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Do any amps have 6 ohm taps for 6 ohm impedance?

I'm a newbie, and I don't understand how impedance works. I've just bought a pair of Hyperion 938 speakers that the Hyperion website lists as having a 6 ohms impedance with 3.8 ohms minimum. I'm traveling right now, but I'm pretty sure my amp has 4 ohms taps and 8 ohms taps, maybe even 16 ohms. I'm planning on buying a new solid state amp to drive these speakers, but am I likely to find an amp with 6 ohms taps? Do they exist? And if I don't find one, can I drive these speakers using the 8 ohms taps?

Thanks any help anyone can offer. I know this is a truly ignorant question.

128x128klein_rogge
rrog
1,958 posts
 
It is my understanding the taps are slightly lower impedance than marked by most manufacturers.

VTL and Manley set theirs at 5 or 5.5 ohms I believe.

It's all a matter of taste. Try both taps and see what you prefer. The 8 ohm tap usually sounds warmer.
face
516 posts
 
McIntosh recommends the 4ohm taps for 6ohm speakers.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
with the minimum being 3.8, I'd go with the 4ohm taps....
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
You have a 4ohm loudspeaker, min ohm loads is where you should rate impedance. Thus not a 6 ohm but at 3.8ohm a 4 ohm load.
bryantho
11 posts
 
I drive my Hyperion 938 with Sonic Frontier Power 2. I tried both the 4 ohm and 8 ohm tab, and the differences are not significant. I found 8 ohm is a little bit smoother at mid to high frequencies, but 4 ohm has better bass control. Since 4 ohm could extend the tube life, I use the 4 ohm tab.
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