8 ohm and 4ohm

PRC
PRC Posts: 58
edited June 2005 in Speakers
Can someone explain this to me. What is the differance between 4 ohm and 8 ohm. If speakers ar listed a 4 ohm, can I use them??

I have a Jolida 1501 (500mV at 1KHz and 8 ohms for 100 watt output).

Thanks
Patrick
Jolida JD1501RC -Telefunken tubes
Jolida JD9 Phono Stage
Rega P2- Dynavector 10x4 Mk.II Cartridge
Music Hall mmf cd-25
Canton Ergo 900 DC
Polk PSW404
Kimber "Timbre" IC's
Tributaries "SP4BW" - bi-wired
Post edited by PRC on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,734
    edited June 2005
    Ohm is a measure of resistance. The lower the number the more current is needed, meaning it's harder to drive a 4 ohm speaker than a 8 ohm speaker. In your case, the Jolida isn't rated to drive a 4 ohm load and while you can use the Jolida to drive those speakers, it will tax the amp resulting in less than ideal sound quality and probably a early death for the amp.

    Edit for content.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PRC
    PRC Posts: 58
    edited June 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    Ohm is a measure of resistance. The lower the number the higher the resistance, meaning it's harder to drive a 4 ohm speaker than a 8 ohm speaker. In your case, the Jolida isn't rated to drive a 4 ohm load and while you can use the Jolida to drive those speakers, it will tax the amp resulting in less than ideal sound quality and probably a early death for the amp.

    Thank you. I understand now.

    Patrick
    Jolida JD1501RC -Telefunken tubes
    Jolida JD9 Phono Stage
    Rega P2- Dynavector 10x4 Mk.II Cartridge
    Music Hall mmf cd-25
    Canton Ergo 900 DC
    Polk PSW404
    Kimber "Timbre" IC's
    Tributaries "SP4BW" - bi-wired
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2005
    Originally posted by F1nut
    Ohm is a measure of resistance. The lower the number the higher the resistance, meaning it's harder to drive a 4 ohm speaker than a 8 ohm speaker.

    Uhh... the lower the number, the lower the resistance, meaning more current goes through the amp (and speakers), meaning it's harder to drive a 4 ohm speaker than a 8 ohm speaker.

    Regardless, the final point is the same.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,734
    edited June 2005
    Yep, you're right...thanks for correcting that.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter