advantages to higher impedance

I'm trying to determine what the advantage to running at a higher impedance is. Besides having flexibility with wiring options, here is my understanding so far: Lower impedance: Amp works harder and generates more heat Higher impedance: significantly less power output and slightly higher sound quality Also, If you have two amps one at 4 ohms putting out 500 watts and another at 2 ohms putting out 500 watts, does the 4 ohm amplifier draw less power from the power source (alternator/batteries)?

Found it! https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~94844~KW~2+ohm+4+ohm+amplifier~PN~0~TPN~2

davidh_r wrote: Also, If you have two amps one at 4 ohms putting out 500 watts and another at 2 ohms putting out 500 watts, does the 4 ohm amplifier draw less power from the power source (alternator/batteries)?

No.  500 watts is 500 watts.  500 / efficiency percentage of the amplifier = power draw from source, e.g. 500 / .8 = 625 watts.  At car system voltage, the alt will generate amperage equivalent to 625 watts in order for the amplifier to produce 500 watts, given that the amp is 80% efficient.  (If voltage is measured at 13V, the alt will deliver 48 amps to give the amplifier enough juice to make 500 watts.)

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.