Kris Wouk / How-To Geek
Buying speakers and amplifiers with compatible wattage is important, but it’s not the only aspect to consider when speaker shopping. You also need to consider impedance, the sensitivity of the speakers, and how much volume you’ll generally need for your stereo or home theater setup.
Buying speakers can be a daunting process. Is matching up the wattage enough, or are there other important specs? How many watts do you need? We’ll show you everything you need to know when buying speakers or a receiver.
Wattage Isn’t Everything, Don’t Forget Impedance
Wattage is far from all that matters in speakers, though it is one of the most important factors. Impedance is also critical to consider, because if you get the impedance wrong between your speakers and your receiver or amplifier, you could end up damaging something.
Impedance is measured in Ohms, usually in the regions between 2 and 16 Ohms for speakers. Ideally, you’ll want the same number between both the receiver and speakers. Of course, this isn’t always possible.
Generally, it’s safe to use speakers with a higher impedance than your receiver. Running speakers with a lower impedance than your…
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