No, a speaker with a higher nominal impedance cannot inherently handle more power than a lower impedance speaker. The nominal impedance rating alone does not determine power handling capability.
Here is a more detailed explanation:
- A speaker’s power handling is primarily dependent on the design of the voice coil and magnet structure, not impedance.
- Lower impedance speakers (e.g. 4 ohms) can often handle more power because more current flows through the voice coil, increasing force. But the tradeoff is lower efficiency.
- Higher impedance speakers (e.g. 8 ohms) are generally more efficient as less power is lost as heat in the voice coil resistance.
- Impedance only affects power handling indirectly – lower impedances enable higher power handling ratings, but do not directly increase power handling.
- The amplifier must be capable of driving the rated impedances without clipping or distortion. So impedance matching is still important.
- Other factors like voice coil size, magnet strength, thermal power handling, and damping also determine overall power handling capability.
- The sensitivity rating (dB SPL/watt) is more indicative of efficiency and loudness potential than impedance alone.
In summary, while lower impedance speakers can often handle more power, the impedance rating itself does not determine power handling. A high impedance speaker is not necessarily capable of handling more power than a lower impedance model. The driver design and sensitivity rating are more direct indicators.
Citations:
[1] https://www.crownaudio.com/how-much-amplifier-power
[2] https://www.jensentone.com/speaker-impedance-power-handling-and-wiring
[3] https://mynewmicrophone.com/complete-guide-to-speaker-power-handling-wattage-ratings/
[4] https://www.doctorproaudio.com/content.php?langid=1
[5] https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/speakers-nominal-power-handling-amplifier
[6] https://forums.prosoundweb.com/index.php?topic=5106.0