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whwn a apeaker output is 16 ohms,what does it mean as compared to a 8 ohms or 4ohms?
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KP
Neglecting the "sensitivity" vs. "efficiency" rating, which I have never seen those definitions really defined before, here's more to muddy the waters.
That post covers the detailed stuff
That's an approximation of the average load across the speaker terminals. Its somewhat like resistance, but it varies with the frequency of the signal/music. THe actual ohms is nifferent at nearly every frequency.Most receivers or amps are set up to handle an 8 ohm load, and produce somewhat less power with 16 ohms.
Some amps and receivers arent happy running much lower than an 8 ohm load, and in the owner's manual they will suggest you only use 8 ohm speakers. Amps will generally produce more power with a 4 ohm load, but will stress the power supply if the unit is not built for it.
Manufacturers of inefficient speakers sometimes make them 4 ohms because they know most receivers produce more power at 4 ohms. BUT never hook two pair of 4 ohm speakers and play them at once as this generally is a 2 ohm load which receivers like to blow up with.If you hook up 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers on a receiver, in most cases the receiver will run them in parallel, making a 4 ohm load. Its not a good idea to use more than 2 pair of speakers and run them at the same time on most amps.
Thats the basics, but there is lots more
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