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Connecting 4 ohm speakers to an 8 ohm rated amp

Buzz (Mostly Harmless) posted this on Sunday, 23rd December 2001, 11:21

I was wondering if anyone can help me? I have just purchased a Sherwood RD6106 amp along with a Celestion sub and centre. I have attached this to 2 B&W speakers (8 ohms) and 2 Kef S60`s (4 ohms), when I purchased the equipment from Richer Sounds he assured me that all of this kit would be fine. However I did at the time point out that the rears (S60`s) were only 4 ohms ( the amp is rated for 8 ohms). Cam amyone tell me what, if any damage I may do to either tha amp or the speakers?

RE: Connecting 4 ohm speakers to an 8 ohm rated amp

Neon (Competent) posted this on Sunday, 23rd December 2001, 11:53

It`s theoretically possible that you could damage either or both (I`m not familiar with the specifications of the amp or speakers). Having said that, if the S60`s are small speakers and you have selected small on the amp for them when setting up, it`s unlikely to be a problem unless you regularly have the volume turned all the way up. Most energy is at the bottom of the sound spectrum and a good chunk of this removed when speakers are set to small.

I am a little disappointed that once again Richer seem to be offloading non-matched speakers (tonally as well as electrically) to their customers.

RE: Connecting 4 ohm speakers to an 8 ohm rated amp

Buzz (Mostly Harmless) posted this on Sunday, 23rd December 2001, 12:20

Thanks for this, I have got the speakers set to small on the amp. I too was a bit concerned about the advice, that`s why I thought I would ask someone else.

RE: Connecting 4 ohm speakers to an 8 ohm rated amp

clayts (Elite) posted this on Sunday, 23rd December 2001, 13:14

Don`t get too hung up on impedance ratings - the clue is in the word directly preceding it - "nominal".

As long as you don`t go crazy, most speakers above 2 ohms will work fine with most current AV receivers.

I`m running 6ohm speakers on an 8ohm amplifier without any bother at all.

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