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An amplifier that is rated to drive a 16 ohm load will not perform well if a 4 ohm load is applied to it. The output rating is calculated to allow the highest power output from the amplifier. If a 4 ohm speaker is used instead of the recommended 16 ohm speaker, the current output will be far higher for a given output voltage.

Although the amplifier will drive the speaker at low levels, as the volume is increased, the output current may rise to the point where it will damage output transistors or perhaps the main power supply. Some 16 ohm rated amplifiers may well handle 4 ohm speakers without damage but the only way to find out is to try it - meaning a dead amplifier if the test isn't successful.

So, just like my previous answer (what happened to it?), the answer is YES but not as well.

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15y ago

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