Any HiFi ( amplifier) experts around ??

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Hey.

I have a HiFi . LG FA 166DAB and the system has a total output of 160W and it came with two 80W speakers that I find too boomy with no where near enough treble .

Anyways luckily I have a TWO pairs of spare speakers that sound much better and they are only 40W speakers (each) so I'm wondering if I can fix up BOTH sets off speakers and get a great sound from ALL four speakers ( 4 x40W is still only 160W) or am I mistaken ?

They will only be played at average volume certainly not blasting out at top volume or anything close.

Thanks !

What is the impedance of each speaker, and of the "Hi-Fi" that would be driving them?

What you may need is a crossover network - one for each channel. Such a device takes the output of your amplifier and splits it into two frequency bands - bass and treble.

Knowing the impedance of all the components of your system is important. Mis-matched impedance could cause distortion of the audio or (even worse) cause your amplifier to work too hard, overheat, and eventually burn itself out.

......if there was going to be an issue .... anyone know for sure which part would suffer ..... the amplifier or the speakers ??

Naturally, it would be the most expensive part - the amplifier; unless you've invested more in the speakers than in the amp.

So how does the cost of either effect things ??

It doesn't. But it often seems to work out that way. Blame "Murphy's Law".

Speakers are usually more forgiving to an impedance mis-match than an amplifier, because (1) when you hear impedance distortion, you are likely to crank back the volume; and (2) too small a load impedance will cause too much current to be drawn from the amplifier, while too large a load impedance means that the amplifier must generate more voltage for the same volume - voltage that may cause breakdown and arcing of the amplifier's components.

So, get yourself a crossover network (one for each audio channel) that is matched to you system's characteristic impedance, hook everything up correctly, and you should be okay.

Could I get away with using the four speakers if as I said I only use the unit at low volume say a third of max volume ?

Either you have not been reading my posts or you just don't understand what I've been telling you.

Obtain a crossover network for each channel of your hi-if, hook them up correctly, and you should have no problems. But leave out the crossover networks and risk destroying your amplifier!

I am an electrical engineer who has designed and worked with sound systems many times in the past. The number of people who think they can circumvent the laws of physics to save a few dollars (and wind up destroying audio equipment that is worth thousands of dollars) is amazing. Almost every person who has called on me to fix their sound systems has tried connecting several 8-Ohm speakers to an 8-Ohm output and literally burning out their amplifier.

In other words: DON'T DO IT!! !

Clear enough now?

Well thanks for your advice , the ending seemed a tad harsh but maybe thats me being a little sensitive .

I know next to nothing about electronics so I'll have to rely on our local HiFi guy and see if he can sort something else unless you can provide an online link for the part I'd need ??