Adding 4ohm speakers to an 8ohm setup

[Z3NI]

I currently have a 3.1 setup (see below) and my family surprised me with a pair of the KEF R3 Meta Bookshelf speakers. Kind of hoping to read any suggestion and anything to be cautious about adding a pair of speakers rated at 4ohms. I was thinking the most sensible thing would be to add them as my surround back channels but given that these speakers are in two different stratospheres compared to my setup, I'd appreciate any suggestions or words of caution


2X Klipsch RP-8000 II
1X Klipsch RP-504c II
1X Dayton Audio SUB-1500
1X Denon X3800h

 

[NTK]

Welcome to ASR!

I wouldn't worry if you aren't using them regularly for frat parties.

 

[dfiler]

The x3800h will have no trouble driving the R3 meta unless you're attempting ludicrous volume. Though they'll have a significantly different tone compared to the Klipsch you're running now. Some form of room correction / calibration will be needed to make them blend properly for surround sound.

Source: I have the x3800h and drive a variety of key speakers that are roughly similar in impedance to the R3 meta.

 

[DVDdoug]

From what I've found the Denon only rated down to 6 Ohms. You are taking a (probably slight) risk of damaging the AVR with 4-Ohm speakers.

But it does have preamp outputs so you can use an external amplifier.



...I'm actually driving my 4-Ohm (DIY passive) subwoofers with an amplifier rated for 8-Ohms. But it's an old, "extra" amplifier.

 

[dfiler]

Denon say you can run 4-16ohm speakers. It is entirely normal to power Kef R3 meta with an AV receiver.

Denon FAQ:
Can I use 4 ohm speakers with my AVR or power amp?

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support.denon.com

Denon x3800h manual on connecting 4-16ohm speakers:

Before connecting speakers AVR-X3800H

manuals.denon.com

 

[NTK]

Amir measured the 3800H at 4 ohms and it could output 168 W, which means an output of 26 Vrms. The sensitivity of the R3 Meta is 85 dBSPL @ 1m @ 2.83 Vrms (as measured by Erin), and therefore the 3800H can drive them to 104 dB SPL @ 1m free field. I'd think for a surround speaker one would need far less than that much output and should be plenty safe for the 3800H.

 

[Z3NI]

Thanks for the replies and welcomes to ASR!

I do think that a power amp is needed in my future but I am glad that my receiver should run safely as a surround speaker in the meantime. I should add that I usually listen to music and movies with friends. Nothing too crazy and def no frat parties.

Since I am mixing different speaker brands, should I be concerned with differences in their tonality? I use Audyssey room correction off the app to eq my setup so any suggestions would be helpful!