If 4 is good, is 8 too many?

[getuhgrip]

The back of the amp says "max load 4 ohms".
Does this mean 8ohms will over load it and burn it up?

The things you forget over the years.

 

[EZP]

Tube or Solid?

Depends. Is it a Tube amp or a Transistor amp?

Usualy a Tube amp should't be over loaded (too high Impedance at the output) and a Transistor amp shouldn't be under loaded (too low Impedance at the output).
If I recall correctly.

EZP

 

[sonusman]

Don't ever worry about a higher ohm load. Those ratings mean "down to", not "no more than". You actually never want to have LESS of an ohm load than what it is rated for. That is what will fry your amp.

Ed

 

[getuhgrip]

So running 8ohm speakers with this little Samson solid state amp won't hurt the amp? Not very loud, but I don't have monitors yet.
Thanks guys.

 

[sonusman]

Nope, not gonna hurt it a bit!

Ed

 

[Lopp]

Right. The lower the impedance of a speaker, the more you are loading an amp.

Of course, the amp will be louder driving a 4 ohm load than an 8 ohm load.

 

[getuhgrip]

The Plot thickens...for me anyaway.

So, I'm shoppin' for monitors and I notice some are 4, some are 8. Low and behold, the ones I was about to grab (either tannoy or yorkville) are 6!!!!!!
What gives?!

Ok, a few more questions.
1. Why would the manufacturer select an "off-beat" spec of 6 ohms?
2. Why is there a variation in the first place?
3. What physically determines impedence?
4. Is it alterable by the end-user, i.e. can I change the impedence of a speaker?

What's the hot 4 ohm monitor in the $350/pair price range?