Orion 225 HCCA - SPEAKER CONNECTIONS; Speaker Impedance; Speaker Connection Rules; Speaker Wire Recommendations

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS
IMPEDANCE
225 and 425 HCCA amplifiers are designed for operation
with 0.5 to 16 ohm speakers. 250 HCCA amplifiers are
designed for operation with 1 to 16 ohm speakers. For
best operation, we recommend high quality 8-ohm
speakers. The efficiency of 8-ohm speakers tends to be a
little better than 4-ohm speakers. You only get 3 dB
gain from the increase in power by going from 8 ohms
to 4 ohms. Many high quality 8-ohm subwoofers are
actually 5 to6dB more efficient than 4-ohm subwoofers.
Also, if you use 8-ohm speakers, your amplifier will run
half as hot and your battery will last longer.
NOTE: ORION amplifiers have an excellent damping
factor. Damping factor is the reflected output imped
ance in the amplifier. The higher the damping factor
in the amplifier, the less tendency for the speaker to
move on its own, say when it is bumped. The ampli¬
fier controls the damping in the speaker.
CONNECTIONS
NEVER connect any speaker to chassis ground. This
will introduce ground loops that cause noise in the
system and, in the case of bridging, cancels out the
two-phase effect.
NEVER use twisted wire connections. Always make
connections using spade connectors, insulated butt
connectors, quick-disconnect connectors or solder
connections. If quick-disconnects or solder connec¬
tions are used, insulate the connections using shrink
tubing. Do not use electrician’s tape since the ad¬
hesive on such tapes tends to deteriorate with time
and cause short circuits.
Do NOT route the speaker wires next to any power
wires.
Be sure to observe speaker wire polarity. Except as
shown and described in the connection diagrams in
figures 1 through 15, the yellow wire is positive and
the black/yellow wire is negative. Also, the orange
wire is positive and the black/orange wire is negative.
SPEAKER WIRE
Use substantial wire for speaker connections. We rec¬
ommend that speaker wires be at least 16 AWG. Some
installers prefer the use of specially-made heavy-duty
speaker wiring.
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