8 Vs 4 ohms

Thanks to all for the advice. The speakers are Dali Helican 400's at 4 ohms. I think I will switch to the 4 ohm tap and see what happens. It sounds like that would put less stress on teh amp and perhaps better sound?

Dan

DJK let us know the outcome.

inpepinnovations@aol.com...If the 4 ohm and 8 ohm taps have the same voltage (per your comment) why do we have two taps?

Actually, the 8 ohm tap has twice the windings of the 4 ohm tap, and puts out twice the voltage as Cford noted. So, for a given setting of the volume control, the amp will play louder. But it will clip at lower power because the output tubes are not optimally loaded. This may also increase distortion.

Eldartford, must be my dyslexia! Of course the voltage is twice as high on the 8 ohms as the 4 ohms taps, I reversed voltages with current to speakers or power or something in my mind! My comments about power transfer to unmatched speakers to taps holds, I believe.
Bob P.

I switched to the 4 ohm taps and wow what a difference. It was like a blanket had been removed from the speakers. Much better nearfield and detail.

Rgds,

dan