How to Use a 16-Ohm Speaker With a 4-Ohm Amp

Connecting a speaker to an amplifier has become the real deal nowadays. The basic thing to know is to understand how the amplifier can deliver power. The best amplifier to perform a better task with the speaker should draw more power in watts.

The important bit is that it is easy to connect the speaker and the amplifier, provided you understand how the two work perfectly. Remember, an amplifier often produces more energy than the speaker.

You don’t have to worry about how this works, as I have laid a good approach on that. This article will give you enough content on playing around and achieving your goal. Frequently asked questions are available for your preview and, finally, the conclusion.

How to use a 16-ohm speaker with a 4-ohm amp

To connect a 16-ohm speaker with a 4-ohm amplifier is best as the total minimum impedance of the speaker that is 16 ohm is higher than that of the amplifier, which is 4 ohm. It is advisable not to use an amplifier of higher impedance than that of the speaker.

Methods on how to use a 16-ohm speaker with a 4-ohm amp;

1. Impedance

Impedance is how the resistance occurs in ohm between the speaker and the amp. Try to read the instructions carefully:

• Compatibility

The speaker and the amplifier should be compatible with their ratings. This is to help get the desired results when doing the connection. Therefore, you should be able to read the manufacturers guidelines before starting to do any connection to understand the compatibility terms. 

To know how to deal with impedance, you should first hope resistance occurs in the gadgets. You should also check their ratings as they are of great importance to you. Then, after getting the minimum impedance of the speaker is higher than that of the amp, you are good to go.

• Firstly, try and understand the ohms ratings of the speaker because the best speaker works best between the ratings of 4 and 8.

• The next step is to identify the ratings of the amp used as the best one works at the ratings of 6-12 ohms, after doing that, you will understand if the speaker and amp are compatible.

• The manufacturing specifications are mainly found on the spec sheet, and you can also get online information of a document.

If the impedance is too low in connection, the amp will have to perform more and even strain (just to deliver high power), resulting in overheating of the machines.

But if the impedance is too high, no problems will affect the amp, but it causes the amplifier to be unable to deliver full current.

2. Power

When we draw our attention a little bit to power, it seems unfriendly because power is measured in watts. This issue confuses many people as they think more power on the speakers and amp will increase the volume output.

These are different power ratings that at most times occur:

• Peak power

Actually, this means the power a speaker can consume before getting in damage. It is also referred to as maximum short-term power. It is advisable to always check what the manufacturer has specified for the gadgets.

When the speaker gets damaged before complete connection, that means you are at risk of losing your gadgets, so it is always advisable to follow the rules and regulations to make the guidelines to be of great help to you.

• Continuous power rating

The speaker’s continuous power rating leads to power being extended to longer periods. So, it would be best if you had in mind that more power in watts does not automatically mean you will hear it louder.

The speaker’s loudness mostly varies depending on how the power is supplied from the amplifier and, in rare instances, the way it was manufactured. What I mean is that the same power does not increase volume output.

3. Sensitivity

Sensitivity helps to determine the loudness of the sound produced by the speaker. This helps to prevent gear distortion and cause damage to your device. Ensure to follow the instructions given to prevent this from happening.

When getting higher sensitive ratings in a speaker, the louder the music it is as it plays at the required wattage.

• Start by getting the measure of the sensitivity using a sound pressure level.

• After that connect the speaker to the amp to get exactly one watt and then wait for the results obtained. That is how you get the way sensitivity is measured.

• Furthermore, if you want a lot of sound in your home you have to consider getting a home theater with much watts for it to be louder.

Remember there is no problem in connecting a 16 ohm speaker with a 4 ohm amp you will automatically achieve your goal provided the ohms you set is lower than that of the speaker. As the rule says you mismatch every ohm ratings so long as it does not exceed that of the speaker.

You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: How to Run Two 16 Ohm Speakers off an Amp- All You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions;

• Can sensitivity be increased in a speaker?

The answer will be yes, but there are also some side effects that can be experienced as it can cause distortion in the woofer as a result of light cones.

Summary

Following the above guidelines I have stated clearly, there are only three of them. Comfortably, you will be able to use the 16 ohm speaker with 4 ohm amp in a more safe way than you expect. This guideline will help to get accurate results in use as it only requires your total attention.

In some rare instances you find difficulty in obtaining required results. I recommend you seek the help of an expert who can be able to play the system well as they understand the performance.