speaker connections

[les]

I have a radio that will run 4 speakers but I only need 2, these are situated behind me, so you could say rear speakers. My question is this--- should I assume the're connected to the radio via the front speaker leads, as they are the main(only) speakers, or should I connect to the rear speaker leads? Also what difference is there between the front and rear output leads to require them to be marked as such? Thanks.

[bmcecosse]

I'm guessing there will be a balance control to adjust the rear speakers if you so wish. I would connect to the fronts. Good place for speakers is UNDER the front seats BTW - pointing forwards. Can't be seen and no butchery of trim involved.......

[lambrettalad]

For some radios an impedance(4-8 ohms is pretty normal) is required to stop the transistors blowing,but others don't,The radio doesn't know where you put the speakers ,but if you balance control them it will be self evident,and I strongly suggest you turn the balance all the way to the speaker setting and zero to the other outlet, good luck

[les]

Thanks for replies, hadn't thought of under seats but at the moment and being in a van there was more room behind fitted in boxes. I also hadn't thought of the balance situation, will note that. I take the point of the radio not knowing where the speakers are but wondered if the front speaker wires fed more power or whatever than the rears, because the wires are clearly marked
Front Speakers---Rear Speakers.

[lambrettalad]

they are marked that way so as to make the fader and balance function work sensibly ,almost a modern radios have a fade (front to rear ) and a balance (left to right) configurations plus the usual treble ,bass settings ,bass boost etc .power (volume) is controlled by you ,the output from the amp will be balanced .hope his helps

[les]

Thanks again, just one more point for my curiosity, what difference would it make( in a 4 speaker set -up) if front speakers were connected to the rear speaker output wires and rears to the front output wires?

[bmcecosse]

Only that the fader (word I couldn't remember earlier) will work back to front - if you see what I mean!

[les]

Thanks.