Transformer ohm Switch - Sansui AU-X 701

[pecata35]

Hello,

I have switch on the back for the impedance - 8-16 ohm and 4-6 ohm. I have Pioneer HPM 700 - 8 ohm speakers and Elektronika 35ac-015 which are 4 ohm. I usually listen to the Pioneers.

On the net I found that if I put the switch on 8 ohm the amp will have full power. If I put it on 4 ohm it will limit the voltage of the transformer to prevent it from heating and won't have the full power of the amp.


Is this information true?
And can I use the 4 ohm speakers when the switch is at 8 ohms?

 

[ivandezande]

That switch changes the transformer secondaries used, therefore changing the main rail voltages.
You shouldn’t. That should be obvious.

 

[pecata35]

That switch changes the transformer secondaries used, therefore changing the main rail voltages.
You shouldn’t. That should be obvious.

Thank you for the answer! When I bought the amp, I set it to the 4-6 ohm setting because I sometimes listen to my 4 ohm speakers. However, I wanted to know what this switch was doing.

 

[whoaru99]

And can I use the 4 ohm speakers when the switch is at 8 ohms?

My suggestion is yes. I have done that myself on a Sony receiver no problem ever resulted over years of operation.

Since you read the information about the switch then you likely also read that using the switch in 4 ohms really creates more problems than it solves. This is especially true if you like to crank it up now and then as it will only facilitate reaching clipping sooner by setting the 4 ohm position. If you only ever play a low level then it doesn't much matter what position the switch is.

Setting the A/V Receiver Impedance Selector Switch

This article explores the purpose and function of the impedance switch found on some A/V receivers. Tradeoffs of following manufacturers recommended settings are also discussed. YouTube video inside.

www.audioholics.com

Connecting 4-ohm Speakers to an 8-ohm Receiver

This article discusses 8 ohm vs 4 ohm speakers and how the typical AV Receiver will handle them. We discuss how to set the impedance switch to get the most power from your receiver.

www.audioholics.com