In article , Wally
wrote:


In other words, the best option is the one where the impedance if of the
drivers and amp are matched?

Depends upon what you mean by 'matched'. Most power amps will have an
output impedance well below the 4 to 16 Ohm range.

It also depends what you mean by 'best'. :-)

For a given output voltage from the amp:

Having the units electrically in series will draw less current than having
the in parallel, but will output less power, and means the amp will
probably reach its voltage limits before its current limits.

Having the units electrically in parallel will draw more current and more
power for a given voltage, so you may run into current limiting. It may
also mean the finite output impedance of the amp has more effect.

The speakers will be coupled acoustically, so the output and impedance may
now vary as you'd expect simply by assuming electrical parallel or series.

If so, what about using an amp that wants 4 or 16 - could there be any
differences, in terms of driver control, between them?

The amount of control will depend upon the output impedance of the
amplifier. The meaning of "wants 4 or 16" is ambiguous in this context.
Power amps assert the required output voltage pattern, and then should
supply whever current the load then demands when you assert this voltage.

Slainte,

Jim

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