Simple question for the experts.

[bumpy]

Assuming I don't touch the volume control and that my amp can handle the load.

What pays the loudest, 2 identical speakers in series or parallel?

[Barry]

Depends on whether the amplifier output is constant, independent of the load impedance. Running the two speakers in parallel will halve the load impedance, whereas running the speakers in series will double the impedance.

[struth]

in series you double the resistance(ie 2* 8ohm speakers will become 16ohm) the opposite will occur if you go parallel 2*8 = 4ohm. 4 ohm will likely be better for amp than 16.(many amps dont like 16 ohm) if they are 4 ohm speakers you really need to go series. Series will also double your wattage max(ie if they are 50 watt drivers they will handle nearer 100w.) sensitivity will reduce, but not a lot.

[bumpy]

Sorry lads. I understand all of what you say, but given the most favourable conditions is it possible to say which combination will be loudest.

[Barry]

Sorry lads. I understand all of what you say, but given the most favourable conditions is it possible to say which combination will be loudest.

No, it will depend on the amplifier, but even then the difference in loudness will be small - too small to be noticeable.

[Firebottle]

Louder in parallel, but not by much.

[bumpy]

Thanks again guys, pretty much what I thought :)