answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A speaker has a minimum rated (reactive) impedance, which varies depending on frequency. This impedance is measured in ohms. Speakers typically are rated 4 or 8 ohms, as well as having a watts rating. As an example, an 8 ohm 32 watt speaker would require an input of 16 volts RMS to develop full power. Again, that impedance varies, and 8 ohms is the minimum over the rated frequency range.

Amplifiers have rating too. This is usually expressed as a certain power into a certain impedance. Again, that works out to a certain voltage and current as well. In order to maximize the power capability of the amplifier, the speakers must match the required impedance. If the speaker does not match, then the amplifier may reach either its maximum voltage range or its maximum current range prior to delivering full power so, it is really necessary to match the stated impedance of the amplifier to the speaker, otherwise you won't develop full power, and you might damage the amplifier.

If you have an 8 ohm amplifer, and 4 ohm speakers, you can put two speakers in series. Conversely, if you have a 4 ohm amplifier, and 8 ohm speakers, you can put two speakers in parallel. The two speakers would split the power, so they can be less expensive.

As an example, one older configuration, known as the "sweet sixteen", consists of 16 eight ohm midrange speakers wired in four sets of four. Each set is wired in series, and the sets are wired in parallel. The resulting impedance is 8 ohms and, since there is a large surface area, the output is very effective in the midrange. Couple that with two 15 inch woofers, and you have a very nice speaker system capable of handling considerable power.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does ohm loads work with speakers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How do you wire two 8 ohm speakers and keep a 8 ohm load?

in parallel No. Two 8 ohm 'speakers in parallel present a 4 ohm load.


Will 6 ohm speakers sound quality be affected with using an 8 ohm sound system?

The 6 ohm speakers will sound fine with the 8 ohm amplifier.


What is the ohm rating of rear speakers in a Pontiac sunfire?

The ohm rating is 8 ohm on the rear speakers in a Pontiac Sunfire. They can be switched out, as long as the front and rear speakers match.?æ


Can you use 4 ohms speakers and 8 ohm speakers on the same amp?

The short answer is yes, the long answer is maybe. Example: my Toyota's stock CD player says on it specifically, ''4 ohm speakers'', the stock speakers, however, say they are 6 ohms and they measured on a volt meter at 6 ohms. Certain higher end car audio speakers are 2 ohms but are designed for 4 ohm head units and 4 ohm head units can power 2 ohm car speakers. 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakers will work, however, different ohms can (but not always) cause different volumes out of each respective speaker. If your equipment if really old or really crappy it might get fried or if it is modern and of good quality it might get fried if you run the amp at the higher end of its output (high volume). Short answer, you will be fine just don't ask the amp to work super hard. Medium answer, I wouldn't bet more than a few hundred bucks of audio equipment on it and don't stress the amp. Long answer, its complicated and always best to match ohms even though the ohm rating is an average and 4 ohm speakers can present ohm loads of way less than 4 to over 10 depending on their output at the time. Also if you ask different people you'll get different answers.


What ohm should the speaker be if i want to achieve a 2 ohm load from 4 speakers?

Four 8 ohm speakers wired in parallel would give an effective 2 ohm load.


Whats the speaker sizes in a 2005 impala?

The front speakers should be 6.5" and the rear should be 6x9". You will want to make sure you have the correct ohm speakers though. My 2004 impala has 2ohm speakers and my friends has 4ohm speakers. You can put 4 ohm speakers in a 2 ohm system but your sound quality will suffer greatly. Do not put 2 ohm speakers in a 4 ohm system though, that will cause bigger problems.


Are Bose car speakers 8 ohm?

they are probably 4 ohm


Can you use 4 ohm speakers on a 8 ohm system?

yes


Are Baby Advent II speakers 8 ohm?

They are 6 ohm.


Can I safely run 4 x 4ohm speakers with an 8 ohm rated amplifier?

Not really. The only possible configurations of four 4 ohm speakers is 1 ohm, 4 ohms, and 16 ohms. This will not match an 8 ohm rated amplifier. It will work, but you will not achieve rated power output, and you run the risk of damaging the amplifier.


Can you make four 8 ohm speakers into an 4 ohm load?

Yes


How do you wire two 4 ohm speakers into 2 a two ohm load?

Parallel