Receiver questions...thoughts, and speaker problem?

[eurovw89]

I am looking into buying a new A/V Receiver....but have noticed that all the power specs for total watts per channel is measured in 8ohms....but my speakers are 6ohms.

My current receiver can be switched between 8ohms or 6ohms.

I am looking to upgrade from my Yamaha HTR-5940...I currently have these speakers (I want to keep em):

Fronts Yamaha NS-555
Center Yamaha NS-333
Rear surrounds Yamaha NS-444
Rear center NS-333

Looking for a good matching receiver. Also my receiver I have now is 6.1 and barely (if at all) do I watch movies with 6.1, the only thing that comes out of the center rear is when I listen to music.


Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Knucklehead90]

You should have no problem driving those speakers with most any new AVR. Most speakers that are rated 8ohms will dip below that - often to 4ohms at times.

 

[AVRat]

When watching movies do you engage any of the surround sound processes like Dolby PLII?

 

[AVRat]

That should be PLIIx.

 

[eurovw89]

Yes I try.....still not to sure about this receiver. My question is...what if i get a new receiver that cant be switched to 6ohms.....i thought i heard that run 6ohm speaker at other then 6ohms would ruin the speakers?

 

[Josuah]

Lower ohms is a harder load for an amplifier because it requires more current for the same amount of power. Current is difficult, voltage isn't.

In all likelihood, you won't notice any problem driving 6 ohm speakers with an amp that is advertised for 8 ohm speakers. Especially at lower volumes.

If an amplifier does have a problem driving low ohm speakers, it may automatically shut down or the sound will start to fall apart and become a little messy. If it really can't handle it, like an amp trying to drive 1 ohm, and there is no protection built into the amp, then something may get damaged in the amp.

 

[PENG]

Current is difficult, voltage isn't.

This kind of generalized statements can lead to confusion and misconception. You can argue both ways, voltage results in current when it is connected to a load.

The fact is, 1V can produce 100A into 0.01 ohm that in turn produces 100W for a pure resistance load but 100V can also produce 100W with a 100 ohm load but the current will be only 1A.

The bottom ine is, Current=Voltage/Impedance, people can then draw their own conclusion as to what is difficult and what isn't. To me, it depends on many factors (cost, technical difficulties, weight,...etc.) and criteria you use to gauge what is 'difficult'.

I have no doubt you know all of the above but let's not contribute to creating confusion and misconception. We have enough misconception on the so call 'high current' amp as it is.

 

[Josuah]

Sorry.

Maybe this article will help: Heavy Load: How Loudspeakers Torture Amplifiers

 

[Davemcc]

let's not contribute to creating confusion and misconception.

See Post #2.

You should have no problem driving those speakers with most any new AVR.

 

[PENG]

Sorry.

Maybe this article will help: Heavy Load: How Loudspeakers Torture Amplifiers

No need to be sorry. I am pretty sure someone like you know that one needs to have at least the basic understanding of the principles of electricity in order to understand what those articles are really talking about.

My point was simply that a generic statement such as the one you made "current is difficult, voltage is not" makes no sense. Statements like that tend to create confusion and I suspect that's what caused so much hearsays that just keep getting quote and requote all over the forums on the internet. I am pretty sure you know your stuff, so I must confess I was disappointed to see such generic statement made by you, someone who obviously have a good understanding of electrical theory. Now if I offended you it is my turn to say sorry. I just hate those hearsay kind of statements, but that's just me.

 

[PENG]

Post #2 is fine and clear. I have no issue with such clear statement. It does not create misconception of electrical principles. On the other hand I bet you will have hard time finding a statement such as "current is difficult, voltage is not" in any electrical theory text book. I mean text books used in colleges and universities. Can most $500 AVR drive 16 ohm speakers? They don't need the so call 'high current' right? OTOH may be 16 ohm speakers want to see some so call "not difficult" voltage. If I manage to confuse anyone than I might have succeeded in making my point.

 

[Josuah]

No need to be sorry.

My point was simply that a generic statement such as the one you made "current is difficult, voltage is not" makes no sense. Statements like that tend to create confusion...

Now if I offended you it is my turn to say sorry. I just hate those hearsay kind of statements, but that's just me.

I tend to speak succinctly and without elaboration. This is how I am in real life and I've received feedback about how I don't always provide enough explanation. I wasn't offended.