You say that the EP500 line-level inputs "don't work", but do you mean that the external input jack is broken?
I don't know what specifically is broken. Back when I bought the EP500, I posted here about the problem, and was told about plugging into the line-level output jack. So I did try that.
The closest approach to your request for comparative results using the lower impedance setting would be in the December S&V test results for the
1008 . Although your 3008 has a bit stronger amplifier section and should handle the M80s with even greater ease when properly set up, the effects of using the 4ohm setting are clearly shown, and would be similar in your case. Note that in one and two channel tests the 4ohm results of 272 and 229 watts were reduced to 65 and 45 watts at the 4 ohm setting.
I don't understand what these tests of clipping have to do with whether the impedance setting causes the receiver to go into protection mode.
