Kef IQ7 8 ohms or 8.5 ohms?

[SeanMF]

I was looking at getting the Kef iq7 speakers and noticed they were listed at 8 ohms or 8.5 ohms. I have an 8 ohm receiver...would this make a difference either way? If anyone could help me out with clarification on what ohms they are that would be great.

[-DLS-]

Those KEF's are very nice speakers. Your receiver should be fine with them set at 8 ohms.

[SeanMF]

I was price comparing...some said 8 ohms and some said 8.5 ohms....anyone know what they are for sure?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Speakers have a nominal impedance that the company aims for during production - in this case (and in most cases for HT) the speakers are 8 ohms. It is not unusual for them to be off by a half ohm or so.

8.5 is fine for your reciever. The only thing you want to avoid is a speaker that is drastically less than 8 ohms - as in 4 or lower. Those will put too much strain on the amp. Most recievers will be fine with anything 6 ohms and up.

[SeanMF]

Alright....thanks for the information. I am somewhat knowledgeable as most speakers/receivers come across are either 4/6/8 ohms. I wasn't sure whether the 8.5 ohms made a difference or not. Looks like I'll be ordering these speakers this weekend. The paradigm center channel arrives today...you think that center channel will be good enough with the Kef IQ7's? I got it cheap for $25 on ebay.

[ludawg23]

Originally Posted by seanfarley2

Alright....thanks for the information. I am somewhat knowledgeable as most speakers/receivers come across are either 4/6/8 ohms. I wasn't sure whether the 8.5 ohms made a difference or not. Looks like I'll be ordering these speakers this weekend. The paradigm center channel arrives today...you think that center channel will be good enough with the Kef IQ7's? I got it cheap for $25 on ebay.

Many say that the center channel should always match your fronts, making it easy for sound blend.

If you cannot match the center, make sure the tweeters match or you'll find a difference in sound.

[drummerboy_2002]

I don't know exactly how it's calculated, but think of it like an average. The actually resistance of the speaker is variable dependant on the frequency and other factors. 4, 6 and 8 ohms ratings are basically categories, not exact measurements.

[SeanMF]

I'm working on the matching subwoofer to match kef towers. I'm putting off audio tower purchase to pay for towers and sub this week. I'll get matching center at later date. Has to be better than my onkyo speakers (staying as surrounds till I get them sold).

[SeanMF]

Would there be much difference between iq2 center or iq6 center? These would be what I'd consider to match towers. It's for bedroom mind you...just wondering if there would be noticable difference.

[ludawg23]

Originally Posted by seanfarley2

Would there be much difference between iq2 center or iq6 center? These would be what I'd consider to match towers. It's for bedroom mind you...just wondering if there would be noticable difference.

Yes, about $400.

The IQ2 is a 2 way center while the IQ6 is 3.

If it's for your bedroom, I think the IQ2 will be fine. And it's considerably cheaper too.

[SeanMF]

Just ordered Kef IQ7 (2), Kef IQ2 center, and Kef PSW 2500 sub. Excited I am....should be here next week. Lots of pics posted when I'm done.

[Big Daddy]

For better understanding of the topic, please read Impedance and Sensitivity of a Speaker. It has a sticky in this same section.