8 Ohm Speakers


I understand that speakers less than 8 ohms require more power and will overheat and possibly clip low powered amps. I also understand that my integrated amp runs 60 watts into 8 ohms and 100 into 4 and is not recommended power beyond that. But what are the consequences of driving say 10 or 14 ohm speakers? Is it just less work on the amp? Like the sensitivity, will it play speakers better at lower volume? This may be a naive question but its been ringing around in my head. Thanks in advance.
wirehead

Showing 2 responses by dekay

Not all tube amps have problems with 4 ohm load. My Audion Silver Night definately does not and neither did an early version of the little Decware amp that I played around with late last year (it actually performed better, IMO, into a 4 ohm load as the bass was fuller and tighter). Each amp and speaker combination really needs to be auditioned to to tell the true story as the numbers are often misleading, as is the general folklore of such supposed matches. In addition my old Mac 30's also sounded great with 4-6 ohm loads however my Musical Fidelity SS amp would not control the bass on pair of 4 ohm Linn Tukan's, go figure.
Big: It is the X-A1 integrated that would not handle the bass on a pair of Tukans that a local dealer loaned us (I ended up with the speakers almost out to the middle of the room and kept saying "It must be the room, It must be the room":-). My tube amp is in the shop right now and the MF amp does a fine job with a pair of Reynauds (also 4 ohms and basically the same specs as the Linn speakers. You never know till you try.