I just received my Aperion Speakers (4-522 D's and S12 Powered Sub, still awaitning 522D VAC) and have a question surrounding speaker impedance.  The speakers are attached to my receiver - Yamaha RXV-2500, and within the GUI automated setup menu  the receiver asks to select a speaker impedance (6 or 8 ohms).  My question is as follows:

In the Aperion speaker specifications located in the user manual it states that the speakers have a nominal impedance of 6-8ohms...with this being said at what level  should I set my receiver's speaker impedance, 6 vs 8 ohms?  Thanks in advance for your support.

Hi Sam,

The speakers will run on either 4 or 8 ohm settings but if you have a choice, go ahead and set the receiver at 4 ohms.

John,

Thanks for your promt responce.  In the Yamaha user manual it states that their are two settings 6 ohms or 8 ohms, not 4 ohms?  Also I have distributed audio throughout the home running off zone 2 (Polk "Inwall"  RC65I's) which I believe are rated for 8 ohms? The Aperion speakers are running off the main zone for my surround sound. What settings do you think would be best?  Whats the difference between 6 and 8 ohms, or 4 ohms for that matter?  Is there another way to modify the receiver settings to use 4 ohms?  I apologize if these questions seem rather trivial...I'm a newbie...Sam 

Hi Sam,

Go ahead and set it at the 6 ohm setting. All AV receivers are a bit different some have settings for 4, and some for 6. Impedance is a bit confusing with speakers because it varies accross the frequency response range. The minimum impedance is the frequency where the amplifier sees the lowest impedance or most resistance from the speaker. The nominal frequency is what is considered to be average impedance. It is best to match your receiver with the nominal impedance of your speakers.

In your case with your zone 2 speakers you can set them at 6 ohms even if they are 8 ohm speakers. Your amp will actually put out a bit more power when set at 6 ohms so it won't have a problem driving them.

The only time you really need to worry about impedance is when you are atempting to drive a 4 ohm speaker with an amp that is rated at 8 ohms. The amp will do it, but if you drive it really hard, the amp will either clip or go into protection and shut down as it overheats.