Loudspeaker Impedance

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77SunsetStrip

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Loudspeaker Impedance
« on: 5 Apr 2021, 06:42 pm »
Have owned several loudspeaker over the years.  Understand that specified impedance is typically a nominal value.  Impedance varies with frequency.  Previously taking a measurement with a DMM always came out close to the spec. value.  For example - 8 ohm rated would measure close to 8 ohm. 

Recently acquired speakers rated at 8 ohm that measure 2.9 ohm on DMM. No issues with sound or pairing with solid state or tube amp.  Is there cause for concern?  Possibly a crossover problem?

richidoo

Re: Loudspeaker Impedance
« Reply #1 on: 6 Apr 2021, 12:36 am »
The measured DC resistance across the input jack of a multiway loudspeaker is not meaningful, other than as a safety check for dead short before connecting a newly built or acquired speaker to an amp.

The crossover parts and parallel drivers will lower the DCR while AC impedance will still be higher.

The easiest way to measure the impedance curve is with the DATS measuring tool from parts express.

poseidonsvoice

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Re: Loudspeaker Impedance
« Reply #2 on: 6 Apr 2021, 01:10 am »
The measured DC resistance across the input jack of a multiway loudspeaker is not meaningful, other than as a safety check for dead short before connecting a newly built or acquired speaker to an amp.

The crossover parts and parallel drivers will lower the DCR while AC impedance will still be higher.

The easiest way to measure the impedance curve is with the DATS measuring tool from parts express.

+1. IMHO, everyone should own one or it should be part of an Audio Club. You never know with manufacturers! In addition, taking account if the phase angle at “frequently played audio frequencies” is important as well.

https://youtu.be/XA-55mfYhro

Best,
Anand.

nc42acc

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Re: Loudspeaker Impedance
« Reply #3 on: 6 Apr 2021, 01:25 am »
And DATS a fact Jack! I am sorry I couldn’t resist guys.


+1. IMHO, everyone should own one or it should be part of an Audio Club. You never know with manufacturers! In addition, taking account if the phase angle at “frequently played audio frequencies” is important as well.

https://youtu.be/XA-55mfYhro

Best,
Anand.

77SunsetStrip

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  • Posts: 128
Re: Loudspeaker Impedance
« Reply #4 on: 9 Apr 2021, 12:37 am »
The measured DC resistance across the input jack of a multiway loudspeaker is not meaningful, other than as a safety check for dead short before connecting a newly built or acquired speaker to an amp.

The crossover parts and parallel drivers will lower the DCR while AC impedance will still be higher.

The easiest way to measure the impedance curve is with the DATS measuring tool from parts express.

Great tip.  Just ordered a DATS.