8-ohm vs 4-ohm Mini Speakers

[chiz]

I've wired the audio using USB DAC and original DMG-01 pot and 3.5mm jacks. so far they're working as expected -- audio gets cut when the headphone is plugged and no static noises so far. However, I noticed that the headphone speakers are significantly louder compared to the 8-ohm mini speaker I'm using. I don't want to use an amplifier as this is another component that will suck battery power so I'm hoping I can make the sound louder without using an amp.

Does anyone know what's the typical resistance/impedance of headphone speakers which makes them louder compared to the regular 8-ohm mini speakers? I'm thinking it could be 4-ohm since the lower resistance would allow more current causing louder sound. I could be wrong though. Anyone used a 4-ohm mini speaker in their build?

[Mad_Duke]

That is why you need to know if the amplifier you are connecting to can drive an 4 ohm speaker because it will need to provide twice the current (amps) to drive a 4 ohm vs. the 8 ohm speaker. That is the real problem.

[chiz]

@Mad_Duke
Thanks for the quick reply!

I'm not using an amp that's why I'm interested in getting a headphone speaker that will fit the speaker cavity with the right impedance to make the sound louder using the USB DAC alone. All the headphones I plugged to the USB DAC sounded loud except the 8-ohm speaker.

[Mad_Duke]

Well, whatever you are using has an amp inside

But, for this job. I think you really shouldn't have any problems with 4 ohm speakers. My personal rule of thumb. The higher the impedance, the better (but it needs higher power). Basically. As you go down with impedance you get more into the "hissing" territory. But, as I said. For this project and concerninh the priices. Just try both.

[chiz]

Well, whatever you are using has an amp inside ...

Sorry, I meant a *separate* amp board.