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Author Thread: Which Ohm setting do I use?
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New member
Username: Dantheman1425


USA

Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-08
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I have a Pioneer 56TXi receiver with a 5.1 speaker setup. My Left Center Right speakers are M&K LCR-750THX and my surround speakers are M&K SS550's. I was wondering which setting on the receiver I should use since the front 3 speakers are 4ohms and the 2 rear are 8ohms. My choices are 6-8ohms or 8-16ohms. It appears to work with both without problems, but I don’t want to overload or overheat my receivers’ amp.

Also would I have to calibrate them differently? The rears sound a little loud after I recently used the MCACC. I usually use the test tones in my receiver and my SPL meter and calibrate them to 75db.

Thanks
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Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 12505
Registered: May-04
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.

The switch sets the current limiting for the receiver. You want as much current as the amplifier can turn out, so set the switch to the highest setting. You shouldn't have to do any recalibration.
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New member
Username: Dantheman1425


USA

Post Number: 4
Registered: Apr-08
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So set it for 6-8 rather than 8-16? It says that the lowest should be 6ohms.

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Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 12512
Registered: May-04
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.

Let's try this again.


" ... so set the switch to the highest setting."
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New member
Username: Dantheman1425


USA

Post Number: 5
Registered: Apr-08
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Let's try this again.

6-8 or 8-16
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Silver Member
Username: Shawnharman

Post Number: 194
Registered: Dec-05
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daniel, Jan is trying to tell you to switch it to the 8-16 (the highest setting)
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New member
Username: Dantheman1425


USA

Post Number: 6
Registered: Apr-08
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Ok, thanks.
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Gold Member
Username: Frank_abela

Berkshire
UK

Post Number: 2902
Registered: Sep-04
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No, although this may be difficult to believe, Jan is incorrect. Set the switch to the 6 ohm setting. It's the closest to the speakers' impedance.

Jan was correct in one thing - you want the most curent the amp will deliver. For the most current you need the lowest impedance setting...

Strictly speaking of course, you should not be using 4-ohm speakers with this amplifier. If you experience any problems such as overheating you will need to change either the speakers or the amp.

Also, if the amp suffers catastrophic failure, I believe the failure would not be covered under warranty since you have purposely gone against the manufacturer's instructions.

The best thing to do is to call Pioneer and clarify the issue.

Regards,
Frank.
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Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 12605
Registered: May-04
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.

"Jan was correct in one thing - you want the most curent the amp will deliver. For the most current you need the lowest impedance setting... "


'Splain this please, Frank. I've never owned an amplifier that required current limiting to drive any speaker I've ever owned but I was under the impression the "4-6" (lower setting) is where limiting occured. In a situation where no problems are evident with either setting, I would always opt for the highest possible current delivery. Only when shut down was consistent would I go with limiting current drive and therefore the ability of the amplifier to respond appropriately to the speaker's needs; and then I would move the switch only after trying multiple other solutions.

.
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New member
Username: Dantheman1425


USA

Post Number: 7
Registered: Apr-08
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As somewhat of a newbie, I assumed that if I bought all THX Select speakers there wouldn't be a compatibilty issue with a THX Select AVR, but I was wrong. I've never had any problems with it in the 6-8 setting, and the speakers sound awesome, but then again I've never really touched the AVR to see if it was running hot. I recently was re-calling my system and wanted all my i's dotted and t's crossed so that's why I was wondering which would give me more volume without damage, but I think I may play it safe and use 6-8 so I don't cause any damage. I don't have the budget to get a new AVR, but I didn't see a lot of AVR's that advertise 4ohm use. And I couldn't afford a seperate amp and processor.

Thanks for technical info.
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Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 12607
Registered: May-04
Edit Post

.


Neither setting will give you more "volume".
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