This may sound like a stupid question, but can anyone explain to me the advantage of including a non-fused distribution block vs. simply wiring wiring two amps together? I've heard it's to provide isolation between the two amps, but unless there's something inside a distribution block I'm not seeing, I don't see how electrically it's any different than connecting the wires.

Please somebody enlighten me.

Thanks,

 

Well the best way to describe its like if your watching TV and someone plugs the vacuum into the same circuit that the TV is on you'll see those lines on the TV screen. Its the same thing as wiring your amps in series.(series being on after another, as opposed to parallel) If your speaker amp comes after your sub amp, you'll find that when your sub really hits your speaker amp will dim. Now if you have a distribution block your power is split equally. You have say a 4 gauge power feed input and 2- 6 gauge power lines from the distribution block to the amps.

I hope this helps.

 

I understand the concept, just not the physics. Is there some kind of circuitry in a distribution block? Otherwise, from an electrical standpoint, how is it any different than just making a "Y" w/ the power cable? Resistors? I'm not doubting anybody, just trying to understand.

It "looks" like a distribution block is just a piece of conducting metal w/ terminals for the various power wires. How would that ensure an equal and isolated split of the current? I've gotta be missing something here.

 

Maybe DK misunderstood your question, but there is absolutely NO isolation...it is merely a convenient place to hook multiple items to a power connection.




John, what the hell are you smokin'? Wire amps in series?! I would be curious to see what kind of wierd effects that would have on the amps, but I guarantee you it wouldn't be pretty

 

Thanks McGyver. That pretty much confirms what I was thinking. So basically a distribution block is just to a) make things pretty b) make things organized c) squeeze $25-40 out of those that don't know better. This sound about right?

 

nod...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]Maybe DK misunderstood your question, but there is absolutely NO isolation...it is merely a convenient place to hook multiple items to a power connection.

John, what the hell are you smokin'?

 

Actually, no matter what you do the amplifiers are wired in parallel. It's just in the situation you describe, the distribution block simply happens to be the outside terminal of the sub amp. Any supply voltage drop induced by the current draw of the sub amp will affect both amplifiers equaly. Realize that they are connected to a single node in the circuit and will always 'see' the same voltage at that piont, simple Kichoff's voltage law.

<edited for clarity after rereading>