wiring up more than two speakers to amp

[theupsetter]

hello folks
this may sound like a stupid question but i'm pretty stupid when it comes to things like this. i hope this question makes sense!
i do not simply plug my speakers into my amp as the speaker wires are bare, i have to screw them in and i'm looking to find out if i can screw more than one speaker into each connection as i would like to place speakers in my kitchen as well as have them in my lounge?
if anyone can enlighten me on this i would be very grateful.

 

[OttoMatic]

Running more than one set of speakers in parallel from a single amp can sometimes put a strain on the amp that the amp won't like. This impedance is generally measured in ohms (though it's actually more complicated than that). Do you know if your speakers or amp specify anything about "ohms" or "impedance"?

What speakers and amp are you using?

Doing this can be a problem because of these impedances, but you can also get away with it, especially if you are not driving the speakers to loud volumes. Also, most recent technology amps and receivers will enter a protect mode in the event that you are encountering problems, so you may have an opportunity there to see if you having troubles.

The bottom line is this -- yes, it will work, but you may have amplifier power problems, especially at higher volumes. Personally, I would try it; indeed I have two pairs of speakers connected just as described to an older Kenwood receiver for "family room" and "patio" duty. No problems whatsoever.

Good luck!

 

[theupsetter]

thanks for that otto!
i don't know anything about "ohms" or "impedance" i'm afraid.
the amp is a 'cambridge audio intergrated amp' but the speakers i'm not sure about, the make is 'eltax'? i think. i've yet to purchase the second set of speakers i will be using along with my 'eltax'.

 

[OttoMatic]

I had a quick look at this one:

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/cambridge500_polkrt35i.htm

as well as a couple other Cambridge Audio amps. They all seem pretty robust, and spec'd to 4 ohms (I think this was was OK to 2). That's very good. I think you will be fine!

Have fun!

 

[Gimpy Ric]

In my last house, I had one amp running my mains, my bedroom, and my garage, and sometimes on the porch. But I had a Niles Audio four speaker pair switch, to keep the impedance at 8 ohms. I recommend one of these for your install.

http://www.nilesaudio.com/product_selection.php?catcdID=7

Have fun!

 

[zumbo]

I also recommend a speaker selector with impedance matching. Some even have separate volume controls, which is nice.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?N=0&Ntt=speaker+selectors&D=speaker+selectors

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi

http://www.audioadvisor.com/searchprods.asp?searchstring=selector&pagenumber=1&sort_on=&sort_by=&stype=all&view_all=true

 

[theupsetter]

thanks for your help everyone, that's great. i'll have at look at the links.