4 and 8 ohms

[rashad01138]

If I want to get 500 watts x 2 channels 4 ohms, how do I achieve this? I plan to buy a Rotel RSP-1570 processor and a Rotel RB-1572. Is there a setting or switch I need to turn on?

I am sorry if this is a stupid question. Thanks.

[Space]

Looks like you've chosen the right amp to deliver that amount of power--you just hook it up to a pair of 4-ohm speakers. Is that all you were trying to figure out? The impedance (ohm rating) is a property of the speakers.

[ClosetSciFiGeek]

Some receivers have switches that say 4ohms or 8ohms. This switch is typically to limit the amount of current that a receiver can supply in the 4ohm setting. This is for receivers that might be damaged by putting out that much current. Your Rotel will just keep pumping current out and will not be damaged as it is designed to be able to handle these conditions. That switch on receivers is probably what caused your confusion. I am a proponent of always leaving the switch on receivers in the 8ohm position unless the receiver goes into some kind of protect mode where it cuts out. Only then will I put the switch to the 4ohm setting. That way if I burn up the receiver I will "have" to upgrade to better equipment(oh darn!). Good luck, I am sure you will have plenty of headroom with that large amplifier.

[Kevin D]

They way you ask the questions makes me wonder if your speakers are 4 ohm. What speakers are you running?

Like Space said, the power output will change depending on the ohm load of the speaker. IE you can't output 500w @ 4 ohms to an 8 ohm speaker.

Kevin D.

[rashad01138]

I am running B&W 703's.

Thank you all for answering my question.

[Nuthed]

Deleted.