8 ohms to 16 ohms driver - how about the crossover ?

[gerard]

Hello , One question : What happen if you use a 16 ohms driver instead of 8 ohms ( bass or medium but same one ) Is there only a difference in Db output for this driver or else in the crossover ? Regards Gerard

[Mr. Widget]

If you use an active crossover then the individual driver’s impedance doesn’t matter. If you are using a passive crossover then the impedance will affect the crossover’s tuning and paying attention to impedance is critical.

As far as SPL, as long as your amplifier can provide the required power, then 8 ohm and 16 ohm drivers will perform similarly. (Identical max SPL) That said, the lower impedance driver will appear to be louder in a head to head comparison since a given amplifier will put out more power at the same output voltage.


Widget

[toddalin]

OTOH, the higher impedience driver will typically have a higher BL to better control the woofer's cone movement. For example, I wouldn't even consider using a 2241G (4 ohm) with a BL of 13.6, but do use the 2241H (8 ohm) with a BL of 19.2.

Also, the higher impedience is an easier load on amplifiers and if you follow the technical reviews in Stereophile Magazine, will typically result in less distortion.