Amplifier for 4 Ohm Speakers?

[Andrei]

I have a friend who is presently amplifierless. She has told me some of her woes in trying to get a suitable amp, but there is typically some problem with each one that she has tried - usually not enough grip on the speakers. She tells me that she has been advised that 4 Ohm speakers are not as easy to accommodate as 8 Ohm speakers. I do not know too much of the rest of the system but it includes Thiel 1.6 speakers. They are a two-way speaker. ( According to the Stereophile review the specs include "Nominal impedance: 4 ohms, 3 ohms minimum. Recommended Power: 50-300W.") The source is a Wadia 301.

At this stage an integrated amp may be the way to go but she is not averse to a pre/power combo. No particular preference for valve or solid state, but as she would like to run the TV into the amp as well SS may be better. As far as I know the only sources would be CD TV and Tuner - so all single ended.

$$? Not sure. I suspect like me cost is not so important - inasmuch as if she finds the right product she is prepared to wait a bit till she can afford it.

[bzr]

Sanders Magtech, Stereo or if the extra big mojo is wanted, get the Monos, they thrive on hungry speakers.

[cma29]

Low impedance speakers require more current from the amplifier and thus a bigger power supply. That's why 4-ohm speakers thrive on beefy amplifiers.

A rule of thumb shortcut: look for amps that double (or almost double) power output going from 8 ohms to 4 ohms speakers.

[djwhog]

McIntosh does very well with that situation too. Many of there amps have always been listed as current rather than watts.

[Mikado463]

many options……… FWIW, the load is not that tough. With that being said Carlos is correct, look for an amp(s) that 'dbl down' which is a good indicator of stability.

Assuming your thinking SS……….

Plinius, Psss, Mac, Bryston, Spectral, Parasound…. to name but a few.

[Andrei]

Thanks for the insight guys. I had read on Magnepan's website their generic recommendation to go for amps that 'doubled down' into four ohms, as an indication of quality. That makes good sense here too. Here in NZ we don't have the range offered in the States but Plinius and especially Perreaux are brands we may look at. Pass, ATC, are available too.

[Erik Tracy]

Don't forget to include Musical Fidelity amps in your search.

[Beatlebum]

I'm using a Rowland Continuum S2 matched with my Salk Soundscape 8's which are a 4 ohm nominal load. Excellent match with killer midrange and dynamics, extended but finessed highs and tight deep bass.