Choosing the right impedance for your amplifier is crucial to ensuring both optimal performance from your audio system and the longevity of your equipment. Here's why:
Importance of Impedance
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Amplifier Compatibility:
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Each amplifier is designed to operate efficiently within a certain impedance range, often indicated in its specifications (e.g. 1 ohm, 2 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms). Operating outside this range can lead to overheating or internal damage.
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Energy Efficiency:
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Too low an impedance (e.g., in parallel) can cause excess current draw, pushing the amplifier beyond its limits, which can cause circuit breakers or failures.
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Conversely, too high an impedance (e.g., in series) can reduce the maximum sound power, because the amplifier will have more difficulty "pushing" current through a high resistance circuit.
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Sound Quality and Performance:
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Properly matched impedance allows the full sonic capacity of the amplifier and subwoofers to be achieved, providing better audio fidelity and even sound distribution.
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Equipment Safety:
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Maintaining the correct impedance protects your equipment from power surges. Incorrect impedance is one of the leading causes of failure in audio systems, from premature amplifier wear to damage to the subwoofer voice coil.
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EXAMPLE OF THE MOST COMMON CONNECTIONS IN A TABLE
| Subwoofer Setup | Series Connection (Total Impedance) | Parallel Connection (Total Impedance) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 4 Ohm Subwoofer | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
| 2 4 Ohm Subwoofers | 8 ohms (series) | 2 ohms (parallel) |
| Configuration | Series Connection (Total Impedance) | Parallel Connection (Total Impedance) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Subwoofer 2x2 Ohms | 4 ohms | 1 ohm |
| 2 Subwoofers 2x2 Ohms | 8 ohms (series - series) | 0.5 ohm (parallel - parallel) |
| 4 Subwoofers 2x2 Ohms | 16 ohms (total series) | 0.25 ohm (total parallel) |
| Configuration | Series Connection (Total Impedance) | Parallel Connection (Total Impedance) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Subwoofer 2x4 Ohms | 8 ohms | 2 ohms |
| 2 Subwoofers 2x4 Ohms | 16 ohms (series - series) | 1 ohm (parallel - parallel) |
| 4 Subwoofers 2x4 Ohms | 32 ohms (total series) | 0.5 ohm (total parallel) |
| Configuration | Series Connection (Total Impedance) | Parallel Connection (Total Impedance) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Subwoofer 2x1 Ohms | 2 ohms | 0.5 ohm |
| 2 Subwoofers 2x1 Ohms | 4 ohms (series - series) | 0.25 ohm (parallel - parallel) |
| 4 Subwoofers 2x1 Ohms | 8 ohms (total series) | 0.125 ohm (total parallel) |
Technical Explanations:
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Series - Series : Each coil is connected in series for each subwoofer, then the subwoofers are put in series.
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Parallel - Parallel : Each coil is connected in parallel for each subwoofer, then the subwoofers are put in parallel.
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Full Series or Full Parallel : All subwoofers are connected in series or parallel.
Important Notes:
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Make sure your amplifier can handle the resulting impedance of your chosen setup to avoid damage and maximize performance.
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Too low an impedance in parallel can pose a risk to your amplifier, while too high an impedance in series can limit audio power.