HDTV Forum

I have 2 audiophile friends and I thank my lucky stars that I'm not afflicted with that disease. It's a never ending search for perfection. At least one of them recognizes that beyond a certain point it's not really "better" - just different.

I think Denon advertises the 6 ohm rating because
a) it looks better
b) it shows they can handle a 6 ohm speaker load

If you buy or make holders to keep the speaker wire from touching the carpet to avoid static electricity - you just might be an audiophile!

Hey guys, yeah I guess it must be okay to mix speaker ohms. The set I'm considering (Epic-60-Home theater-500) has a 6 ohm center channel speaker and the towers and surrounds are 8 ohms. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on that Pioneer Elite VSX-59txi Amp.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/products.html

Hey guys, yeah I guess it must be okay to mix speaker ohms.

If you had the impedance plots it would be very clear that the speaker impedance is constantly changing. Speakers with a flat impedance are extremely rare.

I look forward to your results!

HiDeffjeff wrote:Hey guys, yeah I guess it must be okay to mix speaker ohms. The set I'm considering (Epic-60-Home theater-500) has a 6 ohm center channel speaker and the towers and surrounds are 8 ohms. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on that Pioneer Elite VSX-59txi Amp.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/products.html

There's plenty of factors to consider. THD (total harmonic distortion), "all channels driven" and driven full range, like 20-20hz. Manufacturers play around with these #'s to make their amps look powerfull.

The general rule of thumb is more power= more THD. It's just a question of how much more. That Denon 2803 jumps to 0.9% into 6 omhs (while not adding a whole lot more power) compared to very respectable .05% into 8ohms. If you were dealing with a 2ch music only system, you'd hear a difference. With movies not so much, but one thing to consider is your center channel and how you need clarity for dialogue. You don't want to keep hearing the phrase, "What did he say?" over and over again. The 59txi is rated 160X7 into 6ohm at 0.9%.

You don't ned to spend 14G's on a Krell to get power + low distortion. You only need to keep a close eye on the specs and judge what trade offs you'll accept for your room size, which is probably the biggest factor in judging your power needs. I have a big room with vaulted a ceiling, so I needed power. My Sunfire grand sig. amp puts out 425w all channels driven into 8 ohms, 20-20, 0.5% THD (and a whopping 850w into 4ohms!)

I tested a Denon 3805 and while it had it's merits (feature laden), it seemed to struggle to deliver the goods while the Sunfire was effortless. There's a meter on the front that has never moved, no matter how loud I go. It's a $3000 unit, but I picked it up used for $1700 six years ago and it's still going strong. Of course you'll have to figure in the cost of a pre amp also if you choose to go the seperates route.

Guys, I've got my new system from www.axiomaudio.com and my new surround amp from Pioneer and WOW! all I can say is, "MIND BLOWING"....this system ROCKS! The front channel left and right towers are actually 4 ohm and the Pioneer is driving them effortlessly! I am now IN my movies! These Axiom speakers sound so clean! The rear surrounds and center channel are 6 OHM. So I guess the answer to my original question has been answered. Make sure you buy a high quality amp that is rated for at least 100 W X 7 at 6/8 OHM that is heavy with good heat sinks and you can drive just about any speaker. Just make sure the amp is well ventilated.

sweet...

The Pioneer 59txi is a pretty impressive receiver according to the reviews. It's also the perfect time to buy it as Pioneer is probably gearing up for their next latest and greatest "top of the line" receiver. What are they going to improve on from this model? Probably some bells or whistles that you don't really need. I almost bought the 59txi's little brother, the 55txi for a second system. Now I could have a new 59 for about the same price as the 55 was or a used one for half that. What did you wind up paying for it?

One feature you really should take advantage:

Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration Circuit (MCACC) identifies and evaluates each speakers frequency response; in time, distance, and volume levels for your specific room's environment and calibrates all channel output creating the most accurate 3-Dimensional multi-channel audio sound experience available anywhere. Advanced MCACC even provides PC connectivity so that graphic representations of your room

Tombanjo, I bought the Pioneer receiver at http://www2.bigondigital.com/viewitem.p ... Tag=nextag for 2295.00.... I searched and that was the
cheapest place. If you get the next step down model, get the new 56txi...(it is rated for 110 X 7)...I think it's the replacement for the 55txi. And it can be found online for around $900.00....I think it is even cheaper than the 55txi and it's an upgrade....Yes I am aware of the MCACC feature. (still tweeking the system).... This unit as you probably know also has i-link audio which is pretty cool.....(I have an i-link upscalable dvd player from pioneer). I have my front projector hooked up to my computer so you know I will be using the PC audio feature!!! The speakers from Axiom are incredible!...I am especially impressed with the center channel speaker and Sub....They come in Beechwood, Cherry, Black Oak, and light maple...(I opted for the black)....They offer a 30 day trial because they believe, (and so do I) that you should audition the speakers in your home, not a sound treated booth at a retail store. I won't be sending these babies back!....Their customer service is excellent and shipping was FAST! All I can say is KUDOS to this Canadian manufacturer! These speakers are so good you can smell the singers breath coming though them!... .....Here is the link to their home trial gaurantee...

http://www.axiomaudio.com/guarantee.html

I found this info about driving 4 OHM speakers with an 8 OHM AMP....Was helpful to me....

http://www.audioholics.com/FAQs/4-ohmsp ... ceiver.php

Nearly all receivers have current limiting circuits so whether or not there is an impedance switch is irrelevant. The best way around that is a separate amp with a real power supply that can really handle the load and then those circuits won't be there.