three wire coupler
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 234
Likes: 15
From: Fall City WA
three wire coupler
I am going to run 2 subs (parallel) off a single channel on my amp. The speaker terminals aren't big enough to directly connect both sets of speaker wire, so I need to run a single speaker line out and connect it to 2 wires. The wire is fairly thick gauge, so splicing and soldering looks like it would make a big mess. I currently have a 3-way coupler meant for home electrical wiring crimped on, but I'd like to improve upon that.
Any suggestions?
Casey
Any suggestions?
Casey
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 234
Likes: 15
From: Fall City WA
The subs are JL 10W 3v3. The amp (JL Audio 900/5) uses a connector that the bare wire screws in to. There's no way to use a terminal on the speaker wire. Shortly after posting my original post, I had an idea. I can use a short length of speaker wire (or even battery cable), and make a T type of connector.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
If it was mine I'd just use the largest wire going to the subs that I could fit 2 leads into the amp connector.
For your situation, if you must use the huge wire, I'd recommend using a short length (maybe 12") of the largest wire that will fit into the amp connector, then solder the two speaker leads onto the other end of it. To do the soldering, 'tin' the end of each of the 3 wires (heat the wire and cover the stripped tip with solder), then hold all 3 tinned wires together and hit them with the soldering iron for a few seconds (no need for any more solder at this point). The tinned wires will form one solid connection as soon as one starts to melt.
Don't forget to put heat shrink on the wire before you start
For your situation, if you must use the huge wire, I'd recommend using a short length (maybe 12") of the largest wire that will fit into the amp connector, then solder the two speaker leads onto the other end of it. To do the soldering, 'tin' the end of each of the 3 wires (heat the wire and cover the stripped tip with solder), then hold all 3 tinned wires together and hit them with the soldering iron for a few seconds (no need for any more solder at this point). The tinned wires will form one solid connection as soon as one starts to melt.
Don't forget to put heat shrink on the wire before you start
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
You only put 1 wire on each post on the amp regardless of how many subs you have. You wire the subs posts together.
Wire the subs in the box correctly, then wire the terminals on the box so you only have 1+ and 1- to the amp. Jlaudio's amp wiring guide will show you.
Wire the subs in the box correctly, then wire the terminals on the box so you only have 1+ and 1- to the amp. Jlaudio's amp wiring guide will show you.
