Home > Home Audio Speaker > Why Can’t I Use A Car Audio Amp For My Home Speakers?

Why Can’t I Use A Car Audio Amp For My Home Speakers?

Hi,

I have heard that it is not possible to use a car audio amplifier with my home speakers. Can anyone explain to me why not? The only difference I can see is the Ohms - which is probably the whole reason but I would like to understand why specifically. Thanks!
No I wan wanting to use a Car Amplifier in my house with my house speakers. I shouldn't have a problem getting around the power supply issue. My only question is will I damage my home speakers which are rated at 8 ohms with a car amp which is rated at 4 amps? And are there any other factors that I need to consider with home speakers being compatible with a car amplifier?

There are two issues that I see

1. Powering your amp
2. Driving your speakers

1. THese amps run off 12v DC, I'm not sure what sort of amperage, you shoudl look at their draw though, proably 5A+ You would need a pretty heavy duty transformer. converting 120vAC to 12vDC is no problem but a transformer that will have sufficient draw may be harder to get.

2. Your speakers are probably 8ohm. Car speakers use a different impedance, I'm nto sure what and it may vary, but if the speaker impedance does not fall within the range of the amps acceptable speaker impedance, forget it, you will blow something up.

Checking into it I think 4ohm is pretty standard for car audio.

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  1. Big C
    March 23rd, 2010 at 19:18 | #1

    Because of the different voltage requirements of both.
    References :

  2. ak
    March 23rd, 2010 at 19:41 | #2

    Hmmm, one of the first things I thought of is a power source. The amp is 12v DC, the house current is 120v AC. Maybe there is an easy workaround for that, I don’t know…
    References :

  3. interstatejunky
    March 23rd, 2010 at 20:31 | #3

    I can’t go into the specific differences between direct current, the power your amp runs off of, and alternating current, the power in your house. But with an ac to dc inverter you certainly can run your home speakers with a car amplifier. And if you were talking about putting home speakers in your car you can do that with no problem but you probably will not get the sound you are after.
    References :

  4. toddk57@sbcglobal.net
    March 23rd, 2010 at 20:36 | #4

    well: according to "Audio sound systems" you can not
    play it because the noise level causes house windows rattle
    which that’s called "BoomBox" also your amphire has a warning
    lable please read before installing ok ? see http://www.audio.safetyrules.com
    References :
    Home Theater

  5. SCOTT PELTON
    March 23rd, 2010 at 21:10 | #5

    It is possible, but not feasable. You would need a high current power converter to operate the amp from household voltage. These amps require large current peaks. Not recommended.
    References :

  6. 7LOVETRUTH7
    March 23rd, 2010 at 21:52 | #6

    Well how new are you house speakers, because you will most likely blow then out
    or if you keep the volume low they may not blow, but don’t let Anny on Else operate the amp.
    References :

  7. magu2k
    March 23rd, 2010 at 22:42 | #7

    There are two issues that I see

    1. Powering your amp
    2. Driving your speakers

    1. THese amps run off 12v DC, I’m not sure what sort of amperage, you shoudl look at their draw though, proably 5A+ You would need a pretty heavy duty transformer. converting 120vAC to 12vDC is no problem but a transformer that will have sufficient draw may be harder to get.

    2. Your speakers are probably 8ohm. Car speakers use a different impedance, I’m nto sure what and it may vary, but if the speaker impedance does not fall within the range of the amps acceptable speaker impedance, forget it, you will blow something up.

    Checking into it I think 4ohm is pretty standard for car audio.
    References :

  8. christopher f
    March 23rd, 2010 at 22:48 | #8

    After listening to all the experts above, I’d recommend selling your car amp and buying a home one. Don’t Mickey Mouse it dude.
    References :

  9. RAYMOND C
    March 23rd, 2010 at 23:03 | #9

    Most car audio is 4 ohm and home audio is 8 ohm, which you can change to 4 ohm by wiring differently (parallel). The problem I see is getting your home 120VAC at 15 amps current to 12VDC at ~30 amps. I have several car amps and subs laying around that I would like to add to my home stereo. I haven’t found any home amplifiers to do this with out using expensive DJ equipment
    References :

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