Can I Use A 4-Ohm Speaker With an 8-Ohm Receiver? | Speaker Impedance

Can I Use A 4-Ohm Speaker With an 8-Ohm Receiver? Speaker impedance mystifies a lot of people. In this video Andrew Welker, Axiom Audio Engineer, gives you a quick look at the risks.

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Questions?
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[csimet]

Simple and to the point explanation with none of the usual YT fluff.

I have newer 4 ohm speakers on my 1980s JVC and picked up set of 100W 4 ohm resistors to properly balance the loading, placing one on each channel in series to each speaker. These are great when you want to connect additional speakers to the same channel (in parallel). Always try to present a matching speaker load to what the AMP is designed for, but it is generally safe to present higher loads (16 ohm speaker load to a 8 ohm amp)... just expect to reduce the amp's power rating (50W vs. 100W for example). If you understand ohm's law, you get how this all works. ;)

[crashedcorvette]

Great job!! Finally, someone that makes sense, explains it and is to the point

[djepoch]

Great video bro. I appreciate the comprehensive explaination!

[strawberrybleach]

Thank you for being informative and not adding a lot of fluff to the video. Now i completely understand the hazards of running a 4 ohm set of speakers on a receiver that is built for 8 ohms.

[tommyK]

I have a pioneer elite vsx 21txh my L&R channel's are 4ohm Loads no issues when in 2 channel or in 5.1/7.1 mode. I always use fans.

[vineshnaidoo]

Disconnected the SP2000s whilst testing my car speakers on my Dads Sansui amp in the 80s...the smoke...the smell...he was not happy but he made me fix it under his supervision...miss him so...Still have the Amp and SP2000s...they play alongside a SPX9700 driven by a G9700....all you'll ever need and so much more

[thesant]

Jesus CHRIST!!!! Finally, someone who kept it simple. Thank

[justsumguyu]

Some people are into vintage receivers from the 60's, just for the nostalgia factor---I would definitely not attempt to drive less than an 8 ohm load with those, as output protection was either primitive, or non-existent. With some of those, you won't know there's a problem until the output transistors go up in smoke.

[djritchieritch]

Hi Everyone .. can i use 4 ohms tweeter in ALTO TS315 speaker ?

[berjonibro]

4 Speakers 2 big 3 ways speakers and 2 surround speakers connect paralel
8 ohm
Can connect to amplifier 6-16 Ohm ?

[gabrielgonzalez]

I got a subwoofer that’s 4ohms but my receiver is 8-16 ohms and my woofer sounds a lil bit distorted is this cause it’s not the right ohm or cause something might be broken

[Chiroman]

Dear Axiom Guy. Comparable to John's question, although not as comprehensive about channels, etc. My question relates to adding a second pair of Bookshelf speakers to the B speaker connection on a Denon DRA-800H AV Receiver which I use only for 2.1 Stereo listening, for now anyway. The Denon can handle 4 speakers (1 pair on A and 1 pair on B). The Denon is rated at 145 Watts per channel at 8 ohms. The A connection has a pair of Elac Debut 6.2s (8 ohm, nominal at 6 ohms), and on the B connection a pair of Elac DEbut Reference 6.2s (same Ohm ratings). Then I Paralleled a pair of Fluance Signature Series Hifi Bookshelf speakers(8 ohm rated) to the B connection. While playing a CD via a Tascam CD player, at above 60 volume (The Denon's Max volume level is 98), the Receiver flashed red and shut down - Amp protection from overload ? or Overheating ?. I now plugged the Receiver into a separate electrical outlet which is a separate circuit from the other attached stereo components (Schiit LOKI, Mani, SAGA+, Tascam CD player / recorder, Tascam Double Cassette deck), and now playing at comparable levels, it seems to be Ok. No Shutdowns. Am I damaging the Receiver ? Your advice and oinion is much appreciated. John too !!! Besafe and well. THX

[fixipszikon]

Thanks for this detailed the information.
So the problem is not the amplifier but some of the speakers I guess.

[trador]

I pluged in a 25cm car subwoofer to samsung maxdx-76 component and the subwoofer could not work well at all.

[glengatt]

Can drive an 8 ohm speakers, with a 4 ohm amplifier, safely, squeeze more power, until I'm able to get something more powerful?

[rainbowpcdash]

Can I use 6 ohm speakers on a 4-ohm car stereo in my house because I'm doing it

[tipstricksss]

My 1980s Hi-Fi solid state amp is rated at 8 Ohms but has been driving two 4 Ohm bookshelf speakers for some years now without showing any signs of any problems. They are never on at full volume. Its mostly used as quiet background music or sometimes some birdsong gets played. My old amp is protected with two inline fuses, one on the left channel and the other on the right channel. The amp never gets hot. I figured it should be ok driving 4 Ohm speakers.

Is there a impedance matching circuit that can be built to make the speakers higher in impedance?

[jhygiene]

Quick question, I just found some studio labs speakers. Will use them for my home theatre.
2 tower
2 shelf rear
1 passive sub
Towers are 200w max and 4 ohms

What’s the better choice for a receiver?

[nohead_]

Hey, i have a Sony str-dh550 that is rated for 6ohms connected to two proson twin 5.10 speakers 4 ohm, a Sony sa-cs9 sub, and two 40 watt off brand speakers rated at 6ohm. The two off brand speakers are connected to the same output as the 4 ohm ones because i wasnt able to get the surround working. I have been using this Setup for maybe 4-5 years and havent noticed any problems with audio or the amp getting damaged. I play at fairly medium to high levels, and use it for games, movies, music etc. I came across this video because someone told me that i shouldnt run my speakers in paralell and just wondered if you think this Will damage my gear.

[dennygroenig]

Can you please recommend a receiver/intergrated that will run 4 ohm speakers? Trying to stay in the $500-700 range