8ohm receiver

[Alexhunter27]

I know this is a stupid question but I was wondering can an receiver rated at 8 ohms power a six ohm speaker?

Any help and or education on the subject of resistance in layman's terms would be appreciated

 

[sleeper]

Hey Alex,

No, it's not a stupid question at all. In a nutshell, yes... a receiver rated at 8 ohms per channel can drive a 6 ohm speaker. However, it's just not recommended. It also depends on the quality of the components in question. Some companies are fairly conservative with their ratings and recommendations. If the receiver is from a reputable manufacturer, than you may never encounter any problems with that match. But don't go any lower than the 6 ohms.

Again, just to clarify... it can be done, but it's not recommended.

sleeper.

 

[mike c]

most decent receivers can.

you just need to make sure you:
-are at a practical volume level
-provide good ventilation for your receiver

what is your receiver?

 

[Rickster71]

Do you still have the instruction manual?
If not, look up that model on the manufacturers web site.
They may have a PDF of it's specs. etc. and find their recommendation.

If you must use it, I wouldn't turn it past half volume.

 

[Alexhunter27]

I ask this because at the moment I have the Pioneer VSX-815 and I would like to get the Axiom Epic 80 home theater system. Eventually I will purchase the Emotiva MPS-1 or -2. I just want to know if my present receiver can drive the M80s

 

[Alexhunter27]

am checking the specs now

 

[rnatalli]

I think the M80's are 4 Ohm speakers. Audioholics did a review of this very receiver:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/receivers/pioneer-vsx-815

 

[Alexhunter27]

Your right the M80's are 4 ohm speakers so the question still holds will my present receiver be able drive the M80s? If any one can point me toward some sort of information on resistance in non-technical terms it would reall help

 

[Alexhunter27]

Just read the audioholics review on the VSX-815. The test speakers were 4 ohm but from what the editor's note said it was a heavy load for this receiver.

 

[gmichael]

How loud do you play your music?

 

[MDS]

Your right the M80's are 4 ohm speakers so the question still holds will my present receiver be able drive the M80s? If any one can point me toward some sort of information on resistance in non-technical terms it would reall help

Impedance is a measure of how much the speaker resists the flow of current and it varies with frequency. A 4 Ohm nominal speaker will rise above 4 Ohms at some frequencies and dip below 4 Ohms at others.

A lower number means it resists less but actually makes it harder to drive because the receiver has to deliver more current. The power supply in a mid-level rated that is rated for 8 Ohms cannot deliver the required current for very long when the volume is high and the receiver may go into protection mode and shut down. If you don't crank the volume too high you can probably get away with it but if the M80s are what you really want then you'd be better off with an external amp capable of driving low impedance speakers.

 

[Alexhunter27]

I actually don't listen to music much on my home system. I mainly listen in the car, I guess that's because I don't have a really good system. My speakers are inherited bose lifesyle 5's, even a set of Wharfdale Crystal 40's sound better. The home system is for movies.

 

[rnatalli]

You could simply try it once you get the speakers and see how it sounds and see if the receiver goes into protection mode.

 

[jcPanny]

Axiom Speaker options

Consider getting the 8 ohm Axiom M60s for your mains so you don't have to worry about the receiver. You would only need the M80s to play at reference levels in a huge room. They M60 package would still benefit from a receiver or amp upgrade when budget allows.

Also email Axiom for their advice.

 

[Alexhunter27]

After reading all this advice I have pretty much settled on th M60's I don't think I will need anything more.