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8 ohm speaker hooked up to 4 ohm post ?

I read that a gentleman switched his speaker wires from the 8ohm speaker post on his Amp to the 4ohm post, and enjoyed a healthy change in the dynamics of his music. I don't know what ohms his speakers run on, but I have an 8ohm pair of Meadowlark Shearwaters. I would like to try this, but am afraid it could harm the speakers and/or Amp. Can someone out there tell me [for sure] what will happen?
cliff56

Showing 1 response by hotsauce

hotsauce
108 posts
 
An 8 ohm speaker hooked up to the 4 ohm post will draw half the rated power of the amp, and so poses no danger. It may have better damping factor though, and so better cone control. You will only get half the volume at the same input level.

A 4 ohm speaker hooked up to 8 ohm tap will draw twice the rated power, and could overload the amp, potentially destroying it.

John C.
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