I have been asked to brainstorm with some other people on how to replace an ageing sound system in an auditorium. The room is probably around 2500-3000 sq. feet. with vaulted acoustic tile ceilings and carpeted floors. The old speakers were single 5=6" round speakers mounted into the ceiling (cut/mounted into the acoustic tile). I'm thinking it would be better to get some speakers like these..perhaps about 10 of them:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.c...tnumber=310-069


I could mount 2 at the front, up high, 2 at the back, also up high...and 3 along each side..also high on the wall above the seated audience.

The part where I'm lost, however, is how to properly power these things. I have connected stereo and surround sound systems before but never had to hook up multiple speakers to a single amp where each speaker didn't have a dedicated output slot for it. So my question is, what type of amp should I look for and how should I wire them?

Again, this is not some hi-fi operation..just need to adequately cover a speaker w/ microphone over the entire auditorium.

hmmm..so I realized these speakers are 4ohm...

so I could get a 8ohm stereo amp that has dual stereo output (an A and B speaker output) and run 4 pair wired in series off of that correct? I would end up with an 8ohm load on each speaker pair and provided the amp sent roughly 50w RMS that should be good huh?

I think you should look into the higher voltage speaker system designed for public use. If cost is not an issue, these give a good deal of sound for the money.

Start here...dont be afraid..

http://www.parts-express.com/commercial-sound.cfm

cost is definitely an issue, but if additional cost means better dependability then I think we could strike a balance somewhere..

I had actually looked at these speakers from that area you showed me:

DEEZ

but again I go back to not really knowing what amp to pair it with.

I'm thinking I could use 4 pair of these to adequately cover the area, but I still don't know what amp to use. I think they are currently using a 30w PA amp so it's got input and level adjustments for 2 standard mic's and a wireless mic. I had one of those Bogen 35w classic series amps for a while at my house but threw it away after a few years of not knowing what to do with it!

OK editing again...perhaps THIS amp with THESE speakers.

The amp is 100w and the max 70v "tap" per speaker is 5w....so now Im' thinking..5w..how is that going to make any noise at all? what am i missing here?

I could install 10 of those 8" speakers in the auditorium area and still have an extra 50w to spare elsewhere...

Now is where parts express shines. Give them a call and ask them about the application of the equipment. Usually they have someone around who can tell you exactly what you need to do to install and answer any questions for you. The forums are good and a google search for 70v installation might do you well....

cool thanks again for your help!

No problem, I have been dealing with PE since I cant remember when and they have ALWAYS been able to get me an answer in that phone call or with call back a little later. Great people.

( Nope, dont work for them, but I believe in good service and these guys deliver.)

SJ