Impedance Taps

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
6,085
Location
Kansas
I was reading a quick post from ARC encouraging trying different taps. For example my speakers are rated 4 ohm, but they are saying try the 8 ohm tap. Many times the sound is more full, richer, more dynamic by doing this.

Anyone try this? Did you notice any changes, good or bad?

My VT50 has 4, 8, and 16 ohm taps and all I have tried is the 4 until now.
 
I tried experimenting a bit. On the 8 ohm tap it was a tad louder, maybe a tad more dynamic. On the 4 ohm taps it sound a bit smoother, richer. I noticed this especially with guitar strings and the drums. Definitely more inviting. So to my ears, in my room, with my VT50, to my MC speakers using the 4 ohm taps sounded better!

Interesting experiment. Curious if others have tried this.
 
The purpose of having multiple impedance taps is to best match the impedance of the load with the amp's output, which should (theoretically) maximize power transfer to the speaker. The problem is that speakers are typically quite reactive and don't present a constant impedance at different frequencies, so their ratings are generally given as a nominal value but they vary quite a bit. So the only way to determine which tap sounds best with a given amp speaker combination is to try the available taps as suggested by ARC. It's a subjective process, but finding which tap you prefer with a given combination can pay dividends as Randy found out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top