There are a few speaker specs that confuse customers, for instance, sensitivity ratings, frequency range, size, and impedance. While other terms are relatively easy to understand, impedance ratings leave audiophiles scratching their heads. A little research will help you understand the speaker impedance and if it affects sound quality.
If you are out looking for a superior quality bookshelf speaker, you will likely come across speakers rated 4 ohms.
Further, there are plenty of speakers with different impedance ratings (4, 6, 8, and 18). For now, let’s delve deep and find out about the 4 Ohm bookshelf speaker.
4 Ohm Bookshelf Speaker
A 4 Ohm bookshelf speaker means that its impedance or electrical resistivity is 4 ohm. Speaker impedance is pretty similar to electrical resistance. As you may have guessed, it is measured in ohms.
To put it simply, a 4 Ohm bookshelf speaker will extract more power from an external amplifier than an 8-ohm audio device. To fully understand this speaker spec, learn more about the impedance.
About Impedance
Impedance restricts the flow of electric current in a circuit akin to resistance. Unlike resistance, the impedance varies for different speaker models and audio frequencies. In simple words, the impedance level represents how difficult it is to power the audio equipment.
Furthermore, impedance resists the current supplied by an external amplifier. A lower impedance rating means that electric signals will flow through the speakers efficiently.
Therefore, speakers with lower impedance ratings will get more power from the amplifier. The secret is to select the amplifier with matching capabilities to avoid distortion.
Are 4 Ohm Bookshelf Speakers Better?
Generally yes, if the individual knows how to power the 4-ohm speaker properly. It is common to encounter impedance issues with home audio setup. Make sure to grab a powerful amp capable of handling a 4-ohm load.
This impedance rating is only found in exclusive and top-end speaker models. 4ohm bookshelf speakers have an incredible sound boost with little to no distortion.
Matching Impedance
If you want to avoid the risk of failure and reduce distortion, take into account impedance matching. In basic terms, it means to get an amplifier with the same output as the speaker.
For instance, 4 ohm speakers should be paired with 4 ohm amplifier output while the 8 ohm speaker must be connected with 8 ohm amplifiers.
Speakers and amplifiers with mismatched impedances can damage circuits and cause distortion. This issue becomes even more significant if you like to hear music at a higher volume.
Impedance and Sound Quality
Some sound experts opine that audiophiles often fret too much about impedance levels. Impedance rating is not the primary factor to be considered when determining the sound quality of a speaker.
A higher or lower impedance rating does not necessarily mean superior or poor sound quality. Instead, look for other speaker specs to determine audio performance as high-end speaker models are made with varying impedance levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 ohm Good For Speakers?
A 4-ohm impedance level is well-suited for a casual listening experience. Paired with a quality 4 ohms amplifier, there is a noticeable increase in sound quality which leads to reduced distortions.
Does 4 ohm Sound Better?
While impedance rating does not significantly affect sound quality, it gives the much-needed sound boost. These power-hungry speakers produce natural and clearer sound with no artifacts.
What amp Should I Use for a 4 ohm Speaker?
Ideally, 4 ohm amplifier should be paired with the speaker to reduce the risk of impedance issues. Invest in a quality amplifier designed to serve 4 ohm speakers.
Cian has 7 years of experience in the musical instruments industry. His press and research articles are published in many well-known journals. Cian is part of our product testing team so he knows the criteria for the best products. Here at sound keen cian covers how to set up instruments and selection criteria for new products.