Yamaha RX-Z7 with 4-ohm speakers

[pmart348]

I recently pre-ordered the new Yamaha RX-Z7, and subsequently realized my 5 speakers( 5.1 setup) are rated 4 ohms. I contacted Yamaha and was told this receiver only supports 4 ohm loads for front main speakers.

Can anyone help understand what issues will I have with the center and surroand speakers ? Do I need yo buy a separate 3 channel amp to drive these speakers.

My speakers are Vienna Acoustics:
Front and Center: Webern (3)
Surroand: Berg(2)

Sub: JL f112

Best Regards

Pmart348

 

[ParadigmDawg]

For that price I would buy seperates.

An Integra pre/pro and an EMO, Outlaw, Rotel or Behringer EP2500 would make up an awesome system and cost less.

If you want to keep the Z7, you should be ok with the surrounds as not much info gets past to them.

 

[pmart348]

YAmaha RX-Z7 with 4 ohm speakers

Thanks. Why would Yamaha not recommend 4 ohm speakers for center and surroands ?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I guess the amp section is not designed for that kind of load. The center may be of some concern if you really blast music or movies through it, the surrounds should be fine. Just make certain you can take it back if you find it clipping.

Are you dead set on getting it?

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha receiver

I was driving a pair of 4 ohm speakers w/ my entry level Yamaha for a while without any problems before adding an amplifier. Your flagship model should have no problems, just make sure you have adequate ventalation.

The size of your room, the speakers efficiency, and your listening preferences are all a big factor in how much power is required from the receiver. If you have a huge room and like to listen at reference levels, then seperates would be a good option.

 

[wiyosaya]

Interesting that they would not support 4 ohm loads in a flagship model. Yamaha used to pride themselves on driving low impedence loads. The manual lists a dynamic power spec for 8/6/4/2 ohm loads. I wonder what is up.

 

[Davemcc]

With the introduction of affordable, up to date processors by Integra, Marantz and soon Rotel, along with the availability of many affordable, capable amplifier brands, separates are a viable, even preferable alternative to high end receivers. Depending on specific circumstances, receivers in the $1,500 - $2K range meet the point at which separates become a serious alternative.

In the case where a receiver is preferred over separates for whatever reason, my own research led me to the Onkyo 906, which is fully featured, 4 ohm stable and cheaper than the Yamaha. I ended up going with separates instead of the Onkyo, but I see no reason not to choose a really good receiver if it meets all the requirements of the user. There are cheaper options but those bring their own inherent compromises as well.

 

[zumbo]

I ran five 4ohm 86dB speakers for well over a year with my Yamaha 1400. No problems. It never even went into protection mode. I have since added a separate amp to take the load off of the receiver.

IMHO, the best thing to do at this price-point is to buy a receiver that has all of the features/connections needed (with pre-outs), and add a 2,3,5, or 7-channel amp.

I would cancel the order.

 

[PENG]

Thanks. Why would Yamaha not recommend 4 ohm speakers for center and surroands ?

The reasons may be:

1. The power supply is not big enough to feed 7 hungry mouths that eat all they can eat (maximum) at the same time. I believe the amp sections are not the main issue here (except for the heat issues I discussed in 2 below). A flag ship receiver generally has all of its amps rated the same so if the main channels can handle 4 ohms, so can the remaining ones.

2. The amp sections cannot dissipate the heat fast enough if all 7 amps have to power the speakers at the same level continuously. This is understandable considering the fact that the amps are crowded together with so much other heat generating components all in one box. In a separate system you would have two separate boxes so there are much more room for the heat sinks and still leave more air space inside to help heat dissipation. When Yamaha told you only the 2 front channels, I suspect that might have meant 'any' 2 channels but not more, can be used with 4 ohm speakers.

3. The ohm ratings are nominal so even if Yamaha knows their amps can be used with some or most 4 ohm speakers under normal to loud listening level in most rooms and with most music/movies playback, they have got to cover themselves. Who wants additional liabilities that are avoidable these days?

IMHO you have not much to worry about if :

1. You always listen at normal (say not louder than you would feel in a typical indoor concert hall) level like most people.

2. Be careful with the SPL if you enjoy listening to the 5 or 7 Channel stereo modes. To me, those modes are for background music at lower SPL only but not for any serious listening.

If you still have concerns then add a low cost 2 or 3 channel amps and be done with it.

 

[wiyosaya]

With the introduction of affordable, up to date processors by Integra, Marantz and soon Rotel, along with the availability of many affordable, capable amplifier brands, separates are a viable, even preferable alternative to high end receivers. Depending on specific circumstances, receivers in the $1,500 - $2K range meet the point at which separates become a serious alternative.

In the case where a receiver is preferred over separates for whatever reason, my own research led me to the Onkyo 906, which is fully featured, 4 ohm stable and cheaper than the Yamaha. I ended up going with separates instead of the Onkyo, but I see no reason not to choose a really good receiver if it meets all the requirements of the user. There are cheaper options but those bring their own inherent compromises as well.

Thanks for the input on this.

I downloaded the manual for the RX-Z7 from the Yamaha site. Assuming it is the final manual, the specs seem little improvement, if any, over the RX-V3900. At this time, I am skeptical that it would be worth the extra money over the 3900. However, the prospect of getting a X7 125W amp for under $1K and a half-way decent processor for about the same price as the Z7 is something that I will seriously consider. My impression on separates is that they always were much more expensive than this.

 

[Davemcc]

My impression on separates is that they always were much more expensive than this.

Once Emotiva starts shipping their new processor, you can get the processor and XPA-5 for about $1500. My Integra/Rotel 1075 combo can be had for less than $2500. Same with the Integra/XPA-5 for more power. That's a lot of competition for receivers in that range.

 

[wiyosaya]

Once Emotiva starts shipping their new processor, you can get the processor and XPA-5 for about $1500. My Integra/Rotel 1075 combo can be had for less than $2500. Same with the Integra/XPA-5 for more power. That's a lot of competition for receivers in that range.

These look very interesting. I will have to check them out. Thank you for pointing them out.

If the processor has 2 hdmi outputs, and the second one is assignable to another input source, I'll be overjoyed. $649 for the UPA-7 seems almost too good to be true, and if the quality of the products are as good as or better than the Z7, or the Denon 4308 CI, I will also be happy.

I am hoping that Yamaha and others are not falling for the "pay for the name" game. I would not be happy about that.

 

[Davemcc]

If the processor has 2 hdmi outputs, and the second one is assignable to another input source, I'll be overjoyed.

Unfortunately, that's not the way it works. With the Integra, you can choose either HDMI main or HDMI sub output but not both.

 

[zumbo]

I am hoping that Yamaha and others are not falling for the "pay for the name" game. I would not be happy about that.

Well......