How to Replace 4-Ohm With 8-Ohm Speakers

Replacing a 4-ohm driver with an 8-ohm driver requires no adjustments.

Replacing 4-ohm speakers with 8-ohm speakers may be necessary if you're driving multiple speakers in parallel. Increasing the impedance of each driver reduces the load on the amplifier when multiples are driven. There is no difference in connection type between a 4- and 8-ohm driver, so the process involves removing one driver and replacing it with a unit with a higher impedance.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver (Philips or Allen)
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Lay the speaker cabinet on its back. Remove the speaker grille from the front of the cabinet by pulling up on the corners until free.

2. Locate the driver to be replaced. Use the appropriate screwdriver and remove the securing screws. Lay them aside in a safe place.

3. Lift the driver out of the speaker cabinet. Hold the driver with one hand. Carefully pull the slide connections off of the driver's tabs with the needle-nose pliers. It may be necessary to apply a slight rocking motion with the tool to free the connectors.

4. Push on the same connectors leading from the speaker cabinet on the 8-ohm driver. Re-insert the unit, and secure the new driver with the screws and appropriate screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not replace drivers or make any speaker modifications with the system turned on.

References

• Sound Speaker Repair: FAQ
• Rocket Roberts: Common Speaker Wiring Topologies

Resources

• Teres Audio: Transmission Line Project