Introduction

As lab geeks, we often encounter discussions about speaker impedance. Whether you’re an engineer, a musician, or simply a curious listener, understanding the impact of coil impedance on speaker performance is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between two identical speakers—one with a 32-ohm coil and the other with a 200-ohm coil. Buckle up, because we’re about to unravel the mysteries :)

Why Does Impedance Matter?

Before we jump into the experiment, let’s briefly discuss why impedance matters in the first place. Impedance is the opposition that an electrical circuit offers to the flow of current. In the context of speakers, it’s a crucial factor that affects how efficiently (sensitivity) a speaker converts electrical signals into sound waves.

The Case for High Impedance

Better Damping Factor: High-impedance speakers allow amplifiers to exert better control over the driver. The damping factor—the ability to control the speaker’s movement—improves, resulting in tighter bass and cleaner sound. But you must have a proper amplifier for that! Everyday audio interfaces usually don't cut it.

The Practical Dilemma

What about those unpredictable scenarios? Imagine you’re a traveling sound engineer. You land in a new studio, and all you have is your trusty laptop and your reference headphones. Suddenly, the need for low-impedance headphones becomes apparent. You're running projects super fast, clients appreciate quick turnaround, you have to be rady to mix on anything! Plug-and-play convenience wins the day over and over again. Yes, higher impedance is nice but it's not a priority. The actual frequency response, the flat true sound is what translates your work to any setup. Not the impedance and it's benefits.

The Experiment

Now, let’s get hands-on. Two identical pairs of speakers—one with a 32-ohm coil and the other with a 200-ohm coil. The membrane, chassis, and magnets are identical. We’ll install the 32-ohm speaker, measure its frequency response, and then swap it out for the 200-ohm counterpart. Same measurements, same conditions. Let’s see how they stack up! Watch the video below for results.