Speakers with a resistance of 4 ohms are standard in automobile audio. This is because automotive audio systems operate on 12 volts DC rather than 120 volts AC. It is possible to get more power from a low-voltage vehicle audio amplifier by using car audio speakers with a 4-ohm impedance. Car audio amplifiers are intended for use with speakers that have a low impedance.
For vehicle stereo enthusiasts, connecting a 4-ohm amplifier to a 2-ohm speaker is common practice. The amplifier will only function properly if the amplifier is connected to the speaker properly. Improper wiring can fail the amplifier and speaker. The audio system of your vehicle must be properly wired to achieve the finest sound quality possible.
This article has well-explained steps on how to convert a 4-ohm speaker to a 2-ohm. Follow the steps keenly for the best outcome. Also, you will find the most frequently asked questions on this topic and their answers. This will help you get a better understanding of what you require.
Steps on how to convert a 4-ohm speaker to 2-ohm
Step 1; Remove the battery from the system. There should be no electricity going to the amplifier or the speakers.
Step 2; Measure the length of the speaker wire that will be required to connect the amplifier’s input to the speaker input. Remember to consider the path that you’ll be taking to get the wire from the amp to the speaker and back again.
Step 3; each end of the wire should be 1/4 inch shorter than the other. The ends of the wire will be inserted into the terminals of the amplifier and the speaker wiring terminals.
Step 4; connect the positive wire (which should be a red wire) to the positive input of the amplifier as well as the speaker’s positive input. Make a connection between the negative wire (designated white) and the negative inputs on the amplifier and speaker.
Step 5; connect the battery to the computer. Check to see that electricity is being sent to your amplifier and speakers. Start by turning on your amplifier and speakers. Make the necessary modifications.
Increasing the bass output by use of a capacitor
- Creating bass output is accomplished by using speakers known as subwoofers; such speakers play lower bass frequencies that are dedicated to and developed exclusively for that purpose. One of the factors that contribute to subwoofers working poorly is a lack of power. If a high-powered subwoofer does not receive the power it requires, the sound it produces will be weaker.
- When the subwoofer’s amplifier is operating at peak performance, a capacitor supplies power to the amplifier. For the amplifier to receive enough power when there is excessive power consumption (for example, when playing bass-heavy music too loud), the capacitor links to the battery and saves electricity for the amplifier.
Step 1; the power wires for the amplifier should not be connected to the vehicle’s battery.
Step 2; to disconnect the amplifier’s power wires, unplug them. Cables for connecting to the automobile battery and connectors for powering up the amplifier are shown here. Keep track of which wire is positive as well as which cable is negative at all times!
Step 3; these power cables should be connected to the capacitor’s “Power In” ports. In each port, there will be a “+” or “Positive” symbol and a “-” or “Negative” symbol. Ensure that the correct wires (both positive and negative) are connected to the correct connectors on the computer system.
Step 4; the identical type of wire used to supply battery voltage to the amplifier should be cut. It will be necessary to cut the length somewhat. This wire should be cut into two lengths ranging from 3 to 4 feet each. Make a decision on which wire will be the positive and which wire will be the negative cable.
Step 5; A wire should be connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor labelled “Power Output” (see illustration). Connection of the other end of the wire to the amplifier’s negative power input.
Step 6; Make a connection between the positive terminal on the capacitors marked “Power Output” and the other wires. Connection of the other end of the wire to the amplifier’s positive power input.
Step 7; replacing the power wires from the stereo with the car’s battery is a simple procedure. Start the car and idle for around 10 minutes to allow the capacitor to recharge itself fully. During this period, do not listen to music on your stereo. After ten minutes, please turn on the stereo to see how it performs.
Important note;
Many audio writers utilize the analogy of water running through a pipe when discussing concepts like watts, volts, and power because it is an analogy that listeners can envision and relate to. A large number of amplifiers are not intended to be used with 4-ohm speakers. As an analogy, you can increase the size of the pipe. Still, it will only carry additional water (audio) if you have a pump (amplifier) that is powerful enough to produce the additional flow of water.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Does a low impedance ascertain a high quality?
Answer; in the absence of equipment capable of supporting lower-ohm speakers, you may be forced to turn the amp up to maximum volume, resulting in damage to the equipment. When a receiver or amp is not up to the task, using mismatched speakers and amplifiers can produce problems. Most demanding speaker designers like to equal out the impedance of their speakers to get consistent sound all through the entire audio range.
You might be interested to read our another article of:
How to Convert 8-Ohm Speaker to 16 Ohm
How to Change a 16-Ohm Speaker to 8 Ohms
Conclusion
In conclusion, some Engineers choose to balance the impedance of their speakers to ensure consistent quality over the whole audio spectrum. A speaker engineer might employ electrical circuitry to flatten areas of high resistance, similar to how someone would sand a piece of wood to eliminate the high ridges of grain.
Because of this added focus, 4-ohm speakers are typical in high-end audio but uncommon in mass-market audio. As the pitch of a sound rises and falls, the resistance of the speaker changes. The speaker’s impedance specification is only a rough average.
Ensure you go through the article to have a clear understanding on how to convert a 4-ohm speaker to 2-ohm and how to increase the bass output by use of a capacitor. Feel free to ask any questions on the same.