Among all the speaker connection methods, series, and parallel speaker connections are probably two of the most used methods. But you can’t apply these two methods together as only is applicable at a time. That’s why finding the best method from these two is way significant to get the best possible output from your speakers.
As a result, the comparison between speaker series vs parallel sound comes into the game to choose the perfect method. From the comparison of every sector, you have to decide which one to go with. The detailed discussion below will assist you, in this case, in concluding with a correct decision.
Table of Contents
- Comparison Chart – Series Speaker Wiring vs Parallel Speaker Wiring
- Speaker Series vs Parallel Sound – The In-depth Discussion
- Parallel Speaker Wiring
- Series Speaker Wiring vs Parallel Speaker Wiring – The One to Go With
- SERIES vs PARALLEL: Speaker Impedance Explained
- Final Thoughts
Comparison Chart – Series Speaker Wiring vs Parallel Speaker Wiring
Learning about the key factors about both these speaker wiring methods are crucial before we start the in-detail discussion:
| Content | Series Speaker Wiring | Parallel Speaker Wiring |
| Impedance | The impedance of the speakers can be different | The impedance of all the speakers must be the same |
| Resistance | Higher Resistivity | Comparatively less resistive than series wiring |
| Efficiency | Comparatively more efficient by using less current | Less efficient as parallel wiring uses more amount of current |
| Sound Quality | A bit degraded sound quality | Enhanced and high-quality sound |
| Operating Policy | All the speakers stop operating if one speaker is faulty | All the speakers continue operating except the faulty speaker |
| Power and Volume | Less power and volume | Maximum amount of power and volume |
Speaker Series vs Parallel Sound – The In-depth Discussion
You might have got some hints about both these wiring systems, and now it’s time to dig deep into the discussion:
Series Speaker Wiring
In a series speaker connection, at first, the amplifier sends the audio signal to the positive end of the first speaker. Then the first speaker sends the same signal to the next speaker’s positive end, and so on goes with the circuit.
After that, the signal travels to the negative end of the last speaker, which is connected to the amplifier’s negative side. When you add the speakers in the series connection, it increases the overall resistance of the circuit. The series circuits are usually the voltage dividers according to Ohm’s law.
It leads the speakers connected through series wiring to decrease in amplified voltage audio signal. As a result, the resistivity remains higher, producing comparatively less power and volume. Higher resistivity ensures less current consumption, making the series circuit comparatively more efficient.
But it degrades the audio signal a bit and leads the sound quality comparatively worse than you expected. Along with that, if any of the speakers somehow gets stopped, all the other speakers will also stop operating.
Pros:
- The speakers connected through series wiring have higher Ohm’s safety for both stereo and amps
- Less current usage
- Series speakers are easy to hook up
- Wiring speakers in series connection are less expensive than parallel connection
Cons:
- Degraded sound quality
- Less power and volume
- All the speakers stop operating if one speaker is faulty
Parallel Speaker Wiring
For connecting speakers through parallel wiring, the impedance of all the speakers should be the same. It is the most superficial speaker-wire connection that usually decreases the whole circuit’s overall resistance. You will have to combine and lead the positive wires of the speakers together.
In the same way, connect the negative ports of all the speakers as well. As a result, it becomes easier to connect new speakers later through this parallel speaker wiring method. Because of lower resistance, more current flows through this speaker circuit to power the system up.
Read More: 14 vs 16-Gauge Speaker Wire
Thus, all the speakers in the circuit get the maximum amount of power and produce maximum volume. That’s why enhanced, and higher sound quality is ensured without causing any sound distortion. The most amazing part of the whole system is that the speakers don’t stop operating if one is faulty.
It will even keep operating until at least one speaker is alright. But establishing a parallel speaker connection is comparatively costly, and it is quite challenging to arrange the equipment. While operating, the speakers consume more current, and it makes the system more expensive.
Pros:
- High-quality and enhanced output sound without any distortion
- The maximum amount of power and volume
- All the speakers continue operating except the faulty one
- Establishing the parallel connection is one of the most straightforward electrical wiring tasks
- Maximum current flow
Cons:
- Comparatively costly
- Less resistive
Series Speaker Wiring vs Parallel Speaker Wiring – The One to Go With
Series speaker wiring costs less than parallel speaker wiring, and it is comparatively more resistive. But the parallelly connected speakers have a simple circuit diagram with an easy connection procedure. Because of easy current flow, the audio output is top-notch and not distorted.
Your sound system will keep operating even any speaker is faulty if the other speakers are correctly connected through parallel wiring. The maximum amount of power and volume is also ensured with it. That’s why you should go with parallel speaker wiring if your budget is compatible with it.
See also: Crossover for Full Range Speaker
SERIES vs PARALLEL: Speaker Impedance Explained
Final Thoughts
If you make an edge-to-edge comparison of speaker series vs parallel sound, then parallel wiring is the clear winner here. Establishing a parallel speaker connection will produce enhanced sound with maximum power and volume. Even all speakers will continue operating even one among them are faulty.
But still, you can go with the series speaker connection if you have a strict budget or impossible to arrange speakers with the same impedance. It is one of the best speaker wiring methods right after the parallel connection system.