4 ohm vs 8 ohm?

pezza89 · 10th November 2007, 11:01 PM

Hi there fellow DIY audio enthusiasts! i have started to build up a collection of solid state amplifiers, and until now i have used one set of 8 ohm speakers which seem to be more than adequate - however i was wondering what the difference between 4 and 8 ohm speakers is? how does it impact sound? are 4 ohm speakers suitable for vintage solid state amps? Appreciate anyones help!

ocool_15 · 11th November 2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pezza89
are 4 ohm speakers suitable for vintage solid state amps?

It will depend on the amp but most won't, especially cheaper ones.

planet10 · 11th November 2007, 02:38 AM

Typically with SS amps distortion Approx doubles when you move from 8 ohms to 4 ohms. Also current requirements for a difficult load is increased.

dave

pezza89 · 11th November 2007, 02:50 AM

thanks for the help guys! so based on all that...i have a jvc s-71 which has a massive transformer and caps (approx 90watts rms) im assuming it will be safe to use 4 ohm speakers however being vintage I was a little cautious...maybe i should 8 ohms would be safer?

planet10 · 11th November 2007, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pezza89
maybe i should 8 ohms would be safer?

safer for sure, and likely sound better

dave

pezza89 · 11th November 2007, 06:39 AM

thanks! i'll take that advice on board.. 8 ohm it is!!

10th November 2007, 11:01 PM	#1
pezza89 diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	4 ohm vs 8 ohm? Hi there fellow DIY audio enthusiasts! i have started to build up a collection of solid state amplifiers, and until now i have used one set of 8 ohm speakers which seem to be more than adequate - however i was wondering what the difference between 4 and 8 ohm speakers is? how does it impact sound? are 4 ohm speakers suitable for vintage solid state amps? Appreciate anyones help!

11th November 2007, 02:38 AM	#3
planet10 frugal-phile(tm) diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Victoria, BC, NA, Sol III Blog Entries: 4	Typically with SS amps distortion Approx doubles when you move from 8 ohms to 4 ohms. Also current requirements for a difficult load is increased. dave __________________ community sites t-linespeakers.org, frugal-horn.com ........ commercial site planet10-HiFi p10-hifi forum here at diyA

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11th November 2007, 02:50 AM	#4
pezza89 diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2007	thanks for the help guys! so based on all that...i have a jvc s-71 which has a massive transformer and caps (approx 90watts rms) im assuming it will be safe to use 4 ohm speakers however being vintage I was a little cautious...maybe i should 8 ohms would be safer?

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