Impedence Question

Newfler

I probably should have spotted this before I bought my LSi15s, but I have an Onkyo TX-DS777 receiver. It's rated at 105 W/channel into 8 ohms and 135 W/channel into 6 ohms. There’s a warning in the manual and on the back of the receiver that I had never noticed “Caution speaker impedance 6 ohms/speaker minimum”

Now even at 6 ohms the receiver is only 135 W/channel so I’m assuming that at 4 ohms it’s not going to hit the 200 W/channel that the speakers are rated for. Is that a safe assumption?

I’m thinking my only concern is clipping by the amp, but I really never play it quite that loud. I’ve only gotten over the reference setting on the volume a couple times. The reference setting is 62 and I typically listen to everything between 40 and 56.

Do I have anything to be concerned about and should I start shopping for a new receiver that will work for the 4 ohm speakers, or as long as I’m not playing anything so loud I’m in danger of the amp clipping I should be OK?

madmax

I think you would be ok if you don't pull out more than 135 watts. The problem is that music is so dynamic you may do that before you realize it and toast the amp. Probably safer to get another amp unless you are willing to take some chances.
madmax

Ceruleance

Yeah, I think the long term solution is definitely upgrading, but for now, why don't you keep a fan on it when you listen at volume or for an extended period of time. I blew my receiver up on 8 ohm nominal speakers, go figure..

organ

You should be fine. Just don't turn that dial up too high. Before I got my seperates, I was powering my LSi9 with my Onkyo 575 which is rated at 75w/ch@8ohms. The receiver's amps never clipped even when I was driving them loud. But the best advice I can give you is to get an external amplifier. You won't believe the difference and what your LSi are capable of. If you want to know my impressions of going to seperates from a receiver, check out my NAD review in the 2 channel forum.

Maurice