How to setup speaker array?

Xi-Trum · « **on:** 21 Sep 2004, 03:20 pm »

I've being asked by a friend of how to setup an array of speakers for a retail store. Well, I don't have a clue!

So, I'm calling the AC collective wisdom to help me here.

Let's say I want to play music to 3 pairs of (same) speakers (aligned along two walls/ceilings) at the same time. Obviously, stereo effect (imaging & soundstage) is unimportant. What do I need to get this done? Thanks.

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Sep 2004, 03:35 pm »

Any idea of the impedance of the speakers or whether the amp is robust? You could always wire each set of 3 speakers in series, but this would triple the impedance, so you need to make sure your amp will be happy.

Xi-Trum · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Sep 2004, 04:10 pm »

Thanks, Josh. Let's assume that the speakers are 8-ohms. I'm thinking of using something like a 6-channel amp with each channel driving one speaker separately? But how do I split the signal from the preamp to the amp?

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Sep 2004, 04:39 pm »

Oh in that case you can make Y-cables do the job (actually in this case W cables) but the preamp is going to see a pretty tough load. I don't know of any other way unless you put an audio distribution amp in the works.