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Question about set amps and low sensitivity spkrs

Hi, In about 3 weeks I will take ownership of an 18wpc SET integrated. I currently run an Arcam SS amp with B&W 602 S2 speakers and I'm still undecided about new speakers (more sensitive, tube friendly) to mate with my new amp. My question is, can I run my current 90db sensitive B&W speakers with the SET integrated without doing damage, or shortening the life of my new tubes? I'd hate to have the amp sitting in a box waiting for me to decide on new speakers :) I frequently see that B&W speakers don't mate well with tubes...why is this?
thanks
Michael
mbleming
newbee
4,751 posts
 
FWIW most tube amps put out the same wattage at 4 & 8 ohms. It neither doubles nor halves. 18w at 8 ohms is going to be 18w at 4 ohms.
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mbleming OP
33 posts
 
Thanks again guys, very much appreciated. As far as speakers go, I have been giving serious thought to the Devore Gibbons, but I'm still not sure. Thanks again!
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pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Newbee, I agree that a tube amp generally puts out the same power into different impedance loads of the speaker, but I'm talking about the output taps (4ohm, 8ohm etc.) of the amplifier. I thought that into the same loads, the 4ohm tap and the 8 ohm taps put out different power. That was my understanding with the Music Reference gear (I think he said a 3db drop using the 4ohm tap into a 8ohm load versus the 8 ohm tap); but I could be wrong.
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