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need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

post #1 of 9
4/12/09 at 10:34pm
Thread Starter 
I have a pair of the older 600 series B&W DM610 bookshelf speakers standing on speaker stands.

They are rated at 4 ohm and its bi-wiring/bi-ampable.

The only thing I am having trouble with is my A/V reciever which is a Pioneer Elite VSX can only be switch from either 8 ohms or 6 ohms. Do i need to get another reciever to hear the true power of my speakers? And when I do switch all of them to 8 or 6 ohms...all speakers are automatically assign to those ohms. The reciever cant assign each speakers to different ohms.
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post #2 of 9
4/13/09 at 4:23am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

You don't assign speakers "ohms". Ohm is a measure of electrical resistance. The lower the resistance, the easier it is for your receiver's amp section can push current through them.

I don't think your receiver can switch from 8 ohm to 6 ohm. It is rated to push speakers from 8 ohms to 6 ohms. But being a Pioneer Elite it can also drive a 4 ohm load as long as you give it adequate ventilation. Connect your speakers and set your levels. Everything should be fine.

-Robert
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post #3 of 9
4/13/09 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert_J
You don't assign speakers "ohms". Ohm is a measure of electrical resistance. The lower the resistance, the easier it is for your receiver's amp section can push current through them.

I don't think your receiver can switch from 8 ohm to 6 ohm. It is rated to push speakers from 8 ohms to 6 ohms. But being a Pioneer Elite it can also drive a 4 ohm load as long as you give it adequate ventilation. Connect your speakers and set your levels. Everything should be fine.

-Robert

Yes there is a switch I have to push the standby button and the speaker type button to switch to 8 or 6 ohms. Like it says on the instruction manuals. It didn't say anyhing about 4 ohms. Should I go as low as 6 ohms then?


Also my other speakers are regular 8 ohms speakers like my center and surrounds. only my pair of b&w's are 4 ohms. Would that be safe if also drive them to 6 ohms?
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post #4 of 9
4/14/09 at 7:39am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

Since you have a setting then put it on 6 ohms, connect your speakers and set your levels.

I'm using a Pioneer VSX-1014 that supposedly has an Elite power supply/output section in the amp. I have driven 4 ohm speakers in the past and I'm currently using a 4 ohm center channel.

-Robert
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post #5 of 9
4/16/09 at 8:24am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

The trick here is not to exceed the power capabilities of the amp. The lower the ohm rating the more current the speaker will attempt to draw. If you listen at a "reasonable" level you shouldn't have a problem. If you start "rocking the house" hopefully the protection circuit will shut the receiver down before any damage is done.
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post #6 of 9
4/17/09 at 7:03am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

Keep the setting at 8 ohms! The 6 ohm setting will limit power your Elite produces.
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post #7 of 9
4/17/09 at 7:38am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

I wouldn't set it to 8 ohms, if using 4 ohm speakers, especially if you like to listen at loud volumes. You could possibly damage the receiver. Four ohm speakers, hooked up to an 8 ohm receiver, can cause the receiver to run very hot, and fry something. But, as kfalls said, hopefully it would go into protection mode and shut itself off, before doing any real damage. The lower the ohms of the speaker, the more power it requires to drive them, therefore putting a heavier load on the receiver. If 6 ohms is the lowest setting on the receiver, I'd set it there.

My Onkyo 805 has the ability to set it up for 4 ohm speakers, in the initial setup. It said if any of your speakers are four ohm, set the receiver to four ohm. Since my two mains and center are 4 ohm, that's where I set it. My other four speakers are 8 ohms. My receiver barely gets warm...........

I haven't done it myself, but everyone's recommendations I've read about bi-amping their speakers, they say don't bother. They say it's not worth the money for the extra speaker wire, or the time to do it. But of course, it's up to you if you want to try it, and see for yourself. I'd rather keep the 7.1 setup, than bi-amp and just have a 5.1 setup, with no added benefits.
Good luck!
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post #8 of 9
4/17/09 at 10:58am

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

Big differences between an Onkyo and an Pioneer Elite! One of the other audio specific forums has a dedicated Elite thread the actual owners of the same equipement you are running are going to recommend the 8 ohm setting to avoid clipping because the 6 ohm setting is way to limiting. The receiver will protect itslef and the speakers if wired up wrong or operating to hot. Its not going to blow up, catch fire or melt on the 8 ohm setting. I have had a pioneer in the past, not your model, but it was always rock solid, even when stressed.
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post #9 of 9
4/23/09 at 1:02am
Thread Starter 

Re: need help with bi-amp and speaker connections.

i understand,but like I said not all my speakers are 4ohms just my pairs of B&W. My reciever cant assign each speakers to different ohms.

So I should just stick to defaults then correct? 8 ohms?
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