Audio Question: Receiver Power vs. Speaker Impedance

[huesmann]

So I axed this question on AVS forums but didn't get a satisfactory answer.

Suppose you have two receivers. A is rated 100W into 8-ohm speakers, B is rated 100W into 6-ohm speakers. If you switch the two, and use A to drive 6-ohm speakers and B to drive 8-ohm speakers, which will sound louder at max power? Assume power ratings are calculated in an equivalent manner for both receivers.

Anyone know the answer?

 

[thomsbrain]

A will sound louder.

 

[NL5]

First off, some recievers will not like running at a lower impedence, but 8-6 ohm probably ok. If a reciever is rated at 100 watts at 8 ohms, it will out perform one rated at 100 watts at 6 ohms - in general....wattage ratings are often skewed. Also is it 100 watts from 20-20 or 1oo watts at 1k?

Basically, there is no way to answer that question positively.

 

[huesmann]

20-20.

As I said, assuming power ratings are computed equivalently for each receiver so no skew.

Thanks.

 

[spidey07]

a will produce more power at 6 ohms. Or at least it should if its capable.

But remember that a 6 ohm speaker's impedance varies all over the place from 3 ohms to 40 all depending on frequency.

At the power ratings your talking about anybody would be hard pressed to tell a difference in volume. Even a measurible difference.

If you want loud then get a separate amplifier that is 200 at 8 ohms, 400 at 4 ohms and 800 at 2 ohms. www.audiogon.com has lots of good used gear. Adcom has always been a great used value. You can pick up a 555 amp for 400 bucks.