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Wiring a Center Channel

I recall reading of a method of wiring up a center channel in phase with the mains, when using a two channel setup and dual mono amps. I think it went somethin like this:

Connect the two mains conventionally to the appropriate 8ohm tap (assuming appropriate) and the ground on each of the two mono amps. Run a low resistance conection from one ground to the other on the two amps. Wire the center channel off the two (hot) 4ohm taps, one off each of the two amps.

What confuses me is the center channel having two hot wires running into it with no ground. Have I read the diagram wrong, or does this all make sense to someone who knows better than me? And why bridge the ground on the mains?

Can anyone clear this up for me?

Marco
jax2
jax2 OP
3,031 posts
 
Thank you. Has anyone ever tried this? What then would be an effective means of wiring a true center channel without benefit of a third amplifier? Would one just pull both hot leads to a common hot on the center, and both grounds to the common ground?

Marco
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,720 posts
 
If you connect the hots, you get no stereo. To sum, you need an additional amp with a combining network.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Shouldn't you check with manufacturers before doing this? Some receivers/amps will not like this?????????
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,720 posts
 
Good point. Going back to the original post, one should not add the ground(-) to ground(-) jumper since the +to+ connection should work with common ground amps and shouldn't be used with non-common ground amps.
jax2 OP
3,031 posts
 
This is excellent information. Thank you!

Marco
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