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Is it OK to use an 8 Ohm tubed amp to power 16 Ohm speakers?

There’s a lot of emotion and conflicting answers when I Google this. I have an Air Tight ATM-1s and Zu Audio Druid speakers. The Air Tight is factory-set at 8 Ohms and is switcheable to 16 Ohms but requires removing the base plate and resoldering which I’m reluctant to do — or at least not until listening at the current configuration. Air Tight says it’s fine to have 8 Ohm to 16 Ohm speakers — which I suppose is definitive, but I’m asking the question all the same to this experienced community. Btw, I am not an electrical engineer so please don’t be overly technical in your opionions.

Many thanks.
ijloffsite
tatyana69
113 posts
 
Thanks for your comments
I have bought so many speakers (many Proac as it happens) over the years yet strangely no 4 ohm items ... so ...why do makers like Proac suddenly produce a 4 ohm speaker and what did they intend to be the improvement or result?

ijloffsite OP
1 posts
 
WOW! I love this community!
Just returned from a business trip overseas, and have enjoyed relaxing and reading the informed and pretty consistent commentary. 

Thanks so much!

beernut's avatar
beernut
276 posts
 
Interesting topic as always. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Let me ask, when one becomes dissatisfied with the sound of their system, what do they change out first? Cables, amp, source, footers (giggle)? I'll bet speakers. Ultimately, that is where the sound (music) eminates from. It's the obvious choice. In many years of this wonderful and sometimes baffling hobby I have found all the links in the chain have an affect on the sound. Personally, I find the speakers have the final say. I've never had a source or amp (or cables) that I couldn't live with. I have had speakers that just didn't cut it (to my ears). Enjoy the ride...

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