Marantz 2270 with 8 and 4 ohm Speakers

[MFGuy]

This is probably more of a general question than one specifically for my Marantz. Is it OK, or safe, for 4 ohm speakers (double OLA) and 8 ohm speakers to be on at the same time...speakers A at 4 ohm + speakers B at 8 ohm?

 

[Denten]

If you are running 4 ohm speakers, you can ONLY run one set at a time.
If you are running 8 ohm speakers, you can run two sets at the same time.
I would stick to just one pair of 8 ohm speakers because it will be much easier for the old girl to drive and it will run cooler.

 

[onemug]

This is probably more of a general question than one specifically for my Marantz.

It's a good "general" question and a "great" one for your specific Marantz. Denten gave you great advice.

 

[MFGuy]

Thanks for the information. I've often been temped to play all three speaker pairs (two pairs doubled up on A and also 8 ohms on B) but always hesitated. Even running 4 ohms, the receiver never gets too hot (I've never upped the volume past 11:30). So, another side question - if it's not running too hot, can damage still occur? There is a correlation between heat and fried components but there must be other means that result in a toasted amp. Am I off base?

 

[Bert 1100]

if it's not running too hot, can damage still occur?

I think yes. Not worth to try...
8 Ohm in parallel with 4 Ohm = equivalent of 2.6666 Ohm. Too low an impedance for an "normal" amp / receiver

this is a good read : http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/why-4-ohm-loads-stress-your-amplifier.60386/

 

[Steven Tate]

You might want to study this thread (sticky in the Solid State forum) about why 4 ohm speakers stress your amp.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/why-4-ohm-loads-stress-your-amplifier.60386/

 

[MFGuy]

Thank you all. 4 ohms hurts, 2.666... would be a killer. Thanks for the advise. Good to know that I had some common sense not to push that button.

 

[RD Airlines]

I am in the same dilemma. I have a 2270 and currently switch between JBL L100s (8 ohm) and JBL 530s (6 ohm), depending on my mood. I never run them at the same time. I completely disconnect the speaker wires from the 2270 rather than to rely on the speaker selector (main - remote) when switching. I'd like to just leave the speaker wires connected and use the speaker selector. However, I am afraid of damaging the 2270 if by mistake I leave both speakers on for a second. Thanks for your help!

 

[rBuckner]

@RD Airlines When switching speakers on and off it's best to be at zero or low volume so as not to arc the switches. Unless you're really loud a brief time on for the two types of speakers isn't likely to hurt anything.

 

[MFGuy]

I use a separate unit (Niles SCV-4, old world) to switch speakers since I have 4 sets. I don't know if it matters much but it's versatile. A lot of these are on e b.