Impedance, Power and BiWiring

[VintageWS]

Hello, I was hoping for some help in a couple of areas. Firstly, i was wondering what impedance represents, and what it means in relation to the power ratings of speakers. I really have no idea what it means or represents. Also, how does impedance then relate to BiWiring. In conversation with a freind of mine, he was mentioning adding speakers which would change impedance from 4 Ohms to 8, and then adding something else that would bring it back to 6 Double Dutch and im lost! What are the benefits of BiWiring? If you know of existing threads outlining this information please guide me in the right direction, i have been looking for about an hour now but havent found the answers i am looking for. In the past my system was a family hand me down, however now am looking to build a second system and have the above considerations to decide upon. Thankyou for your help all!

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by VintageWS
Firstly, i was wondering what impedance represents, and what it means in relation to the power ratings of speakers.

Impedance is a frequency dependant resistance. The ratings are nominal only. There isn't really a relation between impedance and power handling.

[i]Also, how does impedance then relate to BiWiring. In conversation with a freind of mine, he was mentioning adding speakers which would change impedance from 4 Ohms to 8, and then adding something else that would bring it back to 6 Double Dutch and im lost! [/B]

I don't see a connection between bi-wiring and impedance and I have no idea what your friend was trying to tell you. Impedance of the circuit is what is seen by the amplifier. It is important to have a certain amount to prevent the amplifier from overheating.

To go from 4 ohms to 8 ohms you have to add some series resistance beit a resistor or another 4 ohm speaker. I have no idea what they are accomplishing by paralleling something to bring it back to 6 ohms.

Bi-wiring is nothing more than running more than one set of cables over to your speakers from the amplifier. This is done before the crossover network.

[i]What are the benefits of BiWiring? [/B]

That's a whole different can of worms. I personally do not understand or hear any benefit from doing it. I am yet to see any measurements that indicate it is either a positive or negative. You are welcome to try your own experiments and draw your own conclusions.

Bi-amping is much different. It involves different amplifiers for the woofers and tweeters. It's benefits are very noticeable.

Hope this helps.