2. speakers
  3. 135359-1640

A Question on Speaker Driver Efficiency

I have been tweaking my guitar amps, by upgrading the speakers.

I installed a larger speaker (was 8" now 10") in my bass amp, but I made sure it was very efficient - net result
- not only is the bass much deeper sounding,
- but because the new driver was more efficiant I now play at a lower volume.

So I am now considering upgrading my other amp (i.e. used for my 6 string) and got to thinking about building a new cabinet that houses two speakers.

I know that connecting the speakers in ...
- series will double the impedance, i.e. 2 x 4 ohms would have an onverall impedance of 8 ohms
- parallel will halve the impedance, i.e. 2 x 16 ohms would have an onverall impedance of 8 ohms

But what I have not been able to get my head around is...
- what will each connection method (i.e. series or parallel) have on the "combined" sensitivity rating?
- e.g. if both speakers are rated at 96db sensitivity, will the overall sensitivity change due to the connection method or remain at 96db?

Since I can get 4 ohm or 16 ohm drivers - which connection method would be best? series or parallel?

in case it is a factor
- the amp is 15 watts into 8 ohm
- I am looking at employing two identical drivers each rated at 96db sensitivity
- 96 db (or higher) is the target for the combined sensitivity

Any help is appreciated - Many Thanks Steve
williewonka
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
CJ1965 4-17-2018
If you [Atmasphere] had any experience designing or building amplifiers, you’d know that every energy storing element within a circuit contributes to phase lead or lag between voltage and current. Loudspeaker coils are no different.
FYI, "Atmasphere" is the designer and owner of Atma-Sphere Music Systems, Inc., which for more than 40 years has produced some of the world’s most unique and highly regarded amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Also, my belief and my perception has been that his frequent contributions to this forum are more highly valued and more widely respected than those of any other designer or manufacturer who participates here.
A little humility goes a long way ....
+1

Regards,
-- Al

cj1965
124 posts
 
@almarg

That’s all well and good, however, the laws of physics and the mathematical descriptions of those laws haven't changed much in the past century. Every circuit has capacitance, inductance, and resistance - of that there is very little doubt. Given this salient fact, one should be careful giving blanket answers to questions raised on this forum without deferring to the underlying equations that DEFINE as accurately as currently possible, the conditions associated with the questions being asked. It’s one thing to provide blanket answers that leave out the details in response to a question raised here. It is quite another to "correct" someone with the same "blanket answers that leave out details" when the person you’re attempting to correct has provided those missing details.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
+1 Al

Thank you. People need to learn to express their opinions without the need to insult others, especially the ones whose knowledge and experience as well as their contributions are unique in this industry. 
cj1965
124 posts
 
" Thank you. People need to learn to express their opinions without the need to insult others, especially the ones whose knowledge and experience as well as their contributions are unique in this industry. " - kalali

If I had known that atmasphere was some "world class" amplifier designer, I probably would have used a different circuit analogy to make my point. In this case, I didn't have a clue who he/she was which re enforces a point I've been making elsewhere - when it comes to sharing accurate information with others, the credentials of the person attempting to share  information are irrelevant . Only the facts and accuracy of the information matter.

Secondly, when you are a professional in an industry and put yourself out on a forum sharing "facts" to help educate others, you should accept the possibility that you will be "incorrect" or "wrong" on occasion and all of the downside associated with that potential. This underscores the need to be  careful, exercise restraint, and double check your "advice" before you give it out. The outcome can solidify your reputation for expertise or weaken it - that's the inherent risk in sharing with others.
timlub
2,042 posts
 
Wow, I am soooo glad that I didn't spot this thread before now..... 
giving way to all the theory and mathematics,  
@williewonka 
If all things are equal,  meaning a 4 ohm 8 ohm and 16 ohm driver would all sound equivalent in a given cabinet, Paralleled wired speakers sound better overall than series.  I would also recommend that you add a simple impedance correction circuit.   Many amplifiers react better to a consistent impedance.  Not all, but No amplifier sounds worse with it. (unless you are dropping impedance too low for a few tubes) still within tubes impedance operating range,  even tubes sound better with impedance correction circuits on speakers.  
NO PROOF,  this is my experience. 
Good Luck,  Tim 
More to discover