integra 80.1

A preamp/processor normally doesn't have a impedance (ohm)selector for speakers.It does most likely have a crossover for small,or large,or frequency to cutoff bass to the speakers. Your power amp may.If your power amp does,it would most likely have a switch on the back of it (power amp).The power amp should say how many ohms it handles on the back of it too.

thanks,

i am using a jbl synthesis amp. there is no switch on the back of the amp. my m&k speakers are 4 ohm. my old onkyo receiver allowed me to select 4 ohms.

if my amp runs in 8 ohms, will this be harmful for my 4 ohm speakers.

thanks

Nineballg

yep.. you can quit looking for that setting now that your new proc is in the mix..

JBL amp, huh? Is the power output of the JBL amp similar to that of the Onkyo? Compare the 4 ohm ratings for each amp & receiver? if so you should be fine.

Most stand alone amps DO NOT have switches for impedance. Some do have taps to optimize impedance matching between the amp and the speakers. Such as 2, 4, or 8 ohms. Some might not.

Amp to speaker matching is important and about the time someone gets into going with separate pieces, as you have done, is when the dealership, or buyer should be ‘in the know’ as to what amp can accommodate what speakers properly enough in terms of at least the power requirements of and for each.

The Switch or setting as was said above are like training wheels for the plug and play novice. Loads of amp makers offer no such flexibility. Therefore it’s important to check for yourself what the maker of your speakers says are proper power ranges they’ll operate in/with, and as well, what amounts of power and at what impeadance the amp makers amps will output.

Many amps will double their power ratings when applied to a halved impeadance. EX 100 wpc @ 8 ohms… could equate to 200wpc @ 4 ohms.

Such is not always the case however so you must ask, read or inquire for yourself and the safety of your equipment.

Most every amp has it’s output rated at an 8 ohm standard. I’d venture a guess here, that IF your JBL amp is identical or betters your former receiver in the 8 ohm range, the JBL will do just fine. The primary issue with amps and speakers is an under powered condition…. And not an overpowered one.

Lastly, once all is connected, and the volume is set to it’s lowest settings… off… and slowly raised, you’ll get a very good idea right there as to how well matched you are… though not precisely… just an idea. Barely cracking open the volume and getting exceptionally loud sounds says you’ve more than enough power for the speakers. Having to go way on up on the volume knob to perhaps near it’s limits says the opposite…. Usually. If all is connected & setup rightly.

thanks blindjim,

i was always using separates, the onkyo receiver was only used as a pre amp tho. this allowed me to select 4 ohms in tbe onkyo and run my jbl amp @190 wpc in 4 ohm.

now, with the exception of the new processor, all the components/speakers are the same. the only difference is that the amp must now run @ 125 wpc in 8 ohms ( no ohm switch in 80.1.)

my concern is the unmatched ohm rating my 4 ohm rated m&k s125 speakers which are now being fed power from the 8 ohm rating.
i think the 8 ohm 125 wpc will be enough but i just wanted to double check if the mismatched ohm ratings are a problem.

sorry if i seem a bit confused, im not an experienced audiophile.

thanks so much for your help