Impedance mismatch is the worst experience that any audiophile would ever wish to come across. I thought you should understand that a good number of these automotive audio systems pair well with 4 ohm speakers. However, there is a way to convert a 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm, but you will have to consider a few things.
Some of the things you have to put in order include the speaker impedance, series or parallel connection, and also converting the amplifier. If you don’t consider these factors, you are likely to destroy your speakers. What is so important is to avoid overloading your speakers; chances of enjoying full blast are minimal.
Luckily, through this article you can convert a 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm. Understanding your amp’s output limitations is always advisable. Worry less because all information that you require is in this guide.
Understanding basics
Understanding these basics is very important to help you convert your 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm. Have a look at these considerations;
- Loading
Recently, we have seen audiophiles connecting 6 ohm speakers to 4 ohm amplifiers. Since automobile stereos are equipped with speaker drivers, it’s possible to connect them to 6 ohm. As much as the connection is not that hard, what you will lack is impressive sound quality.
You experience such a problem since the voltage of their driver cannot surpass 12V DC. Nowadays, the automobile amps used by Disk Jockeys on the street may knave their volt supply. With an amplifier meant for 4 ohm, your 6 ohm amp may be overpowered; you may end up without your amp’s output transistors.
- Parallel or series connection
You only achieve excellent impedance if you know how to balance the drivers and configuration of your system. In layman’s language, connecting 4 ohm speakers to an amplifier, the impedance of the system totals to 8 ohms. On the other hand, if you opt for parallel connection, the impedance will be reduced to 2 ohms. Therefore, a parallel method is the best when we want to convert a 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm.
Step-by-step guide on how to convert a 4 ohm speaker to a 6 ohm speaker
There are different amplifiers out there and for sure I can tell you that sometimes your amp might not be stable at either 2 ohms or 6 ohms. This is a clear indication that it’s advisable to alter the amp’s load, but not its ability to support lower impedance. An amp with 4 ohm load emits half the power of an amp with 2 ohm load.
Follow this procedure to convert a 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm one;
Some of the important tools you require;
Step 1: Disconnect the system from the power source
Before you start the touches, you have to ensure there is no electricity flowing in neither the amplifier nor speakers. This step is simple since it involves switching off the unit before taking apart all the wires. Else, prepare for electrical shocks and injuries.
Step 2: Measure a suitable speaker wire
Measuring the size of the speaker wire to link the input of the amp to the speaker’s input is necessary. You have to be careful, considering a suitable way out of your wires from the speaker to the amp and vice versa. After you are conformable with the wire length you have, advance to the next step.
Step 3: Connect the positive wire to the +ve input on your amp and +ve input on your speaker.
You have to make a connection between the –ve wire is always white and the –ve inputs on your amplifier and the speaker.
Step 4: Install a low-impedance switch
Achieving an impressive sound quality from 6 ohm speakers, then you should prepare to equip it with appropriate impedance. The ohm rating should be matched correctly because lower impedance is associated with overheating that can destroy the device. Your equipment won’t support power coming from the speakers.
When using 6 ohm speakers, the bass frequencies are likely to drop. Therefore, you are likely to experience clipping which is the worst experience. However, a low-impedance switch can be the best way to counteract this complication. Such a switch is known for triggering a power limiter that will eventually protect the amplifier.
However, there might be still clipping at lower reduced power levels, meaning that your speakers can be destroyed. The best solution to such an issue is therefore buying a heavy-duty amplifier because 6 ohm speakers can suck more current.
Step 5: Install a capacitor
Up to this juncture, hopefully you now understand that converting 4 ohm speaker to 6 ohm speaker, but you will be overloading the amplifier. This means that getting a high quality sound and bass can be an issue. However, opting for a capacitor can be the best way to enhance the bass output. Therefore, try to equip your speaker with an excellent amp, which can make it produce a better bass.
Step 6: Reconnect the system to the power source
These steps involve plugging the system to the power source and then getting a multimeter to confirm whether electricity flows to the speakers and the amplifier or not. If there is power flow, switch on the speakers and the amp. The next thing you can do is to make some adjustments based on your desires.
FAQs:
- Is it possible to connect 8 ohm speakers on a 6 ohm amplifier?
Absolutely yes. It’s not a big deal because the 8 ohm speaker tends to drain less power, meaning that either your speaker or the amp will be harmed.
Conclusion
I think now you understand why some developers tend to balance their speakers’ impedance; doing so enhances remarkable sound quality. You’re unlikely to destroy your 6 ohm speakers when connected to a 4 ohm amp. Well, how to convert a 4 ohm to 6 ohm speaker has now been made easier with our article.
