• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

6 Ohm Question

Gingybread

Gingybread

Member
Let me give some background and then give you my question.

I have Pioneer VSX D1S. It has a switch in the back for how much “power”. I don’t know what to call it. Switch is labeled MODE 1 and MODE 2. It’s home theatre receiver, but I just use it for stereo

MODE 1:
Front Channel 130 WPC, Speaker Impedance 8~16 OHM

MODE 2: Front Channel 70 WPC, Speaker Impedance 4~16 OHM

QUESTION:
I would really like to get my hands on a pair of JBL Studio 530. They are 6 OHM. I’ve been told they need power to drive them. So I’m thinking with the Pioneer I’m good to go but they are 6 ohm and I only get the 130 WPC if I have it in mode 1. Is 70 WPC enough? Just don’t want hurt my receiver but I really want these speakers.
 
Register to hide this ad
The audible difference between 70 watts and 130 watts is a little less than 3dB, so noticeable, but only just. However, you'd probably be OK running it in the mode 1 position. Try it at an output level that you're happy with (that is, the loudest you'd normally listen) and while you're doing that, see if the receiver gets abnormally hot (or if the protection circuitry kicks in). If not, you're probably OK running them that way. If not, 70 watts will probably be enough, although that would depend on the size and layout of your room.
 
Thank you for your help. Yea the receiver is know to get super hot even with 8ohm. I’ve been meaning to get my hands on those fan systems you put on top of you HIFI units. My music space is pretty small too. So I’m not always cranking to full force.
 
Well today's AVR's are pretty smart! And I don't know but I'd say if your AVR does not like the load it will simply cut input and won't even try and the front panel will most likely flash "low impedance." Or if it does not do that at first, it will if a low bass note hit's??

I'd just set it in mode two and call it a day myself. :)
 
The impedance switches, on AVR's, are used to cut and limit current output. They're there to protect the receiver from trying to drive too difficult a load. As such, as suggested, test your speakers on the 8~16 Ohm setting, at low levels, to see how well they work? If OK, test at normal levels, and if no issues, you should be fine.
 
StimpyWan said:
The impedance switches, on AVR's, are used to cut and limit current output. They're there to protect the receiver from trying to drive too difficult a load. As such, as suggested, test your speakers on the 8~16 Ohm setting, at low levels, to see how well they work? If OK, test at normal levels, and if no issues, you should be fine.
Click to expand...

This is what I would do, put in mode 1 and keep the volume down Monitor the heat the amp is generating. If it starts running too hot when you start turning the volume up then you know the amp is having difficulty with the speakers. .
 
I get a kick out of the suggestions saying to make sure the unit does not get "too" hot. How would one know what is "too" hot? The engineers that built the receiver were most like likely pretty smart and they put those instructions on the back for a reason.
 
Bodyblue said:
I get a kick out of the suggestions saying to make sure the unit does not get "too" hot. How would one know what is "too" hot? The engineers that built the receiver were most like likely pretty smart and they put those instructions on the back for a reason.
Click to expand...
The engineers need to consider every eventuality, including running it at full power for an extended period of time. If the OP is using it at more reasonable levels it may not be an issue.
 
swechsler said:
The engineers need to consider every eventuality, including running it at full power for an extended period of time. If the OP is using it at more reasonable levels it may not be an issue.
Click to expand...

"May" is the key word. I just will not advise somebody to do something that the manufacturer says not to do.
 
Well, the OP did state that he was planning on running the system 2-channel. That will ease demands on the receiver. So, that should help to provide a bit more reserve current capability, since the multichannel AVR will be run in stereo.
 
I do not usually care much about impedance, watts, power. In the end, I experiment with care and... learn.
This AVR couldn't blow up with a 6 ohms load me think.
Use your judgement on the AVR pairing with the JBL.
Maybe, if budget permits, get a 2.1 amplifier with no damn power limiting switch.

Sansui (AU ), Sony ( STR ) and Kenwood ( KR ) come to mind.... in bonus, you'll get a loudness switch... those are awesome !
 
Last edited:
Bodyblue said:
I get a kick out of the suggestions saying to make sure the unit does not get "too" hot. How would one know what is "too" hot? The engineers that built the receiver were most like likely pretty smart and they put those instructions on the back for a reason.
Click to expand...
Maybe with measurements? A K type thermocouple or a non contact infrared tempomomterizer come in handy all the time for me.

I am not not fond of case temps exceeding 130f.

There is, IIRC some boards buried in there down low, that run pretty hot.

Check the quiescent current and dc offset if it hasn't been done recently.

Stuff one in a cabinet and watch the life expectancy ebb.
 
Howdy, thank you everyone for your input and help. Since I know they are no longer available on the JBL website I knew I was going to have to resort to eBay. BUT I found this info about them on the JBL website. Since it says 25-125 watts amplifier power suggested for them, I should be good in mode 2? What do you guys think? I feel a dummy not looking in the first place haha.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom