B&W Nautilus 801s / McIntosh 1201s

[BlueSky]

Hi, I am looking for recommendations on what the best or most appropriate output taps on the autoformer to use when connecting to B&W Nautilus 801s. I've been using the 8-ohm connections but realize that the speaker impedance can fall as low as 3 ohms depending on program material and began considering the 4-ohm tap. I've listened at both the 4- and the 8-ohm settings and cannot hear any difference. I am using short, 1.5 meter, lengths of Cardas Clear Beyond speaker cable.

Does anyone have any recommendations one way or the other and I may cross post this in the McIntosh forum. Thanks for your thoughts!

[audioguy3107]

I would most likely be inclined to use the 4 ohm taps even though the nominal impedance is 8 ohms. Stereophile had a pretty good explanation in their measurements sections of their review....may be helpful:

B&W Nautilus 801 loudspeaker Measurements | Stereophile.com

Its got a pretty wide range of frequencies around the 3 ohm area.

[-E-]

The 4-ohm tap would definitely be the "default" for that speaker.

If you want a little more low end toss it onto the 2-ohm and fire it up.

Going between all three taps you should year the speaker get 'brighter' as you are on the 8-ohm and then 'bass-ier' on the 2-ohm tap.

[djwhog]

I would lean towards 4 as well. let us have feedback, you could do an A B test on the 2 as well.

[redm]

This is a pretty interesting topic. I figured since the manual says 8-ohm recommended, there was no point in trying something else. I'm going to try the 4-ohm as well.

[bdowell]

I spoke to b&w years ago about this issue and they said to use the 8 ohm tsp. you won't anything by busing the different taps

[Indytown]

On 800D I have experienced less air, less dynamics, basically less treble energy using 4 ohm taps vs. 8 ohm.

[BlueSky]

Thanks all for your input and recommendations. I've moved to the 4-ohm tap and will give it a listen and maybe even drop down to the 2-ohm tap a bit later. Happy holidays to you and yours however you may choose to celebrate!