4 Ohm Speakers With 8 Ohm Amplifier
Article summary
- You can connect 4 Ohm speakers to an 8 Ohm amplifier without any issues.
- Most modern amplifiers can handle loads below 4 Ohm, ensuring good performance.
- Always set your impedance switch to 8 Ohm/high mode for optimal power output.
- Be cautious with tube amplifiers; they may require some experimentation for the best sound.
- Consider enhancing your audio-visual setup with the 1528 Tower 8, designed for powerful and refined sound.
Can I connect my 4 Ohm speakers to my 8 Ohm amplifier?!
The short answer (TLDR): absolutely YES!
All of our Arendal Sound Speakers are 4Ohm nominal.
The actual impedance varies with frequency. It is not a constant.
You can see this here in the measured impedance curve.
Only a small section dips below 5Ohm.
The majority of today’s amplifiers or AV-receivers, even entry-level ones, are stable enough to handle loads below 4Ohm.
Combined with a good sensitivity this means a very easy load for the amplifier.
Impedance switch
Always leave the switch or setting in 8Ohm/high mode!
This will give you the full power output with no restrictions.
The exceptions are tube amplifiers. There you have to experiment with which output sounds best.
Manufacturers implemented this function to get a 4Ohm rating for a certain device temperature.
This is important to get a certification in some countries.
But all it does is limit the power and you risk getting into clipping much sooner, which can damage your speakers or amp.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is to monitor the temperature.
Always give your amp room to breathe.
Other than that there is nothing to worry about.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect 4 Ohm speakers to an 8 Ohm amplifier?
Yes, you can connect 4 Ohm speakers to an 8 Ohm amplifier without any issues.
What is the nominal impedance of Arendal Sound speakers?
All Arendal Sound speakers have a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms.
Does the impedance of speakers vary with frequency?
Yes, the actual impedance of speakers varies with frequency and is not constant.
Can my entry-level amplifier handle 4 Ohm speakers?
Most modern amplifiers, even entry-level ones, are stable enough to handle loads below 4 Ohms.
What should I set the impedance switch to for 4 Ohm speakers?
Always leave the impedance switch in the 8 Ohm/high mode for optimal power output.
Are there any exceptions for using tube amplifiers with 4 Ohm speakers?
Yes, with tube amplifiers, you may need to experiment with which output sounds best.
What happens if I use the wrong impedance setting on my amplifier?
Using the wrong setting can limit power and increase the risk of clipping, which may damage your speakers or amplifier.
Is there anything I need to monitor when using an 8 Ohm setting with 4 Ohm speakers?
Always monitor the temperature of your amplifier and give it room to breathe.
Can operating at lower impedance damage my equipment?
As long as you monitor the temperature and provide proper ventilation, there’s nothing to worry about.
