16 ohms speakers- 8 ohms output amp


I just bought Fertin EX20. These are 8 inch field coild drivers that I'll be using in an open-baffle. I'm also looking to buy an amp, but most tube amps are 8 or 4 ohms output. Since they are 16 ohms, could I be using amps with 8 ohms. Will I be losing something? thanks.
laurentgilles

Showing 3 responses by gregm

I second dekay's advice for a good, inexpensive, diy amp. Don;t fret too much over the impedance, tubes have high output impedance (hence the output trannies) and love high impedance loads. Also remember, if you're measuring the Fertins with a conventional multimetre, what you get is the resistance rating Re (dc) -- not impedance Z(ac).

Again, as dk suggests, the baffle will be an important contribution to the sound. Why don't you try out PHY's "panneau plan" -- or Supravox's. They work very well.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the field coil allows you to play with the drivers' characteristics to suit your tastes. More than most of us with fixed magnets can do!
Laurent: 2600 euro for the Fertins???? And I thought Supravox fields were expensive!

Why are you insisting in a branded amp (Cary, etc)? A competently made diy (or a local hobbyist's product) will easily serve your purpose and for many years to come!

Amps using 300b, 2a3, 6c series, 845 tubes should do fine. These are outrageously expesnive to buy branded!
Well, diyhifisupply.com has a few kits. Hagerman in the US has others. Look at JPO's site, you'll find many refs.
But again, I cannot agree more with d-k: attack the spkrs for now, the amp can come later. Enjoy!