I'd really like to upgrade every speaker in my system to 8 ohm Axioms but the VP150 fits my center channel requirements best.
My current setup has a 6 ohm speaker running off an 8 ohm setting with no ill effects, at least none I'm aware of.
Will I wreck the VP150 if I connect it at 8 ohms?
Does the sound quality suffer?
You will be just fine. Johnk will be along shortly with the full explanation.
BRW, welcome. The first point is that you're paying too much attention to speaker impedance ratings. Speakers vary widely in their impedance as they play various frequencies; often the rated impedance is approached less than half the time.
Specifically as to the impedance setting on the receiver, the higher default setting, which may be labeled as 8 Ohms or 6 Ohms, should always be left in effect, regardless of the rated impedance of the speakers. Changing the setting to the lower impedance number is specified in manuals because of safety requirements of the UL(Underwriters Laboratories)relating to overheating(of the receiver)with low impedance loads. It does this by reducing the voltage output of the receiver's power supply section, which following Ohm's Law results in a reduction in current and power. Tests have shown that the maximum power capability is cut roughly in half at the lower impedance setting.
So, the maximum capability of the receiver is available at the default higher impedance setting, and the speakers would be in greater danger of being damaged by receiver clipping because of less clean power being available at the lower setting, which in no way can improve the sound of the speaker.
Never change the 8 ohm setting.
If anyone's still reading this thread, maybe they could comment on using the VP 180 with the receiver at 8 ohm.It would likely be the only speaker not 8 ohm if we go ahead with it.
It seems this has been beat to death but it would be a shame to ruin either the receiver and or the speaker.
JohnK?
It'll be fine. Remember that the 4 ohm/8 ohm switch actually limits current which could result in damage to the speaker (when set to 4 ohms). Always leave the switch on 8 ohms.
It may have been "beat to death", but apparently the point still isn't clear: to get the clean maximum power for which the receiver was designed, it's necessary to use the full capacity of its power supply section, not cripple it by limiting the voltage output.
Sorry John, I couldn't help myself.
If only forum search buttons were not so frustrating to use. I hate saying "Please use the Search button." because I know I have trouble getting decent results myself.
But haven't you asked this question at least once before, brwsaw?
Re:Murph-What is Gossamer
I'll be going M80's with VP180 and I want to be sure that they won't be ruined.
Small room+small sweet spot+ best L/C/R I can afford should =happy days.
I should say I want to go with these but I don't believe its a great idea with this reciever.
I may have missed this but what receiver do you have?
