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Mixing 4ohm and 8ohm

I'm upgrading my home theater front speakers, which will be used for 2 channel music as well, after 30 years. My current center and rears are 8ohm but the new fronts I'm looking at are Legacy Classic HD's or Signature SE's which are both 4ohm. (Love the Signature SE's by the way) My current AVR is a older Marantz 7010 which is switchable from 8 or 6 or 4 ohm. So, should I leave my Marantz at 8ohm or switch it to 4ohm? And, is it going damage it, or any AVR, running 2 different ohm speakers in the same system? And even if I were to buy a new AVR, which I will do once my Marantz dies, is mixing ohm's not recommend with an AVR? I have asked several sales associates but none of them seem to know for sure. I do know they suggest buying new 4ohm center and rears, buying different 8ohm fronts, or buying separates to power everything. I need the Audiogon guru's guidance with this issue. Your help and guidance is greatly appreciated. 
Kevin
khowlett
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Try both ways, use the one that sounds least bad. Usually I say best but with a receiver then least bad is more apt. Amp won't care either way so use whichever one you prefer. 

erik_squires
15,928 posts
 
Set it to 4, but you'll get less output.

Consider a modern Anthem MRX 720 as a worthy upgrade which won't have those issues.

I would avoid going with too many channels in any AVR. More channels usually means they are going to be more power limited. Better to get something with 5 to 7 channels of power and outputs for external amps.

Best,

E
khowlett OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for the info. I could go with new 4ohm center and rears but will my current receiver at 4ohms sound like crap? And any suggestions on a pair of 8ohm speakers for around that 6000.00 price range?
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,136 posts
 
the new fronts I’m looking at are Legacy Classic HD’s or Signature SE’s which are both 4ohm. (Love the Signature SE’s by the way)
any suggestions on a pair of 8ohm speakers for around that 6000.00 price range?
OR you can use a stereo power amp or two mono blocks, connect it to the AVR front pre-out to drive the Legacy speakers, let the AVR drive the existing 8 ohm center and surround speakers.
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