3 ohm speakers

[cwp_sedan]

I've been looking at some components and was wondering if I can just swap in a speaker with a 3 ohm load instead of 4 ohm? I have a feeling there will be more strain on the head unit but has anyone had any experience with them? I don't plan on amping them at the moment but I will eventually I think.

[Flagrum_3]

What brand speaker are those? I've heard of 2, 4 and 6 ohm speakers but never 3 ohm! (For car audio)...Anyways it will drive your amp harder using a 3 ohm speaker but there are people here running the Bose 2 ohm off their oem HUs so you might be okay, but expect to shorten the life of the HU amp...You might consider sticking to a normal 4 ohm speaker package especially if you intend on spending the money on amps in the future.


_3

[queens49]

Think you guys have it backwards, they'll be less strain on the system compared to the regular 4 ohm load. 3 ohm is less than 4 ohm.

[Walrus]

Nope.. they have it right. You are correct in saying 3 ohms is less than 4, but that is why there is more strain - less resistance, allows more current, thus driving the amp harder.

[cwp_sedan]

What brand speaker are those? I've heard of 2, 4 and 6 ohm speakers but never 3 ohm! (For car audio)...Anyways it will drive your amp harder using a 3 ohm speaker but there are people here running the Bose 2 ohm off their oem HUs so you might be okay, but expect to shorten the life of the HU amp...You might consider sticking to a normal 4 ohm speaker package especially if you intend on spending the money on amps in the future.


_3

Yeah I am thinking the same thing but we'll see. I just can't find any good and valid info on 3 OHM speakers so who knows.



Nope.. they have it right. You are correct in saying 3 ohms is less than 4, but that is why there is more strain - less resistance, allows more current, thus driving the amp harder.

+1.

EDIT: The smaller the number, the less resistance is present.

[Walrus]

-1. The smaller the number, the less resistance is present.

Less resistance = more current draw = more strain on the amp

[cwp_sedan]

oops, that's what I meant...lol.

[queens49]

My bad, I just did the calculations.