Robert, An 8 ohm resistor is safe. The "8 Ohm" speaker rating is a nominal impedance. The actual value varies with frequency. It consists of the DC resistance plus another resistance component that results from acoustic loading, plus reactive componenents that may be positive (Inductive) or negative (capacitive). At frequencies below the resonance of the speaker/enclosure combination, the impedance becomes quite low, and approaches the DC resistance value. By using an 8 Ohm resistor, you are guaranteeing a constant resistance load, and therefore a load that is less severe thatn a real speaker load. However, the 8 ohm resistor is not a good simulation of an actual speaker load.
- Vote on answer
- posted
18 years ago