even though the amp says 4 ohm on the back and the user manual sates its 4 ohm capable? I have it hooked up to some old sony's that are 8 ohm. In my past experience going from an 8 ohm speaker to a 4 ohm speaker (with a capable amp of course) it was a huge difference in sound and punch. so I assume the amp was putting out more power at 4 ohm or am I wrong? maybe i just had crappy 8 ohm speakers? they were from the same make and same size, just different ohms. sorry for my ignorance I'm not very savvy when it comes to electronics.
Probably both, but only one actually effects the sound. Usually amps put out more wattage at 4 ohms, but unless you're really cranking it, it won't make much difference in sound quality (again, a strained amp can make things sound bad but that doesn't seem to be the case in your past experience - so there should have been no difference in sound quality coming out of the amp). Really it was just that your 4 ohm speakers sounded better than the 8 ohm speakers.
Same make, size and nominal impedance does not tell the whole story. Even if the drivers were the same size, they are not necessarily the same drivers. Different sensitivity, crossover design, crossover points...tons of variables.
In any case you're basing your judgement on a single side by side test between two speakers. Sensitivity (db per watt of input) is not even consistently correlated with impedance rating amongst all speakers. For example, the mighty AR9 is a 4 ohm speaker capable of ear shattering output, but with an input sensitivity of 87 db/1W/1m. Requires massive 4-ohm capable amps. In contrast, the Klipschorn, an equally thunder-capable 8 ohm speaker, has a sensitivity of 104 db/1w/1m and is happy with a small amp. Granted these are the extremes - few home speakers go beyond these limits or even equal them. Most are in the 90s. But the point is, output and how you like the sound is related to other factors besides the impedance. Which is great for you: now you can expand your search pool.
so now I think I'm gonna look for a far better amp. I have started looking around but its kinda over whelming. guess we shall see. thanks again for all the input and information. if anyone wants to chime in on what they think would be a good pick or what they might be running please do.
OP has a receiver already.
wow, first off I can't say how much I appreciate all he input and info from ya'll. 2nd the speaker search has ended and I picked up a set of Klipsch Reference Series RF-3 II floorstanding speakers for 175.00 in what seem to be pristine condition and All I can say is WOW they just sound freaking awesome but now has left me wanting to put way more power to them
