[rollo]

I have a pair of speakers that I do not know the impedance of. I measured with a multimeter across the speaker terminals and got a reading of 5.3 ohms. What does the reading tell me? Is it considered a 4ohm, 6 ohm or 8ohm speaker? What tap on amp should I use 4 or 8ohm?
     Measurement was taken with cables removed and amp off. Did I get that right or is it done in another way.
rollo

[jeffreybehr]

You did it correctly, but of course what you measured was the DC resistance, not the AC impedance.  PROBABLY they're 8-Ohm speakers.  When one measures only a driver, one get about 3/4 of its impedance as a CD-resistance number.  For example, the 6-1/2" Sonic Craft driver I use lots of measures about 3-1/4 Ohms resistance; it's a 4-Ohm driver.

But it makes little difference.  Connect the speakers and listen.  I think the concensus is that tubed amps sound more neutral when driving loads slightly higher than the labeled impedance tap; in fact, using a tap rated higher than the speaker damps the speaker less, creating bass that 'blooms' more.

[rollo]

Jeff,
 thanks for the quick and learned response. I will try 8ohm tap and listen then 4ohm.
          rollo