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Mixing 4ohm and 8ohm

I'm upgrading my home theater front speakers, which will be used for 2 channel music as well, after 30 years. My current center and rears are 8ohm but the new fronts I'm looking at are Legacy Classic HD's or Signature SE's which are both 4ohm. (Love the Signature SE's by the way) My current AVR is a older Marantz 7010 which is switchable from 8 or 6 or 4 ohm. So, should I leave my Marantz at 8ohm or switch it to 4ohm? And, is it going damage it, or any AVR, running 2 different ohm speakers in the same system? And even if I were to buy a new AVR, which I will do once my Marantz dies, is mixing ohm's not recommend with an AVR? I have asked several sales associates but none of them seem to know for sure. I do know they suggest buying new 4ohm center and rears, buying different 8ohm fronts, or buying separates to power everything. I need the Audiogon guru's guidance with this issue. Your help and guidance is greatly appreciated. 
Kevin
khowlett

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,861 posts
 
Set it to 4, but you'll get less output.

Consider a modern Anthem MRX 720 as a worthy upgrade which won't have those issues.

I would avoid going with too many channels in any AVR. More channels usually means they are going to be more power limited. Better to get something with 5 to 7 channels of power and outputs for external amps.

Best,

E
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