Speaker connections

The Hybrid amplifier supports 70V and 8Ω speakers, as long as the individual channel output is configured correctly. Use any combination of speakers where the sum of the wattage does not exceed the rated wattage of the speaker output.

Caution: The system impedance must not be not less than 2Ω.

For landscape system design configuration, see the Episode outdoors brand page.

Use 14 or 16 gauge stranded two-conductor speaker wire. Use burial rated wire as necessary for outdoor applications.

Connect the appropriate conductor to each screw terminal, observing correct polarity. Bridged markings are shown to the rightbelow .

Calculating amplifier power for 70V speakers

The number of satellites or subwoofers that can be connected is determined by the amplifier’s power. As the number of speakers increases, the available power to each decreases. Plan the system so that each speaker can receive the highest level of wattage available.

Only satellite speakers with 70V tap settings need to be calculated. 8Ω satellite speakers and subwoofers do not require calculation.

Click here to download an Excel file of the calculation table.

Speaker tap setting (A)

CH 1 quantity (B)

CH 2 quantity (C)

CH 1 total (A×B)

CH 2 total (A×B)

3.75W

 

 

 

 

7.5W

 

 

 

 

15W

 

 

 

 

60W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

 

 

Total watts

 

 

Pro Tip: Leave 20% of headroom, using only 80% of the rated power of the amplifier.

For the EA-AMP-HYB-2D-1000 this is 400W/channel.

For the EA-AMP-HYB-2D-2000 this is 800W/channel.

70V speaker wiring

Burial-rated wire is recommended for all outdoor installations.

An advantage of 70V systems is that a smaller wire gauge can be used. A 1,147' 20 gauge cable run only has an 11% power loss. A 18 gauge cable run can go up to 2,029' and a 16 gauge up to 2,783'.

8Ω speaker wiring

Burial-rated wire is recommended for all installations. Maximum performance can be achieved using the following recommendations:

  • For wire runs up to 30 m (100'), 16-gauge wire or large.

  • For wire runs up to 60 m(200'), 14-gauge wire or larger.

  • For wire runs up to 90 m(300'), 12-gauge wire or larger.

Note: Smaller wire gauges may be used, but will reduce overall performance depending on the wire gauge being used.

The chart below shows the wire length and the amount of signal loss that you can expect on a typical run.

Wire gauge

8 Ω speakers

4Ω speakers( or two 8Ω speakers in parallel)

11% power loss

21% power loss

37% power loss

11% power loss

21% power loss

37% power loss

12

291'

622'

1352'

143'

331'

680'

14

189'

403'

876'

92'

199'

437'

16

117'

225'

553'

61'

128'

278'

18

87'

194'

405'

41'

92'

201'