4 ohm with 8 ohm

[croseiv]

Okay, I'm getting ready to order a XPA-5 amp from Emotiva, and I was also seriously considering getting one of the ERM 6.3 monitors as a center channel speaker as an upgrade over my current CSi30. My mains are 8 ohms and the center will be 4 ohm. Sensitivity is 89 dB for both speakers (mains and ERM 6.3). Will there be a problem running 8 ohm mains with a 4 ohm center (being driven with the XPA-5 in three channel mode at 250 wpc)? My guess is it should not be an issue since the sensitivity is the same...

 

[ack_bak]

Okay, I'm getting ready to order a XPA-5 amp from Emotiva, and I was also seriously considering getting one of the ERM 6.3 monitors as a center channel speaker as an upgrade over my current CSi30. My mains are 8 ohms and the center will be 4 ohm. Sensitivity is 89 dB for both speakers (mains and ERM 6.3). Will there be a problem running 8 ohm mains with a 4 ohm center (being driven with the XPA-5 in three channel mode at 250 wpc)? My guess is it should not be an issue since the sensitivity is the same...

I could have sworn reading that you never want to mix your ohms across your fronts speakers. But I could be wrong.

I would call Emotiva and see what they think. I also don't recommend mixing your front speakers even if they have the same sensitivity. I like to use the same brand and also match the center to the fronts based on the manufacturers recommendations.

 

[fredk]

I don't think it makes any difference other than the receiver/amps ability to deliver sufficient power at 4 ohms.

 

[croseiv]

Also, I am aware of "timbre matching", but the reviews I 've read of the emo speakers makes me think it would be worthwhile to try. My biggest concern is the impedance differences, but I think the XPA-5 could handle that easily.

 

[lsiberian]

With the emotiva you're probably ok.

 

[jamie2112]

No sweat bro you are fine....