low of ohms after parallel connection.

"When I talked with Rotel's service department, we couldn't decide exactly which part of my stupidity had caused the problem: the possible short, or my having wired the speakers in parallel, which presented a load to the amp lower than it should be asked to handle. Please learn from my mistake—this is only the second amp I can remember having blown up." <---from article

engtaz

Just run the speakers in parallel (2 - 8 ohm = 4 ohm). You amp can run at 4 ohms. His amp was probably not rated for 4 ohms or if he had 4 ohm speaker it would have dropped the ohms to 2 ohms most amps don't like 2 ohms. If your and is capable to run at 4 ohms and your speakers are 8 ohms, you should not have a problem. I am running Monitor 5b's in parallel with a Outlaw M200. What are your center speakers?

NeilGabriel

I'm planning to use either 5jr or 5jr+. Or I could also use 5s though I have them as rears. I have a wide low HT stand and plan to try them in the doors below and on the sides of the equipment (if that makes sense...this might make them too far apart). The amp in the article is the same one I got, but I am certain that it can run 4 ohm speakers. I agree with you and think the tester paralleled a low ohm speaker. From spec sheet below. Thanks, eng.

"Speaker Impedance 4 ohms minimum
DIN Power Output
(1 kHz, 1%) 5x200 watts /ch / 4 ohms"

engtaz

The center channel speaker is you main speaker and to me it should be your best because most of you sound is coming through the center channel.