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Is it hard on my amp to be driving 4 ohm speakers?

I'm a poor audiophile. My gear is very old. I have a Sugden A 28 amp and Epi M201 speakers. The speakers have a switch on the back that only gives you the choice between 4 and 16 ohms. The amp is class A, so it runs hot to begin with. The speakers don't seem to be very efficient, requiring lots of volume for best sound. I've searched for info on my amp with no luck. I'm guessing it's around 35 wpc into 8 ohms. AND I'm also assuming it would be a bad idea for the amp to set the speakers at 16 ohm. Am I right? Is my amp designed to handle driving 4 ohm speakers at high volume?
trapezoid

Showing 3 responses by trapezoid

trapezoid OP
6 posts
 
Thank you both for your help. I'll try the 16 ohm setting and go with it.
trapezoid OP
6 posts
 
Auxetophone - yes, you're right - I do want to baby my amp most of all.
Elizabeth - yes, I must play the music loud enough to make the speakers talk with all their glory.
Thank you both and I'll do it at 16 ohm. And I may also get a smaller, 8 ohm pair of speakers some time!
trapezoid OP
6 posts
 
Yes, you're right. I have tried 16 ohms and not only do I have to turn the volume higher, but the music sounds muffled. At the 4 ohm setting the sound is clearer and louder. I'll just have to leave the speakers at 4 ohm until I eventually get a smaller, more efficient pair of 8 ohm speakers.
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