Can I convert my 4ohm speaker to 8ohms?


The reason I'm asking is because an amplifier I really liked (Atmasphere S30) wants a high impedence speaker. My speaker is a Linn Kieilidh -- 2 mid/bass drivers and a tweeter. How much work does this conversion involve, and will it actually work? -Herman
gerzhanda3b
Yes, but it would be a terrible idea. You can put a big oil bath 4 ohm power resister in series with our speaker but that would be rediculous. Check your speakers impedence curve. The Linns may be nominally 4 ohms but what is their minimum impedence along the frequency curve? Most importantly try the combination. If you don't play your music loud it might be OK. If not you will go into current limiting and things may sound hideous.
minimal is 3.6 Ohms, according to Stereophile. What if I rewire the woofers so that they are in series? Is that difficult?
Gerzhan - Regrettably, it isn't as simple as rewiring your woofers. The crossover/speaker relationship would now be altered. Also, since the tweet/mid driver and crossover figure into the overall impedance, the rewiring of the woofers would have only a small effect on the overall impedance. Difficult to face, but your speakers simply aren't the ideal match for a low power OTL(?). If you love the amp, try a speaker with an easier load impedance and higher sensitivity or go to larger OTL amplifier. If you love the speakers, go to a larger amplifer of the same topology or go to a more impedance forgiving, transformer coupled tube amp. Check out a high power SET (20wpc+)amp, but the sensitivity issue may still be a problem for you. Goodluck.
Keis is right - universal truths are rare in this field. Try them together and see what it sounds like. I run my 4 ohm speakers from the 8 ohm tap of my tube amps and the result is better than any other amp I have tried. And what is really important is I have learnt not to care that the spec's say it shouldn't be so.