8 Ohms or 4 Ohms

[Timobi]

So true! and its not that the 4ohm was bad for me. Having the option just allowed me to hear a little bit sweeter sound using the 8ohm tap.

[Blatrie]

Originally Posted by Mac6

What is the nominal for your speakers?

I changed my speakers two weeks ago (Jbl 4341) and I totally recognize myself in this, even with Men220.
8 is open, sweet and brings as much details. As with 4, voices seem to be a bit metallic, crying.

[Mac6]

Originally Posted by Timobi

From the ML site...

A speaker rated at 6 ohms nominal would recommend using 8 ohms I believe, so it makes sense that 8 sounds best. Or did they actually recommend 4? I understand that this is not a 100% rule.

[Mac6]

Originally Posted by Blatrie

I changed my speakers two weeks ago (Jbl 4341) and I totally recognize myself in this, even with Men220.
8 is open, sweet and brings as much details. As with 4, voices seem to be a bit metallic, crying.

Are your speakers rated over 4 ohms nominal? If so, this makes sense.

I am only asking to see if the rule of thumb, which is to use the next highest port, is real or not. No harm intended. Thanks.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by Mac6

Are your speakers rated over 4 ohms nominal? If so, this makes sense.

I am only asking to see if the rule of thumb, which is to use the next highest port, is real or not. No harm intended. Thanks.

What are your speakers? What is their rated or nominal impedance as supplied by the manufacturer?

[Mac6]

Originally Posted by Charles

What are your speakers? What is their rated or nominal impedance as supplied by the manufacturer?

I have several pairs of speakers. Most rated 4 ohms and some rated 8. I always use the exact number. I understand I can experiment and see how it sounds. I'm just wondering about the rule of thumb I have heard so much as I mentioned above.

[Charles]

If they are rated at 8 go with 8. If rated at 4 ditto. Between 4 and 8 go with 8. Certainly if you prefer the sound of one tap over another go with it. One caveat: Be careful not to induce a coloration into your system by means of a clear impedance miss match. For example my Alexx is rated at 4 ohm and dips as low as 1.5 ohm. It would be a clear impedance miss match to drive the Alex off the 8 ohm tap.

[Blatrie]

My speakers are Jbl Studio monitor 4341 with 8o normal impedance

[Mac6]

Originally Posted by Blatrie

My speakers are Jbl Studio monitor 4341 with 8o normal impedance

Thanks. That must be why they don't sound as good using the 4 ohm taps.

[henryeng]

I have Triton Onea with the MC151. I use the 4 ohm tap. It will load the amp less so speaker impedance will have less effect on overall audio quality. You’ll lose 3db of level, but the 152 has plenty of headroom so it’s not an issue. Go for the 4 ohm tap.