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Why are low impedance speakers harder to drive than high impedance speakers

I don't understand the electrical reason for this. I look at it from a mechanical point of view. If I have a spring that is of less resistance, and push it with my hand, it takes little effort, and I am not working hard to push it. When I have a stiffer spring (higher resistance)  I have to work harder to push it. This is inversely proportional when we are looking at amplifier/speaker values.

So, when I look at a speaker with an 8 ohm rating, it is easier to drive than a speaker with a 4 ohm load. This does not make sense to me, although I know it to be true. I have yet been able to have it explained to me that makes it clear.  Can someone explain this to me in a manner that does not require an EE degree?

Thanks

128x128crazyeddy

Showing 1 response by audioman58

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audioman58
3,828 posts
 
Also remember the complexity of the Crossover is directly proportional 
To ohms,resistance to the drivers and demand affecting  the Amplifiers 
Constant changing ohms ,and Amplifier Load depending on demand. 
A speaker can  go from a 8ohm load to 2 ohms which Is very demanding 
For a conventional driver Loudspeaker. Panel or stats ,can dip down to 1ohm .
This  is where a Amplifier be rock solid .verify that the  amplifier you are using 
Can handle the extreme for a given Loudspeaker before purchasing it.
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