#1
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8 Ohms or 4 Ohms
I have a c2500 and a MC152 driving a pair of Golden Ear Triton Reference speakers. I am running it off the 8 ohm terminal, but I read a report where the speaker dips to 3.4 ohms at some point. I am toying with trying the 4 ohm terminals but it is a big ordeal to get behind the audio rack, especially if it is all for nothing.
Assuming I go with the 4 ohm terminals, what should I be listening for to see if it is better and what do you think? Should I just keep it as is? |
#2
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8 to 4ohm
I think you will definitely hear a big enough difference to prefer one over the
other. In my case, most prefer the 4ohm taps with my Wilson Sabrina. I however much prefer the 8ohm tap. With 300 watt monoblocks I don’t worry about running out of juice. I’m sure you’re Mc152 can also drive your speakers with either tap you choose. By all means experiment you my like the 4ohm more.
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Mcintosh C2600, Mc301 monoblocks, MCT450, MR88 Wilson Sabrinas, AurenderN10, Bryston Bit20, Shunyata, ASC tube Traps, Nordost |
#3
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I am not an expert and may get this wrong but here goes...
Your speakers were tested in Stereophile and while the impedance drops to slightly below 4 ohms, it seems to spend most of its time with wild swings above 4. It especially rises to high levels in the midrange. I think on 4 ohm taps, you will here less energy but perhaps a sweeter sound in the upper ranges. Also, perhaps less bass. IMG_0917.JPG
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Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2 X 2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server, Clearaudio Performance SE. Satisfy tonearm & Maestro Wood MM cartridge. Power: Shunyata Everest 8000, Sigma XC v2, Sigma NR v2, Block Audio PCs, Defender, ADDPowr Wizard Grounding: Shunyata Altaira CGS - 4 X Alpha CGS cables, Network : Supra Cat 8+, Twin (Nenon) Modified Buffalo GS2016 Switches, Keces P3 LPSU, Cables: Wireworld Platinum 8 USB, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 8 Speaker cables, 6M & 1M Tubulus Concentus ICs, Other:Two PSI Audio AVAA C20, Multiple GIK products, Stillpoint Apertures, Stillpoint Minis and Ultra SS, Three 20 Amp lines, Furutech GTX - Gold outlets, Adona Rack Last edited by jdandy; 03-12-2018 at 11:10 AM. Reason: enlarge attachment |
#4
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The impedance of most speakers (if not all) fluctuates. That's likely why you see the word "nominal" after the rated speaker impedance.
Spend some time listening to your speakers on both taps and decide which one sounds best to you. The autoformers will make sure you get your rated output no matter the speakers impedance.
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McIntosh MA8000; McIntosh MC1502; Canton Vento Reference 1 DC; E.A.T. E-Flat; Soundsmith Paua Mk II; Technics SL 1210 MK5; Audio Technica AT-150 MLX; Tascam BR-20; Teac X1000R; Pioneer RT-707; Oppo UDP 205; Denon DCD A-100; HP All-In-One Touchscreen Server; JRiver MC 28; Woo Audio WA6; Shure SRH 1840; SVS SB 1000; Jolida 502BRC; Jolida JD9; VPI 16.5 RCM; Wireworld Oasis 8 Speaker Cables; Audoquest Columbia 72 DBS IC's; Panamax PM-5400 (source components only) |
#5
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Quote:
Keep in mind the thermal protection and Power Guard circuitry will keep the unit (and speakers) protected so it's virtually impossible to harm the amplifier regardless of what you do. Also keep in mind most amplifiers tend generate the greatest amount of heat at around a steady 1/3 rated output because output at this level is most taxing to power supplies - even when the closest load matching taps are selected. The bottom line is the lowest taps will provide for the coolest possible operation under all conditions - keeping in mind the maximum available power will be reduced compared to that otherwise available when the alternative (higher) taps are used. |
#6
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I used to have a McIntosh amp connected to Golden Ear Triton 2's and much preferred the 8ohm tap. YMMV
George |
#7
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I just posted this on my Martin Logan CLX thread
Little update. Made some cosmetic changes to the room that improved the sound. Next few days going to experiment a bit with using both the 4ohm & 8ohm taps. With my previous Martin Logan 13's I preferred the 8ohm using the McIntosh MC452. Not that the 4ohm sounded bad; I just felt there was a little more air and openness to the sound with the 8. From the very beginning of these CLX I've used the 4ohm exclusively so far paired with the MC601. Just figured it would be better for the hungrier CLX. Sounds amazing! But still worth a try to experiment. I did this a little last night but we then we resumed our Netflix Narcos addiction Thoughts? |
#8
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The nominal impedance of the Triton Reference is 8 ohm. You should run off the 8 ohm tap. There is little question about this.
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#9
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Speaking of nominal, mine says 5 ohms nominal. Is this mean i can use either 8 or 6 ohms which ever sounds best to me?
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McIntosh C2300 preamp, MC601 monoblocks (x2), Vandersteen 2CE Signature II Speakers, Marantz AV8802a preamp processor, Marantz MA500 monoblocks amps, Small Audio Manufacture (SAM) Turntable, Polk Audio Center, Rear Left and Rear Right speakers, SVS Front High Left and Front High Right speakers, Chrysalis Bass Matrix-12 Sub woofer. |
#10
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Just looking at the Stereophile measurements and comments by Art Dudley when he reviewed the Signature II's in 2007 -- he stated:
"Its impedance, however, remained between 6 and 8 ohms over almost the entire audio band (fig.1), the only exception being the mid-treble with the treble control set its maximum position, when the impedance dropped to 5 ohms at 6.2kHz and 9kHz." Best Sir, Bob
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