Ohms question

[aoh1811]

I have a new HT receiver rated for 6 ohms, can I hook it up to my existing 4 ohms speakers or should I take the time to hook up the included 6 ohms speakers?

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a new HT receiver rated for 6 ohms, can I hook it up to my existing 4 ohms speakers or should I take the time to hook up the included 6 ohms speakers?

What receiver are we talking about, and what four ohm and six ohm speakers?
If you search the forums on this topic you will get a lot of answers to this question.

 

[3db]

I have a new HT receiver rated for 6 ohms, can I hook it up to my existing 4 ohms speakers or should I take the time to hook up the included 6 ohms speakers?

What speakers, what receiver, how big is the room an how loud do you want to crank the sound?

 

[aoh1811]

What receiver are we talking about, and what four ohm and six ohm speakers?
If you search the forums on this topic you will get a lot of answers to this question.

I posted some questions in another post but that wasn't getting anymore looks. I just purchased a Sony HT-DDW790, this is the receiver and 6 ohm speakers I am talking about. I had an older Panisonic HT system, the model escapes me, it was a good system 5 years ago. 5 CD/DVD player Dolby Digital capable, but it had no digital audio inputs. These are the 4 ohm speakers I am talking about.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have a new HT receiver rated for 6 ohms, can I hook it up to my existing 4 ohms speakers or should I take the time to hook up the included 6 ohms speakers?

Unless you can find a professional review/lab measurement that shows the receiver's amp as stable into 4 ohms, you should not take the chance IMO. Better safe than sorry, right?

My rationale is that some "4 ohms" speakers may actually go down to 2 ohms transiently (short period of time)!
For example, the Definitive CLR3000 is supposed to be a 4 ohms speaker, but at some lower frequencies, it actually goes down to 2.1 ohms (Home Theater Magazine).

 

[TLS Guy]

I posted some questions in another post but that wasn't getting anymore looks. I just purchased a Sony HT-DDW790, this is the receiver and 6 ohm speakers I am talking about. I had an older Panisonic HT system, the model escapes me, it was a good system 5 years ago. 5 CD/DVD player Dolby Digital capable, but it had no digital audio inputs. These are the 4 ohm speakers I am talking about.

That's a low end system, and the specs are silent on vital matters to answer this with certainty. However, equipment in this price range is not usually tolerant of mismatches. I would use the speakers that came with it, and make sure any speakers connected to it have a minimum impedance of 6 ohms or greater.

 

[aoh1811]

That's a low end system, and the specs are silent on vital matters to answer this with certainty. However, equipment in this price range is not usually tolerant of mismatches. I would use the speakers that came with it, and make sure any speakers connected to it have a minimum impedance of 6 ohms or greater.

Thanks for the help, that's what I thought. Sorry I have such a "low end" system, just don't have thousands of dollars to throw aound to watch TV...

 

[Midcow2]

Unless you can find a professional review/lab measurement that shows the receiver's amp as stable into 4 ohms, you should not take the chance IMO. Better safe than sorry, right?

My rationale is that some "4 ohms" speakers may actually go down to 2 ohms transiently (short period of time)!
For example, the Definitive CLR3000 is supposed to be a 4 ohms speaker, but at some lower frequencies, it actually goes down to 2.1 ohms (Home Theater Magazine).

First AcuDefTechGuy -- my CLR3000 comes in tomorrow or Friday.

Second OP (Original Poster) I would use the caution AcuTechDefGiuy mentions but I think you will be fine using your 4 Ohms speakers. Fist hoow up an try at low volume, then mid and then the volume you enjoy listening at. If all works you have no problem. If the receivier trips the power at any of the test setting, then don't use. Now, here is a quick explanation of power between 4 ohms and 6 ohms. Let's assume your receiver puts out about 50RMS ( may be more but this is a good SWAG).

50RMS = power = volts * Amps = Volts^2/resistance

50=v^2/6 then v( voltage)= 17.3 current = 17.3/6=2.89

Assuming constant voltage into a 4 ohm instead of a 6 ohm load.

v^2/4= (17.3)^2/4= 75RMS and current increase to 17.3/4=4.33

The receiver could trip on the increase current. If you assume the receiver will successfully handle 3 amperes then voltage would be at 12 volts max or about 12/17.3= 69% of original volume and power = (12)^2/4= 36 RMS which may be enough. Again this was just a hypothetical example but you may well be able to successfully use your currente receiver with 4 ohm speakers at a reasoanble volume.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[3db]

Thanks for the help, that's what I thought. Sorry I have such a "low end" system, just don't have thousands of dollars to throw aound to watch TV...

Don''t be sorry. Everyone has different budgets and priorities and consider this a place from which to start. Thats what I did. I'm almost done upgradinng, new receiver, new DVD player and new widescreen are on my list .

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for the help, that's what I thought. Sorry I have such a "low end" system, just don't have thousands of dollars to throw aound to watch TV...

I was not asking you to apologize for your system, but just stating a fact. Systems like yours are designed as a package, and vital information is lacking that prevents answering your question with any degree of certainty.

I also bet you will get the upgrade bug.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

DenonDefinitive (DD) Guy calling MarantzDefinitive (MD) Guy

First AcuDefTechGuy -- my CLR3000 comes in tomorrow or Friday.

**Hee**Hee**

I guess we have similar tastes?

Well, it's about damn time you are getting the CLR3000!

 

[aoh1811]

I know, thanks, I was just being a smart ***. You are absolutely right, I wanted digital sound and this system was on sale at BB for $111, I couldn't pass it up, thanks!