3 Easy Ways To Wire 2 Channels To 1 Speaker (2023 How-To)

While wiring a 2-channel amplifier to one speaker isn’t really the standard…

(As it can affect the sound quality and damage the amp if done incorrectly).

There’s an easy and safe way to do it.

You just need to identify what equipment you have. And what wiring method is best for it.

Read on to learn:

3 easy ways to wire 2 channels to 1 speaker.
Which amplifier you can safely bridge, and how to do it.
Why you should wire a 2-channel amp to a single speaker.
How to create your own mono/stereo switch to connect 2 channels.
And so much more…

How to wire 2 channels to 1 speaker?

To wire 2 channels to 1 speaker, build a mono/stereo switch by connecting the inputs and outputs together. Or bridge your amplifier channels, as long as it’s designed to be bridged. If you’re connecting it to a dual voice coil subwoofer, make a series wiring and bridge it to the amplifier.

3 easy ways to wire 2 channels to 1 speaker

#1: By creating a mono/stereo switch

Do this when: You want to keep the stereo function of your amplifier.

Old amplifiers used to have a “mono switch.” Which allows users to switch from stereo to mono easily.

Unfortunately, manufacturers have stopped putting mono switches on new amplifiers. Because it requires extra circuitry to build.

And since connecting the 2 channels together can damage the amp. They don’t believe it’s worth it to risk the device for the sole purpose of having a mono switch.

That being said, if you badly want to connect your 2-channel amp to 1 speaker…

You have to build your own mono/stereo switch. See the guide below for the instructions.

Step-by-step guide on creating a mono/stereo switch

Before you begin, make sure that you have the needed materials and equipment:

Drill.
Switch box.
Soldering iron.
(4) jack sockets.
Connecting wires.
3-pin toggle switch.

Once you have everything ready…

Step 1: Get any type of box that you can use as a switch box. If possible, get one that’s made of metal for longer durability.

Step 2: Drill 4 holes on one side of the box for the jack sockets. Use a 5/16 in (8 mm) drill bit.

Step 3: Install the jack sockets on the 4 holes.

Step 4: Drill a 1/4 in (6.36 mm) hole on the opposite side for the toggle switch.

Step 5: Install the toggle switch on that one hole.

Step 6: Using a soldering iron, connect the left out and left in jacks together with a wire.

Step 7: Connect the right out and right in jacks together with a wire.

Step 8: Connect the left out jack to the left-most pin of the switch.

Step 9: Connect the right in jack to the middle pin of the switch.

And now, you can connect your mono/stereo switch to your 2-channel amp!

To test whether your mono/stereo switch is working:

Grab a multimeter.
Plug the tester to the left in and left out jacks.
Then, plug the tester to the right in and right out jacks.

The multimeter should display “0.00.”

Next…

Plug the tester into the left in and right in jacks.
Then, plug the tester into the left out and right out jackets.

When the switch is in stereo mode (flipped to the right), the multimeter should display a “1.” This indicates no connection.

But when it’s in mono mode (flipped to the left), you should see a “0.00” on the screen. Which indicates that the jacks are connected.

Note: If your mono/stereo switch gives the same results, it means that it was built correctly.

You might also like: 3 Ways To Wire 4 Speakers To A 2-Channel Amp Diagram

#2: By bridging the amplifier channels

Do this when: You have an amplifier that allows bridging.

Another way to wire your 2-channel amp to 1 speaker is to bridge the channels.

Doing this is very simple. You just have to connect 2 terminals to your speaker.

Note: However, you must note that not all amplifiers can be bridged.

Why?

Because some amps are already bridged internally. And bridging its channels again won’t only affect the sound quality of your audio. But it can also damage your amplifier.

So, when bridging your amp, make sure that it’s designed to be bridged.

“How would I know if I can bridge my amp?”

To know if you can make the bridge arrangement to your amp, either:

Check the product manual.
Look for a bridging diagram on the device itself.

Look for the terminals on your amp. Since your amp has 2 channels, there should be 4 terminals on it.

On top of the terminals, there should be a visual guide on how to bridge your device.

If you can’t find a bridging diagram anywhere on your amp, don’t attempt to bridge it.

Step-by-step guide on bridging a 2-channel amplifier

Bridging your 2-channel amp is easy.

You just need to prepare 2 tools:

Now, to begin the bridging process…

Step 1: Grab the positive and negative wires of your speaker.

Step 2: Carefully split the ends of the wires.

Step 3: Use a wire stripper to strip off 1/2 in (1.3 cm) of insulation on both wires.

Step 4: Locate the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier. It’s usually in the back area.

Step 5: Identify the left positive and negative terminals. And right positive and negative terminals.

In most amplifiers, these terminals are labeled as left (+), left (-), right (+), and right (-).

Step 6: Connect the positive wire of the speaker to the left positive terminal of the amplifier.

To do that, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screw on the left positive terminal. And then, insert the positive wire under it. Once done, tighten the screw again to secure the wire.

Step 7: Connect the negative wire of the speaker to the right negative terminal of the amplifier.

Need visual instructions on how to do it? Then, watch this video:

#3: By making a dual voice coil speaker wiring

Do this when: You have a dual voice coil subwoofer.

Suppose you have a dual voice coil subwoofer…

You can connect it to a 2-channel amp by creating a series wiring on the subwoofer. And then bridging the subwoofer to the amplifier.

“How would I know if my subwoofer is a dual voice coil?”

It’s a dual voice coil speaker if it has 4 terminals.

You should see one set of positive and negative terminals on one side. And another set of terminals on the other side.

Step-by-step guide on bridging a dual voice coil speaker with series wiring

Here are the things you should prepare when bridging a dual voice coil subwoofer:

A wire stripper.
Connecting wires.
A Phillips head screwdriver.

The first thing you have to do is create a series wiring on your dual voice coil subwoofer. And then bridge it to the amplifier.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Locate the 2 sets of positive and negative terminals on the subwoofer.

The positive terminals usually have a red lining. And the negative terminals have a black lining.

Step 2: Grab 3 connecting wires and strip off 1/2 in (1.3 cm) of their ends.

Step 3: Grab one connecting wire. And use it to connect the positive terminal on one side to the negative terminal on the other side.

Step 4: Grab another connecting wire. And connect one of its ends to the available positive terminal of the speaker.

Step 4: Grab the last connecting wire. And connect one of its ends to the available negative terminal of the speaker.

Step 5: Locate the 4 terminals on the amplifier. And identify the left and right positive and negative terminals.

Step 6: Connect the subwoofer’s positive wire to the amp’s left positive terminal.

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen and tighten the terminal screw.

Step 7: Connect the subwoofer’s negative wire to the amp’s right negative terminal.

And there you have it! Your dual voice coil subwoofer is now wired to your 2-channel amplifier.

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Why wire 2 channels to 1 speaker?

You should wire 2 channels to 1 speaker if you have a 2-channel amplifier. And you don’t want to set up more than one speaker. As doing so can simplify your audio setup.

However, you must know that incorrectly doing this can affect the audio quality. And in extreme cases, damage your amplifier.

You should also do this if you want to be able to switch from stereo to mono mode. And you can do that by creating a mono/stereo switch.

If you want a simpler setup, bridge your amplifier. But only if your device allows bridging.

You can do that by connecting the left positive terminal to the right negative terminal.

Suppose you have a dual voice coil subwoofer. You can also connect it to your 2-channel amp by creating a series wiring and bridging it to the amplifier.