Metropoulos Forum

I am sure this has been covered before but wouldn't know ho to search this.

Why are speakers that are supposed to be 16 ohm 13.2 ohm? I assume I run the amp on the 16 ohm selector?

Jerry G

Yes, run the amp @ 16.

62sg wrote:Yes, run the amp @ 16.

Thanks, I thought it was bad to have a lower impedance on the load end instead of the other way around.

That's true...you could actually run the amp at 8 & be ok. But you wouldn't want to use an 8 ohm cab and have your amp set to 16.

Speakers read lower when measured with a multimeter

Jerry G wrote:I am sure this has been covered before but wouldn't know ho to search this.

Why are speakers that are supposed to be 16 ohm 13.2 ohm? I assume I run the amp on the 16 ohm selector?

Jerry G

Impedance and resistance are two different things. Google is your friend.

In brief, impedance is equivalent to the average resistance at ALL frequencies. Your multimeter is a set frequency/voltage.

Here's the real answer for you. Voice coils are spec'd lower than their rating. Why? Because when they heat up the impedance also goes up.

My 16 ohm coils are wound for 13.2 - 13.4 ohms, and the 8 ohm models are wound for 7.2 ohms.

When current/signal (electricity) is run through the coil, it heats up. To get the rating somewhat close to 16 when at operating temperature it has to be wound to a lower value.

Hope that helps!

Jim

Well, that's another reason for sure. But in reality, resistance is completely irrelevant, and is not truly comparible either way.

Resistance is futile.

Jerry G wrote:

62sg wrote:Yes, run the amp @ 16.

Thanks, I thought it was bad to have a lower impedance on the load end instead of the other way around.

Actually, in regards to the same amount in either direction, it is potentially worse to have a higher load than setting.

Thanks for all the good info, you guys are huge help and I appreciate it.

Another little tidbit of info!!!!

The dc resistance of a speaker will increase with movement in the room or shutting and closing of a door

use a multimeter and measure your cab and have a freind open the door and watch what happens

THE DC RESISTANCE CHANGES. THERE IS NO CURRENT.

That's not strictly true. You won't actually be able to measure such a phenomenon with a multimeter, because what is actually happening is the speaker is GENERATING electric current. Therefore the resistance will give you some odd readings.