8 Ohm Vs. 4 Ohm Guitar Amplifiers
The choice between 8 ohm vs. 4 ohm guitar amplifiers is dependent on its intended use. Guitar amplifiers are rated in output wattage at a certain ohm rating, and must be matched with speakers with comparable ratings.
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Ohms
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An ohm is a measure of electrical impedance. Ohm ratings are used to determine the maximum efficiency of speakers and amplifiers, and should be matched carefully.
Example
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An amplifier rated at 100 watts at 8 ohms should always be matched with an 8 ohm speaker of equal or greater wattage. As speaker ohms go down, the amplifier produces more power, which may cause damage to both the speaker and amp. As ohms go up, amplifiers produce less power, which is fine for speakers, but less efficient for the amp.
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Multi-Ohm Amps
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Some guitar amplifiers come with built-in ohm selectors to allow the player to use a variety of cabinets without amplifier damage. Although this feature does protect the amp, power output wattage will still increase at lower ohm settings, and decrease at higher ohm settings. The wattage handling of the speaker should be carefully considered to avoid over-powering.
Combo Amps
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Combo amps, which are integrated amp and speaker units, use matching speaker and amp components. If an external speaker is connected, always use the correct ohm rating, which is printed near the external speaker jack.
Practical Information
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There is no sound or volume difference between 4 or 8 ohm guitar amplifiers when matched with proper speakers. Choosing one or the other is a matter of amplifier preference, and what type of external speaker will be used, if applicable. Resist the temptation to experiment without knowledge. Amplifiers and speakers are sensitive, expensive pieces of electronic gear, and education in their proper use will help you get the most efficient and safe results.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dylan Karel
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Comments
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very clear explanation...thank you.
