Is Audioholics.com reputable?

[C J T]

Is this site reputable. Should I use it for my research?

Interesting, he says you should ALWAYS have your impedance switch to 8ohms even when running 4-6 ohm speakers. Does his theory make sense? I was always under the impression a lower ohm speaker was better so I searched for a reciever with this switch (a Panny) to run my speakers. This article says switching the impedence cuts power, bass, everything.

Opinions? Thanks

[Tour2ma]

Post a link directly to the article/ thread , if you would...

I've heard the opposite for the Dynaco ST-70's, i.e., always use the 4-ohm speaker terminals, even for 8-ohm loads... but that's a tube amp and whoever you're sighting is likely talking sand amp...

[dcarlson]

Originally posted by Tour2ma
Post a link directly to the article/ thread , if you would...

I've heard the opposite for the Dynaco ST-70's, i.e., always use the 4-ohm speaker terminals, even for 8-ohm loads... but that's a tube amp and whoever you're sighting is likely talking sand amp... Huh? Have you noticed a difference between the 2 taps? Where would a 6ohm speaker fit?

[Tour2ma]

Obviously you can't use 6-ohms with a 70... :D

Would like to see the article first, but in both cases, SS and tubes, the signal path is slightly different for the two impedance options. What I suspect is different is the current available to the speakers...

Making more current available to an 8-ohm speaker should simply increase the liklihood of clipping in a sand amp. Tubes are different beasts though and one should "unleash the beast"...

[dcarlson]

Originally posted by Tour2ma
Obviously you can't use 6-ohms with a 70... :D
Hahaha! :D I'll have to give the 4ohm taps a try in the ST-70. Thanks :)

With a 6ohm speaker it would be best to go 4ohm in case of dips in impedance? I'm just curious because the Totems I'm thinking of getting are 6ohm and was wondering how that should be handled.

[bknauss]

Audioholics is very reputable. Instead of having some consumer try to learn the math and engineering behind products (ie what most magazines do), they are people generally with technical degrees who are also consumers.

That site is basically the only one I go to for the facts and up to date news on the home audio industry.

Also, I have tested a Yahmaha receiver recently where keeping the switch on 8 ohm would yield better results. Someone hypothesized that there is a current limiter once you put the switch on 4/6ohms... and that definitely would make sense from the safety standpoint.

[Tour2ma]

Kinda the opposite of what I was saying, but makes sense as well. It's possible I was remembering the ST-70 info back asswards as well... (it's been known to happen)...

Main thing it says to me is pony up for an amp that doesn't need a "switch"....

[C J T]

When i try to copy and paste the link something screws up...bunch of weird numbers/letters..sorry.

The article is at Audioholics.com under FAQ with receivers. The article says that receiver manufacturers only put a low impedence switch to satisfy UL safety regulations and to cover their *ss. It is saying the switch cuts your power in half and you should always run speakers in 8 ohms.

[Tour2ma]

http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/4-ohmspeakersreceiver.php

The critical passage:
NOTE: Some Receivers have an impedance selector switch. DON'T USE THEM! The manufacturer puts them there for UL approvals as well as easing consumer concerns about driving low impedance loads. These switches step down voltage feed to the power sections which will limit dynamics and overall fidelity. Keep the switch set for 8 ohms regardless of the impedance of your speakers and ensure proper ventilation of the Receiver.

In other words they are current limiting the output...

http://www.elec-toolbox.com/images/ohmlaw.gif
I= E/R is the useful equation... When the impedance (R) is halved going from 8 to 4 ohm, they ask the user to switch in circuitry to halve "E" (voltage potential) preventing overheating via trying to produce too much current.

Now the issue is adequate cooling... UL tends to worry about things like fires... the writer doesn't... at least not to the same degree...

[Zero]

DCarlson,

When driving a 6 ohm Totem speaker, it would be best to set your tube amplifier to 4 ohms. Most Totem speakers are known to dip down to 3.5 quite frequently resulting in them being a bit more difficult to drive than their specs would lead you to believe.

[RuSsMaN]

If you are running bottles, ALWAYS go with the 4ohm tap, regardless of rated speaker impedance.

I'm not going to delve into how the output trannies are wired for the different loads - major tired head.

All that being said, tube amps LOVE resistance.

Cheers,
Rooster

[dcarlson]

I've always used the 8ohm taps. I'll make the switch this weekend.

Thanks for the tip. :)

[Tour2ma]

Oh the joys of Glorious Validation... http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/lachen/laughing-smiley-012.gif

4-ohm was what I remembered, but so many brain cells suffered during the past weekend I was even more unsure the melon was on the beam than usual...