Audio Speakers Ohms Explained
The term "ohm" is frequently mentioned when talking about audio speakers. But what does it mean precisely? Ohm is a unit of measure that determines an audio speaker's level of impedance, as well as a key number in determining whether an audio speaker is compatible with an audio amplifier. In this case, not knowing the intricacies between ohms and impedance may spell the difference between a crystal-clear sound and a broken sound system.
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Electric Theory Background
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To know what "impedance" and "ohms" are, and their relationship to audio speakers, a review of electrical theory is called for. Two other concepts need to be discussed, called amperage and voltage. Amperage measures the amount of current traveling through a circuit, analogous to the amount of water coursing through a hose. Voltage in turn is analogous to the pressure driving the water (or current).
Definition of Impedance
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In alternate current (AC) circuits, which almost all electronic devices use, impedance is the degree of resistance to the current. In the example of the hose, if you put your thumb partly over the end of the hose, and you're letting just some of the water out, you're creating a degree of impedance. Being a characteristic of AC circuits, the way impedance functions is more complex than the similar concept of resistance in direct current (DC) circuits. It also fluctuates slightly to-and-fro from its so-called nominal value.
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Definition of Ohms
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Impedance is measured in ohms, in honor of German physicist Georg Simon Ohm (1789-1854). Ohms are best defined when discussed by their relationship with voltage and amperage. Georg Simon Ohm discovered out this relationship, which has since been called Ohm's Law. In simpler terms, impedance is equal to the voltage divided by the amperage or current. Assuming that voltage is a constant, the lower the impedance, the more current flows through the circuit.
Importance in Speakers
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Impedance is an important factor when integrating electrical components, according to the book "Basic TV Technology: Digital and Analog." When it comes to setting up audio speakers to an amplifier, the ideal thing is for the speaker's impedance to match that of the amplifier. For instance, if you connect an 8-ohm amplifier to 8-ohm speakers, everything works just fine.
Potential Problems
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When the impedance in speakers and amplifiers mismatches, problems may occur. For example, if the amplifier's output impedance exceeds that of the speakers', it may blow out both pieces of equipment. By contrast, if the speakers' impedance exceeds that of the amplifier, too much resistance occurs and no electric current goes through.
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References
- Photo Credit hi-fi audio system image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
