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4 Ohm Speaker with an "8 Ohm Minimum" Reciever

I recently put together a small system consisting of a NAD L54 receiver and a pair of Totem Dreamcatchers. The Dreamcatchers are a 4 Ohm Speaker. The NAD Manual states that the speakers should be 8 ohm minimum. Of course, I did not now this until I purchased everything and had all the components delivered. I would hate to sell the speakers, but I am worried I will damage the receiver.
If I use the system, am I risking damage ? The room that the system is in is very small, and the system will be played at low levels. Thank you.
red68

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
A resistor is not a good solution. Besides wasting a lot of power, it will cause the frequency response of the speakers to deviate from flatness in proportion to the variations in the impedance vs. frequency curve of the speaker. It will also severely reduce damping factor, degrading bass performance.

I notice that Audio Advisor sells a package consisting of the L54 together with PSB speakers which are specified as 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum. Also, it would be unusual for an amp or receiver to be designed to truly be limited to 8 ohm speakers. I suspect that calling NAD and also Googling to see what other speakers people have used with the L54 may end up supporting the conclusion that the manual is incorrect.

Regards,
-- Al
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I well remember a "Professional" sound man using at least 75' of 20 gauge wire.

LOL!

Of course, Stan and El are BOTH right. The added resistance of speaker cables which are too small a gauge and/or very long would make life easier for the amplifier, by virtue of increasing the load resistance it sees, but would waste power and degrade sonics, particularly by reducing damping factor.

Regards,
-- Al
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