4 or 8 ohm tap - is this a good way to tell


My tube amp has both taps. My speakers avg 6 ohms imp but have a low spot of 3. Leaving the source and volume alone the sound is louder coming from the 8 ohm tap. Doesn't that mean it is a better match?
imispgh

Showing 1 response by eldartford

The 8 ohm tap produces a higher voltage (for a given input signal level), and will therefore sound louder. Loudness does not imply a better match. However, this higher voltage comes at the cost of reduced current capability, so the maximum power capability will be less if the load is not matched to the amp's output.

If the speakers are 6 ohms average I guess it makes sense to use either 4 or 8. As Shadorne suggests, pick the one you like, and don't worry about it.
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