2. tech-talk
  3. 127776-78931

Why are low impedance speakers harder to drive than high impedance speakers

I don't understand the electrical reason for this. I look at it from a mechanical point of view. If I have a spring that is of less resistance, and push it with my hand, it takes little effort, and I am not working hard to push it. When I have a stiffer spring (higher resistance)  I have to work harder to push it. This is inversely proportional when we are looking at amplifier/speaker values.

So, when I look at a speaker with an 8 ohm rating, it is easier to drive than a speaker with a 4 ohm load. This does not make sense to me, although I know it to be true. I have yet been able to have it explained to me that makes it clear.  Can someone explain this to me in a manner that does not require an EE degree?

Thanks

128x128crazyeddy

Showing 1 response by don_c55

don_c55
1,025 posts
 
It is not a matter of "harder to drive" but of a "proper amplifier" to match the lower impedance.

Amplifiers have different "abilities" that need to be "matched" with any given speaker.

Amplifier match is, subjective, and, YMMV, like everything else in audio.

NO speaker has a pure 8 ohm resistance across the audio spectrum, by the way.

Speakers are also electro-mechanical .....not mechanical. 


More to discover