need help, 4ohm receiver

[pewternhrata]

just bought a pair of martin logan montage and need a receiver to power the 5ohm load, been looking around and searching but cannot really find anything that fits my budget, looking to spend around 1k, seems like almost everything says dont go below 6ohms, what have others done? been looking into seperates but im completely new to that idea, any help or advice? i have an onkyo 603 and i love it, havent had a single problem yet with it but def. gonna need to get something new if i want to power these to their potential.

 

[alexadams77]

I have 4ohm Axiom m80's and I'm using an older Yamaha RX-V2200 with no problems at all. I know that my receiver is a bit on the old side, but it has everything that I need right now. I would love to upgrade, but I would rather spend the money on a separate amp from Emotiva.

If your current receiver has everything that you need or want, I would look at purchasing a separate amp. If there's something else that you'd like (HMDI support, HD Formats, 7.1, etc) then shop around for a receiver.

I'm unsure of the model numbers, but take a look at some of these receivers:

Sherwood Newcastle
Denon
Harman/Kardon
Yamaha

As for a separate amp, pretty much all of them will push 4ohm loads, but here are some to look at:

Rotel
NAD
Emotiva
Outlaw

 

[PENG]

The Onkyo SR-805 should be able to do it for you. If that's not enough you have the option to add a 2 or 3 channel amp and then for sure the Onkyo can take care of the surround channels easily.

 

[pewternhrata]

what about the http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=37273512 that i can get for $350, had a retail of 2k in 2005? also what is Manufacturer Recertified?

 

[soloz2]

I'm in a similar situation as the speakers I'm looking at are 4ohm. some receivers that have been recommended to me:

Marantz 8400/8500
Marantz 7001/7002
Denon 3806 and up/newer

I'm also considering the Denon AVR-888 as I can get it new in my price range instead of used, it has HDMI 1.3 and is rated stable at 6ohm so 4-5ohm shouldn't be an issue for it.

 

[Seth=L]

what about the http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=37273512 that i can get for $350, had a retail of 2k in 2005? also what is Manufacturer Recertified?

I think you already know my feelings on this one.

 

[Thunder18]

what about the http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=37273512 that i can get for $350, had a retail of 2k in 2005? also what is Manufacturer Recertified?

Definately not a bad choice on the JVC. That unit was THX Ultra certified so driving speakers at 4 ohms is part of its specification. Manufacturer recertified just means that it has been checked over by the manufacturer to make sure it's functioning properly and should still carry some type of warranty from said manufacturer.

The other thing you may want to consider if you're happy with your current receiver is a few of the Emotive BPA-1's on sale right now here:
http://www.emotiva.com/bpa1.html
Assuming your receiver has pre-amp outputs then you can just drive the Martin Logans with these amplifiers. Power output is 75 Watts x 2 into 4 Ohms(if you just want to buy one) or 150 Watts x 1 into 8 Ohms (bridged configuration if you want to buy two and power each speaker with one a piece.)

The price is extremely reasonable right now and they have a 5 year warranty.

 

[Seth=L]

I am glad someone finally recognized the JVC.

 

[pewternhrata]

i wasnt doubting the jvc just was looking for other opinions, i mean it really does seem like it would work wonders for me, question on my onkyo, in the manual under amp. specs it shows dynamic power 225w + 225w (3ohm front) 175w + 175w (4ohm front) and 105w + 105w (8ohm front) what does dynamic mean, and am i really fine running this receiver with the logans? i havent had any problems and have a couple hours them already, again its the onkyo sr603x

 

[OttoMatic]

"Dynamic power" means peak power that will be available for a very short period of time -- just during large transients of music.

If you haven't had any trouble (receiver shut down, for example; or running terribly hot), and you don't find the sound compressed or distorted, you are most likely just fine.

It will also depend heavily on your usage. If you are not playing it extremely loud, it'll be fine. It's when the receiver (well, the amp section of the receiver) is asked to deliver too much power (current) for the somewhat difficult load. If you listen to it at levels like my mother would, you'll never have a problem...

 

[Seth=L]

i wasnt doubting the jvc just was looking for other opinions, i mean it really does seem like it would work wonders for me, question on my onkyo, in the manual under amp. specs it shows dynamic power 225w + 225w (3ohm front) 175w + 175w (4ohm front) and 105w + 105w (8ohm front) what does dynamic mean, and am i really fine running this receiver with the logans? i havent had any problems and have a couple hours them already, again its the onkyo sr603x

Their dynamic power specifications are pretty optimistic I think. I doubt it could substain that amount of power at that low impedance for more than a split second before shutting down.