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4 ohm speakers with 8 ohm amp?

  • 12-11-2010 2:03pm
    #1
    Currahee01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 124 ✭✭


    I'm hoping to get a Sony
    STR-DH510 AV receiver to use with my existing (old!) Bush speakers/sub. The output on the amp is 8 ohms but the speakers are only 4. Is this a problem or is it safe to fire ahead? If possible I dont want to get new speakers just yet.


Comments

  • #2
    Noffles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭Noffles


    I have a similar situation on my current set up, the amp just overloads when the volume goes to high, as soon as I put a bigger pair of speakers on it is fine.


  • #3
    Currahee01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 124 ✭✭Currahee01


    Thanks Noffles, that's what I suspected.


  • #4
    cnocbui
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,226 ✭✭✭✭cnocbui


    It depends on the amp, some would have no problem driving a 4 ohm load. Mine has no problem doing it, but that Sony might have a problem according to the specs:

    STR-DH510:

    Amplifier Features

    • (8Ohms 1kHz) THD RMS : 1%
    • (8Ohms 20-20kHz) THD : 0.09%
    • 4 Ohm/8 Ohm Switching : No(8 Ohm only)


  • #5
    Mathiasb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 425 ✭✭Mathiasb


    If the amp is poorly designed, such as without protection circuits, you could blow it (short curcuit it, in effect) because the impendance is too low. But, in reality you're probably fine as long as you don't play on super high volumes at all times.


  • #6
    earpiece
    Closed Accounts Posts: 550 ✭✭✭earpiece


    Best to always match a speakers impedence to the amp your driving them with. Connecting a 4 Ohm speaker to an amp that is specified to drive an 8 Ohm load may look like a short circuit. So it's not recomended.
    A solution to your problem though, may be to put a 4 Ohm resistor (at least 10Watt) in series with each speaker and this should bring you close to that 8 Ohm impedence.


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