Amp for Revel Ultima Salon 2

[Pampero]

Use the 4 ohm tap You can read my missive on the 452 thread or take my word for it. Either way, they are gorgeous speakers. I am very happy with my amp but the Bryston is a beast so I'm curious what you find as well.

[mtroo]

The speakers are 6 ohm nominal load. I use the 8 ohm taps, but it's been awhile since I tried the 4 ohm taps. I'll need to give it another listen.

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by mtroo

The speakers are 6 ohm nominal load. I use the 8 ohm taps, but it's been awhile since I tried the 4 ohm taps. I'll need to give it another listen.

True, on average. This graph is cribbed from John Atkinson's measurements in Stereophile's excellent review. The low end, almost five octave's worth, measures right around 4 ohms though. It does show that the Revels are not a demanding load and are easy to drive. The choice of which tap to use is optional. Although the Salon 2s dote on clean power, they are not terribly fussy or hard to match. Just feed them good and plenty!

[pete6737]

So currently I have an ARC REF75 powering Salon2s on the 8 ohm taps. Will I hear something different if I use the 4ohm taps?

[Pampero]

Maybe. How's that for uncommitted?

You may have to adjust the gain on your preamp to match levels as the levels are unlikely to be identical for a given voltage from the preamp. The ear will tend to favor the louder of the two options, so unless you are sure you have matched levels at the speaker, it's a bit of a crap shoot as to which one you'll prefer. My setup allows for easy changes so I can go back and forth without grunting. If your set is the same, give them both a whirl.

My speakers play louder out of the 4 ohm tap (3dB) and there's no reason to expect your situation will be different. That's enough to make an audible difference. But as to actual balance, that's been harder for me to judge at this point. I think I prefer the 4 ohm tap though. I don't know if your ARC will respond differently than my McIntosh, but let's assume it won't for the moment. An spl meter comes in handy here.

[mtroo]

Just changed back to 4 ohms. Not sure I hear a substantial difference. Hmmm

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by mtroo

Just changed back to 4 ohms. Not sure I hear a substantial difference. Hmmm

I'm not sure you will. It's subtle at best. The only thing I know for sure is that in my situation it takes less drive from the preamp to achieve some additional level, and it seems like that can be compensated for by raising the drive from the preamp.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by pete6737

So currently I have an ARC REF75 powering Salon2s on the 8 ohm taps. Will I hear something different if I use the 4ohm taps?

Pete.......Let me check my source.

[mtroo]

Dan,
I think I see the taps. Mine look a little different. I may need an upgrade

[pete6737]

You guys have encouraged me to try the 4ohm taps this weekend. I'll keep you posted. I like Dans "source"! Yummy