Rotel RSX-1055 not rated for 4ohm?

Shell
Shell Posts: 134
edited October 2003 in Electronics
I have been reading on this board that Rotel 1055 would be able to power the LSI series 4ohm rated speakers. After visiting my local high end audio store a picked up a Rotel product catalog. In the catalog they have the rear view of the 1055 and written under the center speaker out is "speaker impedance 8 ohms minimum" Am I missing something? It looks like the 1065 can handle 4ohm speakers.
Post edited by Shell on

Comments

  • gatemplin
    gatemplin Posts: 1,595
    edited September 2003
    It probably can handle 4ohms, Harman Kardan does the same thing. Most high end receivers will be fine with 4 ohms especially if the speakers are set to small, even if the speakers drew too much current, the receiver should go into a protection mode.
    Graham
  • howie777
    howie777 Posts: 357
    edited September 2003
    Just a note here. If you run 4 ohms on a receiver that is only rated to handle 8 ohm you will most likely shorten the life of the amplifier section of the receiver. Electronic parts (resisters, capacitors, transisters) have a thermal life and if you run them above this temperature they will fail before the rated life of the part. So it is best not to run 4 ohm speakers on an 8 ohm receiver. Unless your really sick and want the receiver to die earlier so you are "forced" to upgrade a couple years early :D

    Now, mind you my Marantz 8200 doesn't say it will handle 4 ohm, but it doesn't say it won't either. It only mentions 8 and 6 ohm. This receiver is pushing 4 ohms very well right now and doesn't seem to get too hot but touching the top of the receiver probably is not a good indicator. Looks like I might just need to pick up some amps in the next couple months.... life is good
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,325
    edited September 2003
    The Rotel has no problems running 4 ohm load.1055 or the 1065.High current receivers.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited September 2003
    Shell,

    I have a RSX 1055. I have run LSi 9 and LSi 15 four ohm speakers on it no problem in two channel. Just a slight warm feeling above the heat sink.

    I have even mixed 8 ohm and 4 ohm loads on it before I got my LSi Center (was using CSi245); now I believe my in ceilings are 8 ohms (waiting for LSi in-walls to arrive). No problems whatsover. There was a "popping" problem when changing sources with the stock unit but since upgrading firmware (which you can do for less than $5 if you build your own upgrade cable) the popping has gone away.

    Five year warranty also. You will not be disappointed. I chose to go RSX 1055 / RB 1070 power amp route instead of the RSX 1065. The preamp section of the RSX 1055 is almost identical to the 1066 stand-alone preamp. In fact the noise level difference is undetectable according to some reputable members that I trust over at Club Rotel who have done a side by side comparison.

    But with confidence! This receiver sounds as good as my B&K seperates just slightly more forward sounding than neutral. 100 watts in two channel mode with 135 watts for dynamic peaks.
  • Shell
    Shell Posts: 134
    edited September 2003
    Thanks for the info. I am still a little worried about using the 1055 since it looks like they went out of there way to warn you not to run anything less then 8 ohms.

    pjdami, did you hear polk is coming out with in-wall LSI?
  • pjdami
    pjdami Posts: 1,894
    edited September 2003
    Shell,

    There are numerous Club Polk members here running LSi 4 ohm speakers effortlessly with Rotel. Myself, ezc, polkatese, gshisme (before he sold all his gear), and there are probably others.

    Why not email Rotel at tech support directly and ask them:

    techsupport@rotel.com

    Or you could just trust me;)

    The LSi in-walls and in-ceilings ... yes they are coming soon I hope. I saw them in a product brocheure when I purchased my LSi 15s from my dealer and also members of this forum, ATC, Mx, doro, F1nut, saw and heard them when they visited Polk last month.
  • Shell
    Shell Posts: 134
    edited October 2003
    pjdami, thanks for the link. Here is the reply I got back from Rotel.

    "Dear Jeff,

    Yes, the RSX 1055 will work with speakers having a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. The label is designed to comply with international regulations unrelated to performance.

    Best Regards,

    Tim Wyatt"
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    There are numerous Club Polk members here running LSi 4 ohm speakers effortlessly with Rotel. Myself, ezc, polkatese, gshisme (before he sold all his gear), and there are probably others.

    Guys, you have NO idea how much I miss my system!!!!

    Shell, yes the 1055 will drive the LSi's and smile while doing so.

    Greg
    suds, suds and more suds!
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    howdy, Greg! haven't see you in a while 'round here...good to hear you!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Polkatese,

    Thanks. Been busy as hell. Thought I would take some time to visit. Looking around for a used 1055 as I really miss the Rotels and can't afford to buy new..let alone seperates. Thinking a used 1055 would be my best bet. Hope Shell put any doubts about the 1055 in the garbage.

    Greg

    Shell sorry, didn't mean to hyjack.
    suds, suds and more suds!
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Polk, Thanks. I saw that link from your post in the flea market forum. Damn good deal but on my budget right now hoping to find something used for a little bit less. Dunno though..seems like a real sweet deal. hmmmmmm

    Greg
    suds, suds and more suds!
  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited October 2003
    greg, at $966 NIB from autho. dealer, MSRP at $1299, we are looking at about 35% discount. I dunno what's the used market for 1055 out there, but I would imagine still pretty high since I noticed none for sale on audiogon....hmmm alright ;)
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
  • gshisme
    gshisme Posts: 1,038
    edited October 2003
    Polk,

    Agreed

    Oh boy..here we go again..The bug is biting real hard right now. Now if only I could find some used 15s........UHG!!!
    suds, suds and more suds!