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Question about set amps and low sensitivity spkrs

Hi, In about 3 weeks I will take ownership of an 18wpc SET integrated. I currently run an Arcam SS amp with B&W 602 S2 speakers and I'm still undecided about new speakers (more sensitive, tube friendly) to mate with my new amp. My question is, can I run my current 90db sensitive B&W speakers with the SET integrated without doing damage, or shortening the life of my new tubes? I'd hate to have the amp sitting in a box waiting for me to decide on new speakers :) I frequently see that B&W speakers don't mate well with tubes...why is this?
thanks
Michael
mbleming
robr45's avatar
robr45
317 posts
 
No harm in trying both 4 and 8 ohm taps and going with whichever ones sounds best. I have found 8ohm taps to sound better than 4 ohm taps with 4 ohm speakers- but it is a case by case basis.

-Rob
ghanson
53 posts
 
Having owned B & W loudspeakers before with similar sensitivity and impedence, 90db/watt and 4 ohm, I can say that mine craved a good deal of power. If mine were like yours this impedence value may drop to 3.6 ohms, as it was listed in the manual- NOT the sort of load I would want to pair with an SET.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Only problem with the 4ohm tap is that you are going to drop the wattage quite a bit - I think.
jpstereo
53 posts
 
Do not forget Louis's Omega line of SET-friendly speakers. Outstanding!

www.omegaloudspeakers.com
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Only problem with the 4ohm tap is that you are going to drop the wattage quite a bit - I think.
Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers)

Actually, it works the other way. Think about amps that double power output into 4 ohms. Therefore, 8 ohms halve the power versus 4 ohms. 16 ohms quarters the power, etc...
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