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4 ohm vs 8 ohm taps

I just had my CJ MV75A1 tube amp rebuilt and the tech put on new binding posts and put the 4 ohm taps on them. I always thought 8 ohms was the most common but I dont know much about this subject. Two two sets of speakers I would use with the amp are either my Vandersteen 2CIs or my Klipsch La Scalas which with the new crossovers are 8 ohms . My other amps are all running the 8 ohm taps right now. I could use enlightening on this whole subject. Carl
solarcarl
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,685 posts
 
Have the tech change the new posts to the 8ohm taps.
rhljazz
1,255 posts
 
My speakers are rated at 8 ohms and drop to 3.5 ohms through a region in the bass. They always sound best from the 8 ohm taps on either of my VAC amps. I think you should stay with the 8 ohm taps.
cford
66 posts
 
Normally the 8 ohm tap would be correct but:
The 8 ohm tap will output 2x the voltage but 1/2 the current as the 4 ohm tap. However speakers impedence is not purely resistive and depending on the impedence vs freq. profile of your speakers, the 4 ohm tap might be better. Try both (as long as you don't listen too loud) to see which sounds best to you.
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