2. amps-preamps
  3. 184717-150037

Amplifier circuitry-4 ohm vs 8 ohm

Obviously there are different wires leading into the four or eight Ohm taps on the back of an amplifier from the one amplifier.  The single amplifier at some point splits the signal going into either one of these Ports.  What differences are there in the circuitry?

Maybe this will help me better understand the difference between these two taps. I believe 4 ohms is a wider more open path for voltage to flow. So when you're speaker attempts to go lower, which requires more power, the 4 ohm more easily allows this to happen with a better outcome. Or maybe I got this wrong.

 

 

 

emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by trivema

trivema's avatar
trivema
38 posts
 

Hmmm, I have two pair of Vienna Acoustics that are 6 ohm speakers and a simple EL34 amp with 8 ohm and 4 ohm taps. Thanks to the excellent posts above I am much better informed but more confused!  VA support told me to run off the 4 ohm tap, but the best advice seems to be try both and see which sounds better! 
 

Thanks for the science and advice. : )

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