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Which taps?

Hey everyone,

I inherited a Jolida SJ502A tube integrated from my uncle. This is my first ever tube component and I have been enjoying the experience with some speakers I have.

The Jolida has both 4 and 8 ohm taps. I have been using the 4 ohm taps for my Magnepan LRS and the 8 ohm taps for the other speakers rated for 8.

Along with the amp, he gave me a pair of early 1970s 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5As. Which taps should be used for these speakers? I know nothing about tubes and don't want to damage the amp or speakers.

Also, I have Harbeth speakers rated at 6 ohm. Does it matter which taps to use for these?

Thanks!

 

hleeid
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

Along with the amp, he gave me a pair of early 1970s 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5As. Which taps should be used for these speakers? I know nothing about tubes and don't want to damage the amp or speakers.

8 ohm. (It is closer to 15 ohms.)

Also, I have Harbeth speakers rated at 6 ohm. Does it matter which taps to use for these?

I would try both taps, there should not be a lot of difference, but sometimes one has more punch than the other.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,185 posts
 

the tap that sounds best, in this case most likely the higher. Research light loading tho IF you want to understand why 8 = 8 isn't always tge right sonic answer. You won’t hurt the amp.

Congrats on having fantastic gear and a better Uncle !,,

jim

big_greg
6,726 posts
 

Let your ears be the judge.  It won't hurt the amp or your speakers to try both taps.  With both of the tube amps I've owned, I found that I preferred the 4 ohm taps with most speakers I used, regardless of their rating.  Seemed to have more body.

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