Can I connect 2 speakers to 1 channel

[Bzanno]

I have an amp/receiver with only 2 channels, but I want 3 speakers connected. Can I connect 2 of the speakers to a single channel in parallel?
The amp is a 100w RMS per channel. It says it can drive 280watt 8ohm speakers or 320watt 4 ohm speakers. All my speakers are 80watt peak 8ohm speakers. Will connecting 2 to one channel blow the equipment even if I'm not pushing it to max volume?

 

[PENG]

I have an amp/receiver with only 2 channels, but I want 3 speakers connected. Can I connect 2 of the speakers to a single channel in parallel?
The amp is a 100w RMS per channel. It says it can drive 280watt 8ohm speakers or 320watt 4 ohm speakers. All my speakers are 80watt peak 8ohm speakers. Will connecting 2 to one channel blow the equipment even if I'm not pushing it to max volume?

Two 8 ohm speakers in parallel are fine, but not 3. Some so called 8 ohm speakers may have enough impedance dip to cause trouble, so don't push your amp anywhere near it's rated output.

 

[lovinthehd]

Bigger question is why do you want a third speaker? How would you use this?

 

[Bzanno]

There are 3 ceiling speakers in my living room. I have two hooked up now but feel like the third one needs to be hooked to hear it well in one of the seating areas. I didn't want to have to buy a 3 channel amp since I already have a 2 channel. I only wanted to hook 2 speakers on one channel, not all three. Then the third speaker will be by itself on the second channel

 

[j_garcia]

Creates an imbalance of draw on the amp, but should theoretically work as long as the amp is truly stable at 4 Ohms. So question would be what amp is it?

 

[Bzanno]

I think it's generic? It says Fosi Audio BT20A mini power Amp on it

 

[sterling shoote]

I might be wrong; but, I don't think you are going to get the desired result. What you will get is a very unbalanced stereo effect from any listening position with either left or right channel dominance depending on connections you make. Interestingly enough, when you have the gear to play 3 channel multi-channel SACD recordings, such as the Living Presence or Living Stereo Series. You will get a very wide sound stage, clarity, dimension, and detail not revealed from those recordings in stereo. Maybe get a cheap SACD Player and a 5.1 AVR?

 

[Bzanno]

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess the best thing to do is look for a new amp.

 

[j_garcia]

Specs say that amp is 100W @ 4 Ohms, which means it is realistically 50 @ 8 and is unlikely to really be 4 Ohm stable, despite their claims. They rate it that way to inflate the power numbers. I would be very cautious to try to drive 3 speakers with it.