ia-k Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 If the car speakers I am replacing (not working, sun baked, paper/cone shot) are labeled as 8 ohm and the ones I am thinking about buying because they fit the car and my budget are 4 ohm, what kind of issues (if any) would I encounter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 You are short 4 ohms and 4 more original ohms can be hard to find these day😀. The radio output electronics were designed to operate with an 8 ohm impedance load. For best results and to keep the radio from possibly failing a replacement 8 ohm impedance speaker is the way to go. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Output transistor(s) (if not tube type) will run hotter and distortion is likely at higher volumes. I'd only replace with mylar of the proper impedance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Back in the days when every town had a Radio Shack or Lafayette Radio shop, a 4 ohm resistor soldered into the speaker + lead would easily change 4 ohm speaker resistance to 8-10 ohms range and protect radio innards. Don't know where you'd find any now short of buying enough to last the next 75 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 If you had two 4 ohm speakers you could wire them in series to get the same result as an 8 ohm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AL1630 Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 41 minutes ago, rocketraider said: Back in the days when every town had a Radio Shack or Lafayette Radio shop, a 4 ohm resistor soldered into the speaker + lead would easily change 4 ohm speaker resistance to 8-10 ohms range and protect radio innards. Don't know where you'd find any now short of buying enough to last the next 75 years. Sites like mouser or digikey electronics let you buy small quantities of things, but you'll pay more in shipping. For common parts like resistors you could probably get them from eBay or Amazon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
radioguybill Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 (edited) See my website Billtheradioguy.com for 8 ohm speakers (new) to fit where original one is or was. Or email me : bill@billtheradioguy.com Thanks Bill Edited January 27, 2021 by radioguybill add email (see edit history) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldford Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 8 hours ago, Dave Mellor NJ said: If you had two 4 ohm speakers you could wire them in series to get the same result as an 8 ohm Most likely, the speakers in the original radio were connected to separate output devices, so be sure not to connect them in series unless you are sure. The easiest way to tell is if there is only one output jack on the radio. Frank 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike brady Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Perhaps you can find your application here http://www.turnswitch.com/speakers.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 Finding 8 ohm speakers isn’t my issue. Finding a pair that are “budget friendly “ is. I can get 4 ohm speakers that fit for around $25.00 a pair. The 8 ohm speakers I have found are much more expensive. Due to the cost difference is why I am asking if 4 ohm speakers would work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 What car is it for? Is it a stereo radio? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 5 minutes ago, TerryB said: What car is it for? Is it a stereo radio? 4 speakers, need to replace the rear speakers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Would help to know the specific radio. Many GM speakers were 10 ohm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ia-k Posted January 27, 2021 Author Share Posted January 27, 2021 The speaker(s) are labeled 8 ohm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Maybeso. Doesn't mean they are OEM. Is there a reason not to identify the radio ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Ten ohms would work ok, going to less than 8 can be a problem. What size do you need? Thrift shops sometimes have old music systems or speakers for cheap, might want to look there to save some $$$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty Roth Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 15 hours ago, TerryB said: You are short 4 ohms and 4 more original ohms can be hard to find these day😀. The radio output electronics were designed to operate with an 8 ohm impedance load. For best results and to keep the radio from possibly failing a replacement 8 ohm impedance speaker is the way to go. Try Crutchfield Car Speakers at Crutchfield www.crutchfield.com I had the exact same issue when replacing the door speakers on our '02 Suburban. The front doos each use both a 4 Ohm Mid-range along with a 4 Ohm Tweeter, wired in series, so no problem there, but the rear doors each use an 8 Ohm speaker which IS available through Crutchfield. Unfortunately the 8 Ohm they had didn't properly fit my truck without modifications, but may work for you. Other sources were found on Amazon.com Good luck, but best to stay with correct specs 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now