Weird| Wired 2 4 ohm speakers in parallel and am getting a 4 ohm load!?!?

[Kold_Killa 10+ year member]

My ski boat has 4 marine 6.5"s. The previous owner added 4 Pioneer Premier 6.5"s. I am wiring to 4 channel amp, so figured I would wire 2 speakers in parallel to present a 2 ohm load at the amp.

Issue: I wired 2 of the original marines in parallel, but the final load is showing 4 ohms!!?? I went back and pulled the "first" speakers to verify the connection was solid, and it was.. I also pulled the connectors to verify the speaker is a 4 ohm speaker, and it was.... This occured in both instances?!?!

I figured that perhaps I screwed something up, but proceeded to wire the Premiers and I am getting 2 ohm loads, with them wired identically as I do the marines. What gives?

I'd venture to say that I'm not making a great connection somewhere and it is only reading a load from one speaker, but for me to double check both sets and to present the same problem seems odd as I don't see why this is the case.

Anyone have any other ideas? Thank you

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[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Test the speaker wiring for continuity. Possible one of the wires is damaged which is why the speakers test ok independently, but not when wired together.

 

[Kold_Killa 10+ year member]

I'll troubleshoot more tonight... Seemed odd that it would happen twice though.... Any other ideas?

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I don't trust existing boat stereo wiring, when I do boat systems, I replace all wiring, power, ground, speaker, etc. I usually replace the switch wiring as well. Boats are usually very poorly wired by whatever dealer or owner had them.

I have also introduced switching systems that let the owner power speakers from an amp when at cruising speed, or off the head unit when floating. It conserves battery power. I've also installed solar panels and chargers to supplement the boat alternator when outboards are used. The panels keep the batteries charged while sitting.

 

[Kold_Killa 10+ year member]

I should have mentioned that I made new runs of speaker wire with 14 gauge (previously to headunit and I made new runs to amp)... Again, why I find it odd //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

I also installed a switch to my 2 battery setup, so that I can float and not worry about being able to start or not (a 1, 2, all, or off switch)... It's an inboard/outboard, so full size alternator.