Connecting speakers with different ohms requires more speakers and connection methods. For instance, each speaker uses different ohms to play music, with the common speakers being; 8ohm and a 16ohm speaker. If the rating of one ohm is high, the speaker will require more electricity to turn on and vice versa.
Most people wonder if it is possible to connect a 16 ohm speaker to an 8ohm speaker and how. Yes, there are certain steps to follow to mix the speakers. First, ensure you calculate the correct values to protect them from any form of danger, such as blowing. There are two ways to connect the speakers; parallel and serial.
Luckily, the article below states the steps to connect a 16-ohm speaker to an 8-ohm speaker. Also, it includes FAQs such as using the 8 ohm speaker in place of the 16 ohm speaker and a conclusion. Please read the article below carefully to gain more knowledge of the speakers.
How to connect a 16-ohm speaker to an 8-ohm speaker?
Before connecting the two speakers, it is important to check the power present and lower it to protect the speakers from damage. The best power necessary is the 3db which the two speakers support. Follow the steps below to connect the two speakers successfully.
1. Access both the 16ohm and the 8ohm speaker and other tools
Before starting the process of connecting the two speakers, first, ensure you have all materials you may need, and the materials include;
- Multimeter.
- Wire stripper.
- A 16 ohm speaker.
- An 8ohm speaker.
- Power supply source.
2. Switch on the speakers
First, check the amount of current flowing for each speaker using the multimeter. Repeat the process to get accurate results before establishing the connectivity.
3. Wiring process
Identify the wires of each speaker and strip them using a wire stripper if necessary to the recommended inch, which is approximately 1.6 inches. Connect the speakers to the power supply source that is functioning correctly.
4. Calculate the total impedance before connecting the two speakers
You only need to know the overall resistance if you’re playing the two speakers in parallel at this point. Calculating this can be surprisingly simple. Remember that if you link r1 and r2 in series, the impedance will always be less than the weakest partial resistance. That means we’ll wind up with a total resistance somewhere south of 8 ohms in this scenario. To be more specific, we may use the following formula to determine the precise impedance figure: R = (1 (1/R1+ 1/R2)) and that’s (816) / (8+16) = 128/24 = 5.333 in our situation.
The voltage at the speaker output will rise due to the pairing of 16 and 8-ohm speakers while the power will virtually halve. The power will decrease, but you won’t realize it because this pairing will most likely boost the mids in your tone. As long as you don’t overdo the pairing, don’t connect a speaker with more than twice the output resistance of the amp because this method may be quite handy, as it essentially boosts the mids in a cabinet that would be deficient in this area otherwise.
5. Check the terminals of the wires and try connecting the speaker
In this case, check the current and ensure it suits both speakers before connecting them. Check the terminals and trip them, then choose the method where you can connect the 16 ohm speaker to an 8ohm speaker either in serial or parallel form. Connect the positive terminal of the 16ohm speaker to the negative wire of the other speaker and vice versa. Ensure you connect the wires tightly to each other to prevent loosening while using the speakers.
Ensure you connect slowly and carefully to avoid crossing the wires. If wires are crossed, your speakers will blow out and fail to function. Pay more attention to the level of volume at which you are playing music. Play at a minimal volume to avoid blowing the speaker.
Using the 8-ohm speakers instead of 16-ohm speakers
If the speaker demands the resistance to be appropriately tuned, you can swap the 8-ohm speaker with a 16-ohm speaker. You could exchange the two 16 Ohm speakers with just one 8 Ohm if they were in parallel. {1/ (1/16+1/6) = 8} and also If the two 16 Ohm speakers have separate wiring, you’ll require four 8 Ohm speakers, which may be difficult to fill in the combo. On the other hand, most amplifiers can handle a wide variety of impedance fluctuations.
Moreover, you can nearly always go higher with modern solid-state amplifiers or solid-state output stages. For valve tube amplifiers, the opposite is usually true. Many valve speakers also include a resistance regulator, which allows the output transformer windings to be adjusted, and the Ohms are frequently 4,8,16, or even 32. The most important aspect of getting the resistance right is the energy transfer efficiency to the speaker. Finally, a speaker’s intrinsic impedance values are quite nominal. In any case, they fluctuate drastically across the frequency range.
Frequently asked questions:
- What is the advantage of running either the 16 ohm or the 8ohm speakers?
Using either of the speakers is not disadvantageous since the impedance of both devices matches. But if you connect the two speakers, you may experience some limitations in using the output drive capabilities.
Conclusion
Pairing an 8ohm speaker and a 16 ohm speaker may result in high sound quality but low volume playing. If you want to connect the two speakers, review the article above as it clearly states all the steps you may need. But, if you cannot complete the task, it is essential to seek help from an electrician to avoid blowing the speakers.
Finally, take some precautions when connecting the two speakers. For instance, ensure their impedance matches with each other to avoid blowing one of the speakers. Also, play the music you use at the recommended volume as per the manufacturers’ instructions. Lastly, it is advisable to use the best connection method that suits or has knowledge on, and I hope this article gives the appropriate feedback to your question.
