Tube Amps, Magnapans and Impedance


I have tubed monoblocks running in class A with the output transformers rated at 8 ohms. They are driving Magnapan 3.7s which are rated at 4 ohms. Before I bought them I called Magnapan to get the frequency curve for their speakers. The engineer advised me that they are nominally rated at 4 ohms, the lowest load they present at their lowest frequency, but the frequency curve was essentially flat at 6-8 ohms throughout the audible range. The curve he faxed was satisfactory and I have been running them this way since new.

The reason for this thread is: A friend brought over his friend for a visit and listen. When the subject of tubes and planars arose and the impedance ’mismatch’ was discussed, he stated I was missing out by not having a 4 ohm amp. I tried to alleviate his concern with the above to no avail. I stipulated that it is good electrical practice to match the load to the amp but in my case a 6-8 ohm load across the band with tubed monoblock running in class A at 8 ohms was not significantly audible if at all to justify altering the transformers. I just didn’t bother after listening.

My question to my fellow audiophiles, particularly those who have tubed amps running at 8 ohms into loads between 6-8 ohms - Magnapans being the best - what are your thoughts on the subject?

In my experience it would take a speaker with a 4 ohm rating in the midrange where the music lives to really affect the performance with an anemic amp. Anemic bass and washed out mids are sure signs of an amp struggling with its load - which I do not have. My Magnapans sing from the very bottom of their range to the top. The human voice is especially seductive.

I think he had a case of ’wish I had a system like this’ blues. I think there is a term for that. Thoughts are appreciated.
keesue

Showing 4 responses by secretguy

Frogman knows of what he speaks. The Maggie's need for ridiculous power is a way overblown item that keeps being repeated. The high end dealer here demos 3.7s with a Rogue Cronus Magnum. I run 1.6s with the same amp. Even after having used an amp that pumps over 300 watts, there is nothing missing with the "low" powered amp.

 

PS...looks like the "not a robot" deal just got even more annoying.


That might be true but Magnepan will not share much information so many have found the answers on their own.

I guess that explains why there is SO much nonsense online about them.

I run a Rogue integrated with 1.6s with no issues. I think they are on the 8 ohm tap. I never even bothered checking because it sounds great.
Gotta love a forum where someone knows more than the people who build Maggies. oops..is that contentious?