Audio system including speakers with integrated amplifier and method of detecting speakers

An audio system for a vehicle, comprising:

• an audio source for providing an audio signal;
• a housing including a variable output power supply;
• at least two speaker assemblies positioned remote from the housing on the vehicle, each of the speakers including a driver and a switching amplifier;
• and
• detection circuitry configured to detect a type of the switching amplifier in each of the at least two speaker assemblies and to adjust an output voltage of the variable output power supply provided to each switching amplifier in the at least two speaker assemblies dependent upon the type of switching amplifier detected.

A method of detecting a type of speaker electrically connected to an audio source, comprising:

• superimposing a voltage on balanced audio lines connected to the speaker, the speaker including a driver and a switching amplifier;
• determining a detection voltage utilizing a voltage divider;
• converting the detection voltage from an analog signal to a digital signal;
• and
• adjusting an output voltage of a variable output power supply provided to the switching amplifier dependent upon the detection voltage.