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Speaker impedance. How close should actual load be?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 2:36 pm
by Newbietube
Hi, I have the opportunity of buying a 6x10 speaker cab which is wired series parallel to realise 5.3ohm. I want to use it with a 200watt valve amp which has 4, 8, and 16 ohm output taps. I know speaker impedance is not absolute and varies with frequency but which output would be best to use?
I'm kinda,leaning towards 4ohm.
Cheers Just

Re: Speaker impedance. How close should actual load be?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 4:18 pm
by Geek
Hi,

The rule-of-thumb is push-pull (esp. pentodes), load heavy... single-ended, load light.

Use either 4 or 8, but try 8 first for a sonic test.

Re: Speaker impedance. How close should actual load be?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:33 am
by johnf
So, does that mean with SET amp like GetSetGo I should use 8 ohm tap with 6 Ohm speakers, The impedance curve of my speakers is 3.5R to 8R across audio range with 4.5R around 800Hz range. The designer recommends 4R tap so any view on this welcome.
Regards
J

Re: Speaker impedance. How close should actual load be?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:07 am
by Geek
My opinion is try both, see which you like.

Loading light will do better for THD, but worse for power.

Cheers!