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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 1 response by drew_eckhardt

drew_eckhardt
394 posts
 
>Stanwal...AWG 20 wire is 0.0119 ohms per foot.
150 ft of such wire (75ft round trip) would be 1.78 ohms.
Not really a problem, especially if the speaker is 8 ohms.

Sure, but that "8 Ohm" speaker can drop to 6 Ohms at some frequencies and increase to 32 at others.

Attenuation will vary from -.47dB to -2.25dB at others, and a 1.8dB difference in total power response is going to completely change the speaker's voicing.
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