Denon Dra

Denon Dra

Need help connecting multiple pairs of speakers to one receiver?

I have a Denon DRA-295 receiver that has A/B speaker switching. Both sets of speaker connections are being used by 8 ohm speakers. I would like to also connect a set of outdoor speakers that are 4 ohm. Does anyone know of an inexpensive [my wife indulges my whims as long as they don't cost too much!!] way to hook up the third set of speakers. Keep in mind that the receiver does have a "pre out" connection on the back. Also, it states in the owners manual that the receiver can power 4 ohm speakers, but only if hey are the only speakers being used. I thought about a separate amp connected to the "pre out" to power the 4 ohm speakers only, but wasn't sure if that would work correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

When you use both pair of main speakers together, you are actually having connected in parallel. This would give you 4 ohm resistance when both pair are operating together. Each pair (A or B) is 8 ohm separately. To run a third pair will drop the resistance wayyyy down. Even another set of 8 ohm speakers would drop the resistance a bit too far.

I would hook the "B" speakers to the third set (4 ohm) in series; that way the resistance is added. So:

1. The left "B" speaker output (+) goes to the primary "B" speaker to the (+) side. Now, the (-) from the speaker goes directly to the (+) of the 4 ohm speaker. The (-) of the 4 ohm speaker goes directly to the (-) of the RECEIVER (not back to the first speaker). What you have is a single continuous loop, which has additive resistance. 8 + 4 = 12. When this is added to the "A" speakers, you will have a total resistance that is well within the operating range of any competent receiver.

Sketch it out first. Don't worry about the "pre-out" connection. You won't need it until you want to put a stronger amplifier in the loop.

Receiver+ to speaker #1+. Speaker #1- to speaker #2+; speaker #2- to receiver-

Now, the third set of speakers will only work when the "B" speakers are on, or when "A + B" is operating. You won't be able to run them by themselves.

Another option is to have both "A" and "B" speakers operating from the "A" switch. The total resistance will be 4 ohm, which is fine. The "B" connection will then only operate the 4 ohm set. BUT...you won't be able to operate the "A + B" without some risk.