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Impedance Matching - Tube Amp/Speakers

Hi, I am not technical guy, so excuse my questions. This weekend my friend did check bias on my VTL ST-85, which I recently did buy, and he also measured my speakers Dunlavy SM-1. Multimeter showed him that they are 4 ohm spekares (althought, on paper, they should be 6 ohm). He told me that this is not good combination - 4 ohm speakers and tube amp. So, is it safe using VTL ST-85, or tube amps generally, with 4 ohms or 6 ohms speakers? I am really confused because I like sound, but also dont want damage my amp or speakers.
arzach

Showing 4 responses by arzach

arzach OP
4 posts
 
Thanks alot. Stereophile review is saying "VTL-85 is optimized for a load of around 5 ohms (85Wpc)" so 6 ohms Dunlavy SM-1 speakers (with a 3-10 ohm range) should be no problem, is it right? But why my friend's multimeter measured 4 ohms on Dunlavys when they should be 6 ohms? Or this multimeter checking is not optimal and values are only approximate?
arzach OP
4 posts
 
Thank you guys, alot of useful infos for me. I can confirm that my version of ST-85 has only 1 output tap, and also there is no triode/tetrode switch as on newer model. When I was comparing sound of Dunlavys with tubes (VTL) and with some solidstates (Teac ABX-10, SAC Mediatore monos), I noticed that SS has better bass control, speed and transients, but I expected that. Maybe better preamp could cover this area.
arzach OP
4 posts
 
Is there someone who has experiences with some Dunlavy speakers and tube amps? I did buy ST-85 with EL34 tubes Electron (made in China), I dont know if they are good ones or not, so maybe some tube rolling could improve dynamics and bass, if preamp not. I also read that valve amps with EL34's will always struggle with bass.
arzach OP
4 posts
 
Hi, Ts0711, I think source and wiring is respectable (Bryston, Cardas, Kimber), only preamp is a little behind (Hitachi), but I want change tubes. Which brand tubes are in your IT-85? Do yout think better tubes can improve bass and speed?
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