The 4 ohm tap on your Audio Research amp is not exactly 4 ohms. In fact it is closer to 6 ohms. So, it is recommended to use the 4 ohm tap. However, you should still try both and decide for yourself which one you prefer.
Which speaker post to use: 4 ohm or 8 ohm?
OK, this is hardly an emergency, but I have an ARC VSi60 intergated amp connnected to Green Mountian Audio Continuum speakers and I'm not sure which of the amp's speaker posts to use. It has 4-ohm and 8-ohm available. The speaker's designeer told me the speakers were 6-ohm virtually across the spectrum. Right in the middle.
I know John Atkinson's measurement column in the Stereophile review of the VSi60 stated that the speaker impedance should be higher than the terminal, implying I should use the 4-ohm terminals. But I've tried it both ways and I'm not sure I hear any difference. So I guess it doesn't matter.
But i would like to hear your thoughts on the subject!
I know John Atkinson's measurement column in the Stereophile review of the VSi60 stated that the speaker impedance should be higher than the terminal, implying I should use the 4-ohm terminals. But I've tried it both ways and I'm not sure I hear any difference. So I guess it doesn't matter.
But i would like to hear your thoughts on the subject!
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I think the Green Mountian Audio Continuum speakers are easy to drive so the difference is not so apparent but I would try one setting for a few weeks (at least) and then try the other (if you have not done so already). sorry for my earlier post OP I did not read your post completely... It seems to me either 4 or 8 OHM uses more windings on the power supply so the quality of the sound should be higher even if tone is similar? |
Atkinson is right, and while you will lose some power with the 4ohm tap, it should be more linear and lower distortion, and a lighter load on the output tube, so longer tube life. That is the theory anyway, if you can't hear the difference, I would stick with the 4ohm, Atkinson is pretty well informed.... |
Hi Achilles Check out this thread for some thoughts. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1316326157&read |
