Would mixing 4ohm and 8ohm speakers hurt anything?

eulogyt00l

I had an LSI 7.1 setup that is 4ohm, but I recently decided to go with some different brand speakers that are 8ohm. I sold off all my LSI's to a friend except my new LSI15's that I have up in the Flea Market Forum, but am not having much luck selling so far. So if I end having to keep them I wouldn't mind but I would like to use them as my 2 rear center channels but I don't know if that would hurt anything because the other speakers are 8ohm.

I also would like to know, if that different brand and ohm mixing would make my system sound funny because of timbre matching...Even though my new B&K 507 is supposed to timbre match automatically.
Any advice is appreciated.

eulogyt00l

I am planning on getting the new Platine Noiree's by Earthquake sound. They just came out in January and have already been highly acclaimed. They are 8ohms though....

Tour2ma

Agree with ATC that the mixing of impedances will not be an issue for your B&K, or any decent amp for that matter.

As for the potential volume differences, that has more to do with the speaker models' relative sensitivity (or efficiency) than their impedance. This can be an issue with dissimilar models of speakers from the same manufacturer.

Even with the B&K you'll need an SPL Meter to balance all 5.1 or 7.1 channels you are going to employ in your HT. If you don't have one, get one from Radio Shack. Their analog meter is ~$35, if I remember right. It, a good test DVD like the Avia, and a sub-sonic test tone download will all optimize your set up.

As for the timbre matching the B&K offers, it has notch-filtering capability up to about 400 Hz, but you need the SPL to set this as well. Can be done by ear, but less precise.

mantis

Personally,
mixing brands I feel you already lost.Not to mention the differnece in dynamic range.

Your system your call.

eulogyt00l

Well, I'm kinda stuck now. I'll just have to make the best of it.
Thanks for all the help guys.

Tour2ma

et (new abbrv 4 u...),

mantis is expressing his opinion, and that's cool, but not necessarily the gospel. As he also says, it's in the ears. So take heart, your mix and match may sound just fine.

Mixing speaker manufacturers for the 5 to 7 HT channels is not the norm, but people do it, including more than a few in the Club, and enjoy the results. Mixing manf’s for the “.1” service, sub’s, is the norm. Back in the electronics end, just about everybody mixes brands. If not amp/ pre-amp separates, then almost certainly when it comes to sources.

I would recommend you try this: set up your system with the B&K flat, with only the volumes balanced and listen. Then see how much notch filtering you have to do to match sound for HT. If you have to do a lot, you may be taking away (or adding) sound characteristics that give a speaker its character, its appeal and that may be a sign you should think about moving in another direction. But again, how does it sound to you?

On the other hand the B&K is versatile enough to add filtering for HT and not add it for 2 ch listening, so you should be able to enjoy your mains as they were meant to be heard, but blend them into your HT.

Anyway, take heart and play and enjoy…