Hey. Just wanted to get some insight on driving my AR3a’s with my Dynaco ST-70. I looked up specs on AR3a’s and saw that they are rated at 4ohms, but my repair guy says he always runs them at 8ohms. Can the speakers handle an 8ohm current? Is there a benefit to using the 8ohm tap with 4ohm speakers or should I just stick with the 4ohm tap? Any clarification would be great. Thanks!
Driving AR3a’s With Dynaco ST-70
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swechsler
Frog Whisperer
It's not a question of what the speakers can handle, it's what the amp can handle. According this thread (it's talking about guitar amps, but it's the same technology), using a lower than rated impedance will cause the amp to run hotter and the tubes to burn out sooner, and could also increase distortion. It makes sense to me, there are multiple taps for a reason. Stick with the 4Ω taps; tubes are expensive.
Thank you for your clearing that up for me!
I’d like to know more about the theory behind running 4 ohm speakers off the 8 ohm tap. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of people doing this, notably with AR speakers.
I have a ST70, and until recently, I had it used with AR3a speakers, at the 4ohm tap. Sounded good, however, I switched to a pair of AR3’s, and the dynaco is almost unlistenable with them producing sluggish sound throughout the range. Perhaps I should try these on the 8 ohm tap?
I have a ST70, and until recently, I had it used with AR3a speakers, at the 4ohm tap. Sounded good, however, I switched to a pair of AR3’s, and the dynaco is almost unlistenable with them producing sluggish sound throughout the range. Perhaps I should try these on the 8 ohm tap?
swechsler
Frog Whisperer
That's quite a memory you have!
