Amp damping factor?

OK guys, here's the verdict. But first, let me wax a little philosophical. As a lawyer, but not an electronics techie, I am reminded of the axiom that some legal discussions are "multi-dexterous." In other words, on the one hand -- this, but on the other hand -- that, but then again, on another hand -- something else. When you add up the hands, you can have three or more hands -- a clear physical impossibility.

Ok, here's the bottom-line verdict, I spoke with Paradigm about the wisdom of trying the 4 Ohm taps on my ARC VS 115 tube amp. The tech said using the 4 Ohm taps "might" improve the sound, but then again, maybe not.

Well, I tried the 4 Ohm taps. I did not detect any sound improvement -- if anything sonic degredation. I tried the 8 Ohm taps again, and to my untrained ears, the sound improved. Well that's it. Fascinating technical discussion. I wish I knew more about electronics, but I don't. But I do know what sounds good, at least to my untrained ears.

I'll stick to the 8 Ohm taps, but continue to read on to learn more. In summary, I love the sound of my ARC VS 115 amp and Paradigm S8 v2 speakers, using the 8 Ohm taps. Maybe I shouldn't, but ignorance can be bliss. Thanks for the posts. BIF

In summary, I love the sound of my ARC VS 115 amp and Paradigm S8 v2 speakers, using the 8 Ohm taps. Maybe I shouldn't, but ignorance can be bliss.

BIF, thanks for the update. I don't think there is any reason that you "shouldn't" prefer the configuration which sounds best to you. The impedance curve of your speakers seemed to suggest that trying the 4 ohm taps would be a worthwhile experiment, but clearly there are an enormous number of other variables in the system, the room, and your own listening preferences that can overshadow what MIGHT be best in terms of that single variable.

Best regards,
-- Al

An manufacturer that comes to mind that has high stated DF on their amps is Belles.