Using 6 Ohm speakers with an 8 Ohm stereo?

Question

I got an old sony stereo, amp. but were u plug in the speakers it says its only for 8 Ohm's an i have 6 Ohm speakers ...could i use them or not?

Answer 1

maybe

Answer 2

if the inputs match the inlets, yes, technically you can.

but i believe you can use them still, its just that they are capable of 8 ohms, instead of 6.

Answer 3

You will draw more current from that speaker than the head unit is prepared to handle.  Imagine the worst case scenario, short circuit.  You can use higher ohm speakers but not lower to safely operate the head unit.

Answer 4

No, not recommended Theoretically, It can be done though.

The thing is, the lower the impedence of an amp, the more "work" it is required to do.

Lets take a look at car audio. Most sub amps run at 4 ohms, but are also 2 ohm stable. They produce more power (watts) with lower impedance, however the amp must work harder and in turn generates more heat as the impedance drops. While most car amps are 4 ohm stable, many are 2 ohm stable, but very few  (only the higher end ones) are 1 ohm stable. Some are stable to even less than 1 full ohm.

In your case, the speakers will most likely run, however it is not advisable. Many newer amps have a protection mode that shuts the amps down when a low ohm load is detected. I doubt yours will have that due to its age, so yes, the speakers will probably run, however you will be on borrowed time. The amp will probably fry in the near future.

Jim

Answer 5

I think it would blow your speakers, less resistance = more power = overload.

Answer 6

I don't think you should because I took an Electronic class last year and using a 6 ohm speaker when the stereo requires 8 ohms might mess up your speaker, then again I wasn't the best student but I passed the class with a B. So I would suggest that if you have enough money to buy a new speaker then you should take the chance and hook up the speaker to the stereo.