3 ohm impedance speakers with 8 ohm amp

by Anonymous

I bought 5 speakers not realizing they had a 3 ohm impedance and was wondering if I can connect them to my 5.1 amp which is rated for 8 ohm speakers? Thanks in advance for your help...

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Hi

Well, the speakers will work with the amplifier, but you will always be in danger of overloading the power supply so it may not be a great idea.

By connecting speakers with a lower impedance than the amp is designed for, the speakers will draw more juice from the amps power supply than it is designed to deliver.

You may be all right at low volumes, but if you turn up the volume for longer periods then the amp will struggle.

At best the amp will just shut itself down before any damage occurs, but at worst you may burn out the power supply or damage the speakers.

It would be much safer to get an amp that supports a low impedance.

Hope that helps.

Paul (Site Editor)

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