Impedance & Sensitivity of a Speaker, & Damping Factor

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

Tell me boys,because i really don't know.What this means to you with my reciever

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/r...-configuration

First of all, the review is about Yamaha 2700. Your receiver is 3800. Does the power drop when you set the impedance to 6 ohm? I don't know as I have no experience with Yamha's new AV receivers. It is best to call Yamaha and ask them.

Setting your receiver to 8 ohm when you are using 4 ohm or 6 ohm speakers may not be such a great idea. Even the article in the link mentions that you need to allow for a lot of ventilation. Let us assume that the article is correct and the power drops when you set the impedance to 6 ohms. You have to play it extremely loud for it to start clipping. Unfortunately, I can't get any detailed information from Yamaha's web site.

[ozzman]

Thanks BigDaddy I actually found it on a 3800 forum and someone put that thread up .

The forum is on the Yamaha 1800 and 3800 .
Every time someone talks about useing 6ohm speakers or 4 ohms speaker members always go back to this review on the 2700

It's the model previously before the 3800 came out .The 2700 specs are close to the 3800 with the 3800 having more features.
The review was done in 2007.8 months later the 3800 came out

I posted it because iam someone that likes to ask questions and get all the facts that i can about my equipment.


Knowledge is power and i think iam lacking in both

Your still the man in my book Brother.
I have it set still at 6ohms until i can find solid proof from Yamaha about the 3800 .

Remember this gentleman said to leave it at 8ohms even when you are using 4omhs speakers ?
That leaves a bad taste in my mouth !

If you find anything (Facts) about the 3800 and ohms that you think i should know or would help me please get back to me ,i would appreciate it .
But for now it stays where it is.

Your friend Ozzman

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

Thanks BigDaddy I actually found it on a 3800 forum and someone put that thread up .
The forum is on the Yamaha 1800 and 3800 .
Every time someone talks about useing 6ohm speakers or 4 ohms speaker members always go back to this review on the 2700
It's the model previously before the 3800 came out .The 2700 specs are close to the 3800 with the 3800 having more features.
The review was done in 2007.8 months later the 3800 came out
I posted it because iam someone that likes to ask questions and get all the facts that i can about my equipment.
Knowledge is power and i think iam lacking in both
Your still the man in my book Brother.
I have it set still at 6ohms until i can find solid proof from Yamaha about the 3800 .
Remember this gentleman said to leave it at 8ohms even when you are using 4omhs speakers ?
That leaves a bad taste in my mouth !
If you find anything (Facts) about the 3800 and ohms that you think i should know or would help me please get back to me ,i would appreciate it .
But for now it stays where it is.
Your friend Ozzman

I don't really care what Audioholic says. I go by what the manufacturer recommends. In case, something goes wrong, Yamaha is responsible. If you don't follow their instructions, they will blame you if something goes wrong.

FAQ page of Yamaha Web site.
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/faq/faqdet...2&CTID=5009135
Can I use 4 ohm speakers on my Yamaha AV receiver?
Yes, many Yamaha AV receivers are stable down to, but not below 4 ohms. We recommend that you use only speakers with a minimum of 4 ohms. Also, please make sure that the impedance selector switch is set to the correct position as recommended by the owner's manual.

Page 15, Manual:
http://www.yamaha.ca/av/PDFs/Receive...800_Manual.pdf
If you are to use 6-ohm speakers, be sure to set “SPEAKER IMP.” to “6ΩMIN” before using this unit (see
page 33). You can also use 4-ohm speakers as the front speakers (see page 122).

Page 33 of the Manual has detailed instructions on how to change the impedance:
http://www.yamaha.ca/av/PDFs/Receive...800_Manual.pdf
Caution
If you are to use 6-ohm speakers, set “SPEAKER IMP.” to “6ΩMIN” as follows BEFORE using this unit. You can also use 4-ohm speakers as the front speakers.

Page 122, Manual:
http://www.yamaha.ca/av/PDFs/Receive...800_Manual.pdf
Speaker impedance SPEAKER IMP.
Use this feature to set the speaker impedance of this unit so that it matches that of your speakers.
Choices: 8ΩMIN, 6ΩMIN
• Select “8ΩMIN” to set the speaker impedance to 8 Ω.
• Select “6ΩMIN” to set the speaker impedance to 6 Ω.

8Ω Setting
Front
The impedance of each speaker must be 8 Ω or higher.
Center, Surround, Surround Back
The impedance of each speaker must be 8 Ω or higher.

6Ω Setting
Front
The impedance of each speaker must be 4 Ω or higher.
Center, Surround, Surround Back
The impedance of each speaker must be 6 Ω or higher.

[ozzman]

That is a valid point.The manual is always the bible (and i know that).

Misinformation goes around a lot on the net.
I can't see why Yamaha would give bad information on there units.It just doesn't make sense?

Like i said i never noticed any lack of power ,sound,anything.It still sounds the same to me at 6ohms setting?

Thanks for all your effords and down the road i belive my receiver will thank you as well

[ozzman]

I have another question maybe someone can enlighten me.This is a really stupid question or a smart one (iam think stupid) but here it goes

My front mirage speakers are
6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum

Here's my question are every 8ohm nominal speaker,6 ohm minimun .
Or does it not work that way?
I hope this isn't a silly question

(you have to admit Bigdaddy iam really working your sticky)

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by ozzman

I have another question maybe someone can enlighten me.This is a really stupid question or a smart one (iam think stupid) but here it goes

My front mirage speakers are
6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum

Here's my question are every 8ohm nominal speaker,6 ohm minimun .
Or does it not work that way?
I hope this isn't a silly question

No, every speaker is different. In fact, two identical speakers from the same manufacturer may have slightly different results.

(you have to admit Bigdaddy iam really working your sticky)

If I received 5 cents for ever question you asked, I would be a rich man. Maybe, I'll be able to afford a pair of PSB Synchrony speakers for my bedroom.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

If I received 5 cents for ever question you asked, I would be a rich man. Maybe, I'll be able to afford a pair of PSB Synchrony speakers for my bedroom.

I tried the Synchrony 2s, and I was thoroughly unimpressed. Even compared to the Reference 3a Veena, they sounded awful. They got a good review in TAS a year or two ago, but if the pair I borrowed was representative, I have no idea why!

[ozzman]

Checks in the mail LOL,But you might have to wait till iam finished with my system,How old are you

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by richteer

I tried the Synchrony 2s, and I was thoroughly unimpressed. Even compared to the Reference 3a Veena, they sounded awful. They got a good review in TAS a year or two ago, but if the pair I borrowed was representative, I have no idea why!

Actually, I really want the PSB Platinum T8. The list price is $7,000 and this Southern California dealer is selling them for $3,799.
https://dmc-electronics.com/Default.htm

[demazi]

OK people i just got my Rb-1080 and my Dali concept 10's on the way do i set my receiver as 6 ohm(rx-v663)? or do i leave as 8 ohm i will be adding concept center and concept 6(this are both 8 ohm) shortly after my 10's?

thanks in advance

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by demazi

OK people i just got my Rb-1080 and my Dali concept 10's on the way do i set my receiver as 6 ohm(rx-v663)? or do i leave as 8 ohm i will be adding concept center and concept 6(this are both 8 ohm) shortly after my 10's?

thanks in advance

If the Dali speakers are rated 4 Ohms, then set the receiver to 6 Ohm. However, I encourage you to consult the manual of the receiver. Each receiver is different and there are no general rules.

[noisuf]

Hi Big Daddy,

I have the same receiver as Ozzman.

I changed the speaker impedance setting to 6 ohms from 8 ohms as my fronts and center are rated at 6 ohms and my surrounds are rated at 8 ohms.

I did a comparison in volume before and after using a SPL meter and notice that there is no difference. Is this what you would expect? I would have thought that there would be a slight change due to speaker impedance setting change?

Cheers.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by noisuf

Hi Big Daddy,

I have the same receiver as Ozzman.

I changed the speaker impedance setting to 6 ohms from 8 ohms as my fronts and center are rated at 6 ohms and my surrounds are rated at 8 ohms.

I did a comparison in volume before and after using a SPL meter and notice that there is no difference. Is this what you would expect? I would have thought that there would be a slight change due to speaker impedance setting change?

Cheers.

Yes, it is not surprising that the SPL did not change. By setting the receiver to 6 ohm, you are protecting the receiver from possible damage from over-heating. You are not increasing the volume.

[noisuf]

Thanks Big Daddy, I was dreading having to re-calibrate again. No need to now.

[GoodToGo]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Yes, it is not surprising that the SPL did not change. By setting the receiver to 6 ohm, you are protecting the receiver from possible damage from over-heating. You are not increasing the volume.

Shouldn't the receiver automatically change the current it sends out if you change the impedance?

BTW very informative article If you could explain distortion factor, that would be awesome

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by GoodToGo

Shouldn't the receiver automatically change the current it sends out if you change the impedance?

BTW very informative article If you could explain distortion factor, that would be awesome

If you just change the impedance setting on the receiver from 8 ohms to 6 ohms without changing speakers, I believe the receiver only controls its own behavior so that to protect itself. I am sure each receiver is different and it all depends on the manufacturing company.

As soon as I get some time, I will deal with distortion factor. I need to eat, sleep, and have fun every once in a while.

[gamer2600]

I first wanted to say that all this information is great stuff. I just had a quick question about my setup and headroom/volume.

I have the Denon 2309CI receiver and it has a rating of 6 Ohms - 16 Ohms recommended...I believe. I have a Aperion Audio 5.1 setup. I find myself having to "crank", or so it seems, (around -15 to -20 db) to get decent volume. Is that more a product of the speaker sensitivity or the ohm setting? The front channels are 6 ohm speakers, center is 6 ohms and the surrounds are 8 ohms and they all have a sensitivity rating of 84 dB except for the center speaker it has 86 dB.

I have all speakers crossover at 80 Hz even the sub and they are set to small. I was just wondering were is the headroom? Like I said it normally depends on the source but I am normally in that -15 to -20 dB range.

Thanks

[gamer2600]

Originally Posted by gamer2600

I first wanted to say that all this information is great stuff. I just had a quick question about my setup and headroom/volume.

I have the Denon 2309CI receiver and it has a rating of 6 Ohms - 16 Ohms recommended...I believe. I have a Aperion Audio 5.1 setup. I find myself having to "crank", or so it seems, (around -15 to -20 db) to get decent volume. Is that more a product of the speaker sensitivity or the ohm setting? The front channels are 6 ohm speakers, center is 6 ohms and the surrounds are 8 ohms and they all have a sensitivity rating of 84 dB except for the center speaker it has 86 dB.

I have all speakers crossover at 80 Hz even the sub and they are set to small. I was just wondering were is the headroom? Like I said it normally depends on the source but I am normally in that -15 to -20 dB range.

Thanks

Just a quick addition...would it matter if all the speakers were the same Ohms...volume/headroom wise?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by gamer2600

I first wanted to say that all this information is great stuff. I just had a quick question about my setup and headroom/volume.

I have the Denon 2309CI receiver and it has a rating of 6 Ohms - 16 Ohms recommended...I believe. I have a Aperion Audio 5.1 setup. I find myself having to "crank", or so it seems, (around -15 to -20 db) to get decent volume. Is that more a product of the speaker sensitivity or the ohm setting? The front channels are 6 ohm speakers, center is 6 ohms and the surrounds are 8 ohms and they all have a sensitivity rating of 84 dB except for the center speaker it has 86 dB.

I have all speakers crossover at 80 Hz even the sub and they are set to small. I was just wondering were is the headroom? Like I said it normally depends on the source but I am normally in that -15 to -20 dB range.

Thanks

I don't see any problems. Your speakers have low sensitivity. That has more to do with volume. Just turn the volume up to a level that is comfortable without blowing your ears or your speakers.

If some of the speakers are 6 ohm and your receiver has an option to change impedance, make sure to set the receiver's option to 6 ohm.

[Jmobie]

Wow. This is a great and informative thread. I just purchased the Yamaha RX-V663, and already have two fronts with 6 ohms and the three other channels are 8 ohms. It looks like my min impedance setting would need to be 6 ohms.

Thanks for all the great posts.