[NVboy]

I have the Onkyo 801 and have been looking at purchasing 4 ohm speakers (Maggies-MMG W, the small ones, or the Final Sound 90's). I'd simply like to hear some feedback from those of you who own an Onkyo receiver who is also running 4 ohm speakers with it. I'm not going to be pushing serious volume levels, nor do I care to. I'd just like to know if I would be safe running the speakers without any damage.

 

[NVboy]

Surely someone must be running 4 ohm speakers?

 

[M Code]

Quote:

Originally posted by NVboy Surely someone must be running 4 ohm speakers?

Why not ask Onkyo and Magna directly for their opinion..

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by M Code Why not ask Onkyo and Magna directly for their opinion..

Magnepan will not say. I've sent 3 emails to Onkyo without a reply so far. I've spoken to salesmen & they all say it would be no problem, but I have yet to trust a salesman, so I was just hoping someone with a real world setup could answer. I guess I will have to try and find an Onkyo forum somewhere.

 

[M Code]

Quote:

Originally posted by NVboy Magnepan will not say. I've sent 3 emails to Onkyo without a reply so far. I've spoken to salesmen & they all say it would be no problem, but I have yet to trust a salesman, so I was just hoping someone with a real world setup could answer. I guess I will have to try and find an Onkyo forum somewhere.

A couple of things to keep in mind..

Room size, source material and average volume levels...


On paper the Onkyo looks pretty good.. however real world performance and paper specs may vary widely. If your volume levels are reasonable and room is average size, I would say there is a good chance of sucess but.. Is it possible for you to take the Onkyo to a nearby Magna dealer and try it out in their demo room. Though a little bit of a hassle it will likely be better in the long run as to minimize any possible incompatibility issues..

 

[Malor]

I'm running both an Onkyo 801 and 901 into 4-ohm speakers, and both work great, up to ear-bleeding levels. They get fairly warm but not blistering hot.


You're in good shape, the 801 is very good in its price range.

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by M Code Is it possible for you to take the Onkyo to a nearby Magna dealer and try it out in their demo room. Though a little bit of a hassle it will likely be better in the long run as to minimize any possible incompatibility issues..

I wish there was a local Magnepan dealer here. I've found the 1 dealer who has Final Audio products & their demo room has the speakers hooked up to a mid range Integra and a 901.

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Malor I'm running both an Onkyo 801 and 901 into 4-ohm speakers, and both work great, up to ear-bleeding levels. They get fairly warm but not blistering hot. You're in good shape, the 801 is very good in its price range.

That's what I was looking for. Thanks. What kind of speakers are you running? I know the 801 & 901 are 4 ohm capable, but I just didn't know how capable.

 

[Malor]

I'm running a pair of Onix Ref1s, with a Ref100 center, off the 801. All three are 4-ohm speakers. There's a UFW-10 sub, but that has its own amp.


In the HT, driven by a 901, I have 7 various Rockets... 750s, 200 center, 300 sides, 250 rears, and a self-powered PC Ultra sub. Most of the Rockets are 6 ohms, but the 200 center is only 4. So because the 901 (like the 801) only supports one ohm setting, I have it set for 4.


I haven't had any problem with either overheating, and I will occasionally drive both sets quite loud. I think you'll be fine with pretty much any 4-ohm speaker.


As far as 'how capable'.... keeping in mind that the majority of the sound pressure comes from the bass, and that's on self-powered subs on both systems..... VERY capable, they'll both get incredibly loud.... to the point that I'm unwilling to be in the same room without my fingers in my ears.


The 801 is rated at 100wpc, and while I haven't measured myself and haven't read proof one way or the other, I'm nearly certain that you'll get every watt. Very nice receivers.

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Malor In the HT, driven by a 901, I have 7 various Rockets... 750s, 200 center, 300 sides, 250 rears, and a self-powered PC Ultra sub. Most of the Rockets are 6 ohms, but the 200 center is only 4. So because the 901 (like the 801) only supports one ohm setting, I have it set for 4.

Thanks for the input! You realize that I will be basing my entire speaker purchase on what you said?


I'm not worried about the Final Sound speakers, but was just a bit concerned with the Maggies, even though they are the low-end "budget" variety. Anyway, I guess now I'll have to decide which will work better for me.

 

[mikeyc]

NV Please let me know how things work out. I have a 75W Onkyo 600 and plan to upgrade to Dynaudio 52Se speakers which are 4 ohm as well. When I can afford it I will upgrade to a Rotel amp, but in the meantime I'll be using the Onkyo. The salesman also (surprise) said it would be OK but I would like to be sure.

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by mikeyc NV Please let me know how things work out. I have a 75W Onkyo 600 and plan to upgrade to Dynaudio 52Se speakers which are 4 ohm as well. When I can afford it I will upgrade to a Rotel amp, but in the meantime I'll be using the Onkyo. The salesman also (surprise) said it would be OK but I would like to be sure.

Absolutely. Fair warning though-it may be some time before I make a concrete decision, let alone a purchase. It's hard for me to get motivated since I rarely have my system on anymore, but when I do, I kick myself to think about the upgrade again.

 

[Malor]

Quote:

Originally posted by NVboy Thanks for the input! You realize that I will be basing my entire speaker purchase on what you said?

You had me a bit worried there for a minute... I thought you were going to run out and buy Rockets! From the little I know of Magnepan, if you like their sound, you'd probably not like Rockets too much. I'm glad you're sticking with your original choices, I'd hate to have you all pissed off at me.


I'm quite confident your 801 will drive either set fine. If you do buy anytime soon, drop me a PM or post something here and let us know how it's working out for you.

 

[NVboy]

Quote:

Originally posted by Malor You had me a bit worried there for a minute... I thought you were going to run out and buy Rockets! From the little I know of Magnepan, if you like their sound, you'd probably not like Rockets too much. I'm glad you're sticking with your original choices, I'd hate to have you all pissed off at me. I'm quite confident your 801 will drive either set fine. If you do buy anytime soon, drop me a PM or post something here and let us know how it's working out for you.

Thanks!


First time I heard Martin Logan's, I was hooked on electrostat's. The sound is just so phenomenal. From what I have read about the Maggie's, I don't think I will be dissapointed if I end up with them.