SMG Magnepan hook-up question

marlap
marlap Posts: 16
edited August 2008 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I've owned a pair of SMG Magnepan speakers since almost forever. I'm just gaining interest in setting up a home theater system and am presently searching for a receiver. I plan on using my SMG Magnepan's as the main speakers. Magnepans are 4 omm speakers for all those who don't know. Every receiver I find only mentions specs for 8 ohm speakers. Is it safe for me to use 4 ohm speakers on these? I plan on using my newly purchased RTi4's as the secondary speakers.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2008
    marlap wrote: »
    I've owned a pair of SMG Magnepan speakers since almost forever. I'm just gaining interest in setting up a home theater system and am presently searching for a receiver. I plan on using my SMG Magnepan's as the main speakers. Magnepans are 4 omm speakers for all those who don't know. Every receiver I find only mentions specs for 8 ohm speakers. Is it safe for me to use 4 ohm speakers on these? I plan on using my newly purchased RTi4's as the secondary speakers.
    Sometimes you can get away with using 4 ohm speakers with a 8 ohm receiver, but due to the Maggie's low efficiency, I wouldn't.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • marlap
    marlap Posts: 16
    edited August 2008
    Face wrote: »
    Sometimes you can get away with using 4 ohm speakers with a 8 ohm receiver, but due to the Maggie's low efficiency, I wouldn't.


    Which brings to mind a question: Does anybody know of a home video receiver that can handle 4 ohm speakers?
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2008
    I would buy a external amp for the Maggies, it would be cheaper than buying a receiver capable of driving them correctly.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Eric W
    Eric W Posts: 556
    edited August 2008
    I'd read this FAQ http://www.magnepan.com/faq :)

    In any case, we get the same question with our LSi series which are 4 ohm. Certain higher current receivers from companies like H/K, Onkyo, Marantz and Denon can drive those speakers, though they will not perform as well as a good quality external amp.

    If you're looking at a 2 channel system, the Outlaw Audio RR2150 offers awesome performance.
    -Eric
    -Polk Audio
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