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I'm very confused on Speakers (Solved)

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ron045:
Hi All,

The RP users guide states,  "An 8 ohm speaker that is rated for less than 7 watts or a 4 ohm speaker that is
rated for less than 13 watts may be damaged by the LM-3S-G and could become a fire hazard. "

As far as great sound, am I correct to assume that 8 ohms is better than 4 ohms? 

Assuming I use 8 ohms, I interpret this to mean I need to get a speaker that is 8 ohms and rated for 7 watts or greater.  Because if it's less than 7 watts it could cause a fire.  Am I understanding that correctly?

 Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Ron


I will be using the LM-3S-G and installing it in a O Scale Engine.

KPack:
Yes, your assumption is correct.  Follow the specs for the LM-3S-G and you will be fine.  As far as an overdriven speaker becoming a fire hazard I don't know about that.  It would likely just ruin the speaker, but I've never heard of a speaker catching fire.

On the LM-3S a 4 ohm speaker would allow the amplifier to pump 2 watts of power into it, rather than 1 watt of power into an 8 ohm speaker.  Halving the resistance allows the amp to double the power.  I don't know how that translates to the LM-3S-G because I don't know what the amplifier is capable of doing.  Tim Ring would be the one to ask about that.

-Kevin

ron045:
Thank you.  So lower ohms is better?  More power?

KPack:
Yes, if the amp can handle it.  More power means more heat on the amp, so you'll need to be sure it can handle pushing a 4 ohm speaker without overheating. 

A quick look through the LM-3S-G manual shows that amp can handle it:

"Audio Output Power: 13 Watts into a 4 ohm load.  7.4 Watts into an 8 ohm load."


So if you want something a little louder get a 4 ohm speaker.  But keep in mind that speaker and enclosure design have more to do with sound quality than the resistance of the speaker.

-Kevin

ron045:
I contacted Ring Eng via email and I have to admit I'm very disappointed.  Wouldn't these folks be the experts?  If anyone had a recommendation or experience wouldn't it be them?

Their reply ...  Call our vendors who sell our product.

Why wouldn't Ring who developed this product have some good suggestions?

The very first vendor they suggested sells a speaker... But does not identify any of the specs.

Looks like this will be a trial and error thing for me.
Ron

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