2Ohm vs 4Ohm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
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From: High Point, NC.
There's a sticky explaining all that and more. Some way beyond my brain to comprehend. lol But good info to read and refer back to.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
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From: SoCal
For the sake of simplicity, look at it this way.
8 Ohm & 4 Ohm speakers are most common. H-D uses a 2 Ohm variety.
If you connect 4 Ohm speakers in place of your factory 2 Ohm speakers (and no other changes), you will get 50% of the output volume with the same settings on the gear.
If you were to replace your factory 2 Ohm speakers w/ 8 Ohm speakers (and no other changes) you would get 25% of the output volume with the same settings on the gear.
This is how/why just buying a nice pair of typical speakers isn't enough of an upgrade to an HD audio system... it will require an amp and/or head unit swap as well.
Conversely, if you replace 8 Ohm speakers with ones that have either 4 Ohm or 2 Ohm (and no other changes), the output volume will increase by the same factor as above.
8 Ohm & 4 Ohm speakers are most common. H-D uses a 2 Ohm variety.
If you connect 4 Ohm speakers in place of your factory 2 Ohm speakers (and no other changes), you will get 50% of the output volume with the same settings on the gear.
If you were to replace your factory 2 Ohm speakers w/ 8 Ohm speakers (and no other changes) you would get 25% of the output volume with the same settings on the gear.
This is how/why just buying a nice pair of typical speakers isn't enough of an upgrade to an HD audio system... it will require an amp and/or head unit swap as well.
Conversely, if you replace 8 Ohm speakers with ones that have either 4 Ohm or 2 Ohm (and no other changes), the output volume will increase by the same factor as above.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2,288
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From: space
I've read that sticky. So then as I understand it, there is no sound quality difference between using 2Ohm or 4Ohm speakers. It's just a power/resistance thing. Less resistance equals more power going to the speaker, but not better sound quality.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Des moines IA
That is correct.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: SE SC
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From: Danbury CT
I put 2ohm 6x9s in my bags and it makes a huge difference. I can finally hear them at 75 plus...
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