Rti A5 Impedance Suggestion

ZackaryJim

My setup consists of RTi A5s in the front, the Csi A4 in center, RTi A1 for surrounds, a TL-1 series center as a back, and an SVS PB10-NSD sub. I know most/all of these are rated at 8 ohms nominal, but impedance has always been a hard topic for me to wrap my head around. I know that impedance varies across the response of the speakers. I'm using a Yamaha RX-A1000 receiver to drive everything which is capable running at 8 or 6 ohms. I can't find specific specs about its power supply, but it's rated at 105 watts 20hz-20khz at 0.08% THD @ 8 ohms minimum RMS per channel. The manual also lists the "dynamic power (IHF)" for the fronts for 8/6/4/2 ohms at 135/165/210/280, respectively.

From what I [think I] understand, an amp with a robust power supply will be rated at exactly double the wattage when you half the impedance. So the Yamaha's rating of 210 @ 4 ohms, isn't bad, but 270 watts would be ideal since that's double the 135 @ 8 ohms.

Anywho, I'm just trying to figure out if it'd be better to run my receiver in the 8 or 6 ohm setting. My question is since the woofers tend to have lower impedances (impedi?), would the 6 ohm setting give better transient, cleaner, bass? Or do I just have no idea what's going on?

jbooker82

The Ohm setting you avr is their to limit the power out put when using lower ohm speakers. That keeps the avr from overheating.

PrazVT

Keep in mind that the minimum rms power ratings are for [Front L/R] or Center or [Surr L/R] or [Surr Back L/R]. In reality, if all speakers are driven, they'll be getting some fraction of that 105w x 2.

Upstatemax

Run your receiver on the 8ohm setting.

As said before, the 6ohm setting just limits the power of the receiver when using harder to drive speakers to prevent overloading the avr.

ZackaryJim

Alright. Thanks everyone!