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5 Best AV Receivers For 4 Ω Speakers | 2023

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Low-impedance 4-ohm speakers need a powerful amplifier, making them extremely difficult to match with AV receivers.

That is so because the low impedance of 4-ohm speakers means they will demand more power from your amp.

However, getting an AV receiver compatible with low impedance speakers can prevent many headaches. Here are 5 of the best AV receivers that support 4-ohm speakers and will give you the best experience without spending too much time or resources.

Best Overall
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Best Dolby Atmos
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Best For Gaming
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
-
-
-
Best Overall
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
-
Best Dolby Atmos
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
-
Best For Gaming
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
-

1. Best Overall: Marantz SR6014 9.2-Ch AV Receiver

Marantz SR6014 is a certified 4-ohm AV receiver with Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It straddles the line between the analog and digital worlds with exceptional elegance. 

SALE!!
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
  • ENJOY MOVIES & LAG-FREE GAMING IN LATEST 8K UHD VIDEOS - With masterful 8K HDMI upscaling, advanced...
  • IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND WITH HEIGHTENED REALISM - Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization,...
  • PREMIUM CONTENT DIGITALLY REMASTERED – Feel the difference in picture quality & clarity with IMAX ENHANCED...

This receiver retains its “old school” features, such as component and composite video switching. It also offers a wireless bell and whistle, making it the best for playing all your sources.

Key Product Highlights

  • 9-channel amplifier
  • Dolby and DTS surround decoding.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HEOS built-in technology/
  • Multi-room audio/video
  • Hyper dynamic amp
  • 4K.60P ANS 3d Video pass-through

2. Best Dolby Atmos Product: Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship 13-2 Ch

If you prefer Deonon over Marantz, check out the Denon AVR-X8500H.

Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
  • POWERFUL 13.2 CH AVR WITH THE LATEST HOME CINEMA TECHNOLOGY - With an advanced power amplifier design, the...
  • ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION WITH 8K UPSCALING - Features a dedicated 8K input that supports 8K/60Hz or...
  • OPTIMUM DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSING - Denon's proprietary AL32 Processing Technology provides multi-channel,...

Denon AVR-X8500H’s impedance ranges from 4 to 16 ohms, and it offers exceptional flexibility for setting up an advanced Dolby Atmos system. 

Users can add many Atmos-enabled speakers to the 7.1.6 configuration or use “front width’ speakers to set up a 9.1.4 system.

Other than impressive Atmos capabilities, it passes 4K video signals. So, the receiver can enable you to enjoy high-resolution music.

Key Product Features

  • 13-channel amp
  •  Dolby and DTS surround sound decoding.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HEOS built-in technology
  • Three-source output
  • HDMI audio/video switching

3. Best for Gaming: Denon AVR-X4700H 9.2-Ch AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X6700H 8K Ultra HD 11.2 Channel supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats, which is responsible for its unmatched 3D realism.

SALE!!
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Auro-3D, IMAX...
  • Enjoy high quality 3D audio & video knowing that AVR-X4700H IS 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power...
  • NEXT GEN GAMING - Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag and frame...

Moreover, Its impedance is between 4 and 16 ohms, and at 8 ohms, the receiver outputs as much as 125W per channel.

With AVR-X4700H’s 4 K/120hz pass-through, quick-frame transport, dynamic HDR, and HDR 10+, it delivers the next generation of gaming.

Key Product Features

  • 3D audio support
  • 8K HDMI output
  • Advanced video controls
  • HRD compatibility
  • Modern gaming and voice assistant support
  • Bluetooth audio transmission

4. Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: Yamaha’s RX-V673 7.2-Ch 4 Ohm Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V673BL A/V receiver provides an affordable way to produce quality video for home theatre systems.

YAMAHA RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with...
  • Unrivaled experiences; Boldly explores entertainment possibilities for an advanced home theater with the...
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplay 2, Spotify connect and music cast multi-room
  • Spotify, Apple Music via airplay 2, Pandora, Sirius internet radio, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz and more

It can provide seven 90-watt channels of high-quality surround sound. Moreover, the receiver’s 4k upscaling ensures super-quality displays. So, it effectively prevents data loss when sending signals.

This receiver provides six HDMI inputs, meaning you could connect a gaming console and a DVD player and still have four left. 

Key Product Features

  • 4K Pass-through
  • HDMI with audio return channel and 3D
  • Edge adaptive deinterlacing
  • Adaptive dynamic range control
  • Versatile zone control
  • Low Power Consumption

5.Best for Enhancing Sound Quality: Denon AVR-X8500HSP13.2-Ch Receiver

Denon AVR-X8500HSP is designed for those looking to enhance their streaming devices’ sound.

Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround...
  • 7.2ch Integrated Network A/V Receiver
  • HDMI 1.4a 7In/2Out 3D Ready
  • AirPlay Ready

It has versatile connectivity and comes with multiple HDMI ports. It offers a perfect balance between low frequencies and rhythm.

The receiver is also easy to use and innovative and lets you enjoy the best stereo listening experience.

Key Product Features

  • 13.2 channels with 150W per channel
  • Monolithic amp design with tailor-made transistors
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • 8 HDMI inputs
  • 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through

Bonus: Onkyo TX-NR616

Other Options

AV receivers supporting 4-ohm impedance are not as popular as those supporting higher-impedance speakers.
 
As such, we have included a bonus list of other receivers supporting 4-ohm amps.
 
However, these are older amps. These receivers are normally rated at 4 ohms or higher and include the popular Onkyo TX-NR616 and Yamaha RX-V773.
 
However, some older receivers may not offer more modern lossless audio formats, like DTS HD and Dolby Digital HD.

Popular Receiver Brands For 4 Ohm Speakers

In terms of receiver brands that support 4-ohm receivers, Denon Onkyo (mostly older models) are usually Yamaha-safe bets.

Impedance Matching Your Reciever and Speakers

As we have said, when a speaker’s impedance (ohms) is low, electric signals freely flow through them, making 4-ohms speakers more power-hungry than higher impedance speakers like 6-ohms and 8-ohms speakers.

Impedance Matching Your Reciever and Speakers

This is why you will find more 8-ohm speakers than 4-ohm speakers readily available on the market. So, before making your buying decision, it is essential to consider that many receivers and amps are not designed to handle 4-ohm speakers.

Does this difference matter? Yes, if your speakers require more power, but your receiver cannot deliver, the speakers are highly likely to blow the receiver. If you want to get the best experience, you should match the impendence of the speakers and receiver. Power is the most important consideration when it comes to 8 ohms vs. 4 ohms and which is better.

When discussing impedance matching, we are referring to designing an electrical load’s input and output impedance to maximize the power transfer and minimize signal reflection. Simply put, it’s just the process of making one impedance look like another.

Since 4-ohm speakers require a high amount of power, you can solve the problem by buying AV receivers that supply the power levels required.

Let’s say you have a 5.1 surround receiver. This device will have to deliver tremendous power to power five 4-ohm speakers and a sub. This means the load per channel they can provide is typically more limited, and you risk blowing a receiver channel or the entire device if you’re not careful.

However, manufacturers have already handled the technical work on your behalf, so you must select a 4-ohm certified receiver. Most receivers on the marketplace have an impedance between 6 ohms to 16 ohms, and they can serve your needs perfectly well.

Using a certified 4-ohm receiver is the best way to ensure you have a fair workload so that the receiver can drive safely without the risk of overheating or damage in the process. We recommend adding an external amp to ensure you drive these low-impedance speakers with substantial power. 

There are also many technical formulas that you can use to calculate and match impedance. Many experts use the Smith Chart Impedance matching for RF applications. However, you can match impedance without going technical.

Do I Need An Amplifier For My 4 Ohm Speakers?

As we have said, due to the power demands of low-efficiency 4-ohm speakers, we recommend that you include an amplifier when connecting 4-ohm speakers. If not, you risk overheating and damaging your receiver. 
 
In this case, getting a low impedance amplifier is a good idea because it will allow you to power down and high impedance speakers.
 

How to Prevent Overheating Your Receiver and Amp

The amp and receiver will likely heat up if you are driving your amp with too many low impedance speakers.

Worse, if you cram the devices between air-tight TV furniture and other poorly ventilated spaces, you risk choking the amp and overheating the receiver.  

 

Should I Use 4 Ohm Speakers with My Receiver?

To answer this question, we must step back and consider the important thing that your receiver provides, and your 4-ohm speakers need power. If your receiver can deliver the right power, you can use the speaker with it.

4 Ohm Speakers with Receiver

Remember, most modern receivers have impedance settings that you can use to match the speakers’ and receivers’ impedance. For example, if the receiver’s default impedance is 8 ohms, you can use the settings and reduce it to 4 ohms.

Even though this setting can be helpful, we do not recommend using a 4-ohms speaker with any higher-impedance speaker. Setting the receiver impedance to 4 ohms lowers its maximum power output.

In other words, by opting for the lower impedance setting, you are telling the receiver to reduce its overall performance.   

So, it would be best if you only used 4-ohm speakers with your AV receivers that support them, and your AV receivers should be 4-ohm certified. Remember that there is no harm in using a lower-impedance receiver with a higher-impedance speaker.

So, if you have receivers rated 4 ohms and below, it is safe to use them with 4-ohms speakers. The only challenge is that the receivers are difficult to get in the market.

For more information, check out our complete answer to the question, can I use 4-ohm speakers with my power amp or receiver

Can I Use Any Receiver With 4-ohm Speakers?

No, you cannot use any receiver with 4-ohm speakers. For example, if your Denon receiver turns off and blinks red with a 4-ohm speaker, it is in protect mode due to the low impedance. 

So, we have seen why you should not use 4-ohms speakers with higher-impedance AV receivers. You may be asking whether there are exceptions to this general rule.

Yes, there are a few exceptions from receivers that allow 4-ohm speakers. You can use some other receiver with 4-ohm speakers in rare cases.

Can I Use Any Receiver With 4 ohm Speakers

Firstly, remember that the indicated impedance is a nominal figure, and it is an average. So, if your speaker’s impedance can rise to about 8 ohms and the receivers’ impedance can be around the exact figure for a significant portion of their curves, you can use the receiver with the speaker.

On the other hand, some speakers can fluctuate significantly and drop low on their impedance curve (such as Magnepan speakers, for instance).

However, this is not always the case, especially if the receiver has an extremely high impedance rating. For example, if the receiver is rated 16 ohms, you should not use it with a 4-ohm speaker.

You can use the impedance settings if the impedance fails to fluctuate as you desire. As we have said, this is an important solution, but it will reduce your receiver’s overall efficiency. However, if quality reduction is not your major concern, you can use the settings to match the impedance.

Another common solution is reducing the volume of your audio/video system. You may know that if you use a 4-ohm speaker with any receiver with a higher impedance, the receiver will likely blow if you turn the volume too high. 

However, the receiver will not have to supply too much current if you keep the volume extremely low. As you likely know, the higher the volume, the higher the power your speaker demands.

So, in some cases, you can use any receiver with 4-ohm speakers, provided you ensure the speakers are getting adequate power by keeping the volume as low as possible.

Can I Use 4 Ohm Speakers With My Receiver?

Can I use 4-ohm speakers with my receiver? Yes, you can use 4-ohm speakers with 4-ohm rated receivers.

You can use a 4-ohm-rated speaker with receivers rated 6 to 16 ohms, but you need to be careful that your speakers aren’t pulling too much power from your receiver. You need to keep the speaker’s volume low and match the energy.

If you are not careful in keeping the volume low, you risk overdriving or clipping the receiver or amplifier if one is attached. 

How Many Watts Can A 4-ohm Speaker Handle?

Different 4-ohm speakers can handle different levels of power depending on the manufacturer. This could be, for example, 30 watts up to 400 watts, more or less.

In any case, you need to check the specifications of the speaker you are using. Importantly, it would be best if you considered the amp. 

Let’s say we have an amplifier with specifications of output power is 100 watts RMS at 8 ohms.

This means that the maximum output power of a 4-ohm speaker is 200 watts. However, you need an amplifier that can double the power specification of the speaker and so you need an amplifier that can produce at least 400 watts for this 4-ohm speaker.

Are 4-ohm Speakers Better Than 8ohm?

A 4-ohm speaker will accept greater power than an 8-ohm speaker. All other things remaining equal, a 4-ohm speaker will handle twice the power of an 8-ohm speaker

However, this does mean that you need a more powerful amplifier for a 4-ohm speaker than an 8-ohm speaker, with all other factors remaining equal. 

Check out our guide on eight ohms vs. 4-ohm speakers to learn more.

Can 4 Ohm Speakers Be Used With AV Receivers Instead Of Power Amps?

You can use a 4-ohm speaker directly with a receiver if the receiver is rated at 4 ohms, the wattage is matched, and you do not max out the volume. The best option is to include an amplifier if your speaker requires considerable power. On the other hand, if you have a powered speaker, you can connect it directly to your AV receiver.

What Is The Cheapest A

Low-impedance 4-ohm speakers need a powerful amplifier, making them extremely difficult to match with AV receivers.

That is so because the low impedance of 4-ohm speakers means they will demand more power from your amp.

However, getting an AV receiver compatible with low impedance speakers can prevent many headaches. Here are 5 of the best AV receivers that support 4-ohm speakers and will give you the best experience without spending too much time or resources.

Best Overall
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Best Dolby Atmos
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Best For Gaming
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
-
-
-
Best Overall
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
-
Best Dolby Atmos
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
-
Best For Gaming
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
-

1. Best Overall: Marantz SR6014 9.2-Ch AV Receiver

Marantz SR6014 is a certified 4-ohm AV receiver with Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. It straddles the line between the analog and digital worlds with exceptional elegance. 

SALE!!
Marantz AVR SR7015-9.2 Channel Amplifier, 8K HDMI...
  • ENJOY MOVIES & LAG-FREE GAMING IN LATEST 8K UHD VIDEOS - With masterful 8K HDMI upscaling, advanced...
  • IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND WITH HEIGHTENED REALISM - Supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization,...
  • PREMIUM CONTENT DIGITALLY REMASTERED – Feel the difference in picture quality & clarity with IMAX ENHANCED...

This receiver retains its “old school” features, such as component and composite video switching. It also offers a wireless bell and whistle, making it the best for playing all your sources.

Key Product Highlights

  • 9-channel amplifier
  • Dolby and DTS surround decoding.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HEOS built-in technology/
  • Multi-room audio/video
  • Hyper dynamic amp
  • 4K.60P ANS 3d Video pass-through

2. Best Dolby Atmos Product: Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship 13-2 Ch

If you prefer Deonon over Marantz, check out the Denon AVR-X8500H.

Denon AVR-X8500H Flagship Receiver - 8 HDMI In /3...
  • POWERFUL 13.2 CH AVR WITH THE LATEST HOME CINEMA TECHNOLOGY - With an advanced power amplifier design, the...
  • ADVANCED HDMI VIDEO SECTION WITH 8K UPSCALING - Features a dedicated 8K input that supports 8K/60Hz or...
  • OPTIMUM DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSING - Denon's proprietary AL32 Processing Technology provides multi-channel,...

Denon AVR-X8500H’s impedance ranges from 4 to 16 ohms, and it offers exceptional flexibility for setting up an advanced Dolby Atmos system. 

Users can add many Atmos-enabled speakers to the 7.1.6 configuration or use “front width’ speakers to set up a 9.1.4 system.

Other than impressive Atmos capabilities, it passes 4K video signals. So, the receiver can enable you to enjoy high-resolution music.

Key Product Features

  • 13-channel amp
  •  Dolby and DTS surround sound decoding.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • HEOS built-in technology
  • Three-source output
  • HDMI audio/video switching

3. Best for Gaming: Denon AVR-X4700H 9.2-Ch AV Receiver

Denon AVR-X6700H 8K Ultra HD 11.2 Channel supports the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio formats, which is responsible for its unmatched 3D realism.

SALE!!
Denon AVR-X4700H 8K Ultra HD 9.2 Channel (125Watt...
  • UNMATCHED 3D REALISM FOR YOUR HOME THEATER SYSTEM – Enjoy Immersive surround sound with Auro-3D, IMAX...
  • Enjoy high quality 3D audio & video knowing that AVR-X4700H IS 8K READY WHEN YOU ARE. This high-power...
  • NEXT GEN GAMING - Enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience with spectacular imaging, reduced lag and frame...

Moreover, Its impedance is between 4 and 16 ohms, and at 8 ohms, the receiver outputs as much as 125W per channel.

With AVR-X4700H’s 4 K/120hz pass-through, quick-frame transport, dynamic HDR, and HDR 10+, it delivers the next generation of gaming.

Key Product Features

  • 3D audio support
  • 8K HDMI output
  • Advanced video controls
  • HRD compatibility
  • Modern gaming and voice assistant support
  • Bluetooth audio transmission

4. Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: Yamaha’s RX-V673 7.2-Ch 4 Ohm Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V673BL A/V receiver provides an affordable way to produce quality video for home theatre systems.

YAMAHA RX-V685 7.2-Channel AV Receiver with...
  • Unrivaled experiences; Boldly explores entertainment possibilities for an advanced home theater with the...
  • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplay 2, Spotify connect and music cast multi-room
  • Spotify, Apple Music via airplay 2, Pandora, Sirius internet radio, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, Qobuz and more

It can provide seven 90-watt channels of high-quality surround sound. Moreover, the receiver’s 4k upscaling ensures super-quality displays. So, it effectively prevents data loss when sending signals.

This receiver provides six HDMI inputs, meaning you could connect a gaming console and a DVD player and still have four left. 

Key Product Features

  • 4K Pass-through
  • HDMI with audio return channel and 3D
  • Edge adaptive deinterlacing
  • Adaptive dynamic range control
  • Versatile zone control
  • Low Power Consumption

5.Best for Enhancing Sound Quality: Denon AVR-X8500HSP13.2-Ch Receiver

Denon AVR-X8500HSP is designed for those looking to enhance their streaming devices’ sound.

Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround...
  • 7.2ch Integrated Network A/V Receiver
  • HDMI 1.4a 7In/2Out 3D Ready
  • AirPlay Ready

It has versatile connectivity and comes with multiple HDMI ports. It offers a perfect balance between low frequencies and rhythm.

The receiver is also easy to use and innovative and lets you enjoy the best stereo listening experience.

Key Product Features

  • 13.2 channels with 150W per channel
  • Monolithic amp design with tailor-made transistors
  • Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • 8 HDMI inputs
  • 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through

Bonus: Onkyo TX-NR616

Other Options

AV receivers supporting 4-ohm impedance are not as popular as those supporting higher-impedance speakers.
 
As such, we have included a bonus list of other receivers supporting 4-ohm amps.
 
However, these are older amps. These receivers are normally rated at 4 ohms or higher and include the popular Onkyo TX-NR616 and Yamaha RX-V773.
 
However, some older receivers may not offer more modern lossless audio formats, like DTS HD and Dolby Digital HD.

Popular Receiver Brands For 4 Ohm Speakers

In terms of receiver brands that support 4-ohm receivers, Denon Onkyo (mostly older models) are usually Yamaha-safe bets.

Impedance Matching Your Reciever and Speakers

As we have said, when a speaker’s impedance (ohms) is low, electric signals freely flow through them, making 4-ohms speakers more power-hungry than higher impedance speakers like 6-ohms and 8-ohms speakers.

Impedance Matching Your Reciever and Speakers

This is why you will find more 8-ohm speakers than 4-ohm speakers readily available on the market. So, before making your buying decision, it is essential to consider that many receivers and amps are not designed to handle 4-ohm speakers.

Does this difference matter? Yes, if your speakers require more power, but your receiver cannot deliver, the speakers are highly likely to blow the receiver. If you want to get the best experience, you should match the impendence of the speakers and receiver. Power is the most important consideration when it comes to 8 ohms vs. 4 ohms and which is better.

When discussing impedance matching, we are referring to designing an electrical load’s input and output impedance to maximize the power transfer and minimize signal reflection. Simply put, it’s just the process of making one impedance look like another.

Since 4-ohm speakers require a high amount of power, you can solve the problem by buying AV receivers that supply the power levels required.

Let’s say you have a 5.1 surround receiver. This device will have to deliver tremendous power to power five 4-ohm speakers and a sub. This means the load per channel they can provide is typically more limited, and you risk blowing a receiver channel or the entire device if you’re not careful.

However, manufacturers have already handled the technical work on your behalf, so you must select a 4-ohm certified receiver. Most receivers on the marketplace have an impedance between 6 ohms to 16 ohms, and they can serve your needs perfectly well.

Using a certified 4-ohm receiver is the best way to ensure you have a fair workload so that the receiver can drive safely without the risk of overheating or damage in the process. We recommend adding an external amp to ensure you drive these low-impedance speakers with substantial power. 

There are also many technical formulas that you can use to calculate and match impedance. Many experts use the Smith Chart Impedance matching for RF applications. However, you can match impedance without going technical.

Do I Need An Amplifier For My 4 Ohm Speakers?

As we have said, due to the power demands of low-efficiency 4-ohm speakers, we recommend that you include an amplifier when connecting 4-ohm speakers. If not, you risk overheating and damaging your receiver. 
 
In this case, getting a low impedance amplifier is a good idea because it will allow you to power down and high impedance speakers.
 

How to Prevent Overheating Your Receiver and Amp

The amp and receiver will likely heat up if you are driving your amp with too many low impedance speakers.

Worse, if you cram the devices between air-tight TV furniture and other poorly ventilated spaces, you risk choking the amp and overheating the receiver.  

 

Should I Use 4 Ohm Speakers with My Receiver?

To answer this question, we must step back and consider the important thing that your receiver provides, and your 4-ohm speakers need power. If your receiver can deliver the right power, you can use the speaker with it.

4 Ohm Speakers with Receiver

Remember, most modern receivers have impedance settings that you can use to match the speakers’ and receivers’ impedance. For example, if the receiver’s default impedance is 8 ohms, you can use the settings and reduce it to 4 ohms.

Even though this setting can be helpful, we do not recommend using a 4-ohms speaker with any higher-impedance speaker. Setting the receiver impedance to 4 ohms lowers its maximum power output.

In other words, by opting for the lower impedance setting, you are telling the receiver to reduce its overall performance.   

So, it would be best if you only used 4-ohm speakers with your AV receivers that support them, and your AV receivers should be 4-ohm certified. Remember that there is no harm in using a lower-impedance receiver with a higher-impedance speaker.

So, if you have receivers rated 4 ohms and below, it is safe to use them with 4-ohms speakers. The only challenge is that the receivers are difficult to get in the market.

For more information, check out our complete answer to the question, can I use 4-ohm speakers with my power amp or receiver

Can I Use Any Receiver With 4-ohm Speakers?

No, you cannot use any receiver with 4-ohm speakers. For example, if your Denon receiver turns off and blinks red with a 4-ohm speaker, it is in protect mode due to the low impedance. 

So, we have seen why you should not use 4-ohms speakers with higher-impedance AV receivers. You may be asking whether there are exceptions to this general rule.

Yes, there are a few exceptions from receivers that allow 4-ohm speakers. You can use some other receiver with 4-ohm speakers in rare cases.

Can I Use Any Receiver With 4 ohm Speakers

Firstly, remember that the indicated impedance is a nominal figure, and it is an average. So, if your speaker’s impedance can rise to about 8 ohms and the receivers’ impedance can be around the exact figure for a significant portion of their curves, you can use the receiver with the speaker.

On the other hand, some speakers can fluctuate significantly and drop low on their impedance curve (such as Magnepan speakers, for instance).

However, this is not always the case, especially if the receiver has an extremely high impedance rating. For example, if the receiver is rated 16 ohms, you should not use it with a 4-ohm speaker.

You can use the impedance settings if the impedance fails to fluctuate as you desire. As we have said, this is an important solution, but it will reduce your receiver’s overall efficiency. However, if quality reduction is not your major concern, you can use the settings to match the impedance.

Another common solution is reducing the volume of your audio/video system. You may know that if you use a 4-ohm speaker with any receiver with a higher impedance, the receiver will likely blow if you turn the volume too high. 

However, the receiver will not have to supply too much current if you keep the volume extremely low. As you likely know, the higher the volume, the higher the power your speaker demands.

So, in some cases, you can use any receiver with 4-ohm speakers, provided you ensure the speakers are getting adequate power by keeping the volume as low as possible.

Can I Use 4 Ohm Speakers With My Receiver?

Can I use 4-ohm speakers with my receiver? Yes, you can use 4-ohm speakers with 4-ohm rated receivers.

You can use a 4-ohm-rated speaker with receivers rated 6 to 16 ohms, but you need to be careful that your speakers aren’t pulling too much power from your receiver. You need to keep the speaker’s volume low and match the energy.

If you are not careful in keeping the volume low, you risk overdriving or clipping the receiver or amplifier if one is attached. 

How Many Watts Can A 4-ohm Speaker Handle?

Different 4-ohm speakers can handle different levels of power depending on the manufacturer. This could be, for example, 30 watts up to 400 watts, more or less.

In any case, you need to check the specifications of the speaker you are using. Importantly, it would be best if you considered the amp. 

Let’s say we have an amplifier with specifications of output power is 100 watts RMS at 8 ohms.

This means that the maximum output power of a 4-ohm speaker is 200 watts. However, you need an amplifier that can double the power specification of the speaker and so you need an amplifier that can produce at least 400 watts for this 4-ohm speaker.

Are 4-ohm Speakers Better Than 8ohm?

A 4-ohm speaker will accept greater power than an 8-ohm speaker. All other things remaining equal, a 4-ohm speaker will handle twice the power of an 8-ohm speaker

However, this does mean that you need a more powerful amplifier for a 4-ohm speaker than an 8-ohm speaker, with all other factors remaining equal. 

Check out our guide on eight ohms vs. 4-ohm speakers to learn more.

Can 4 Ohm Speakers Be Used With AV Receivers Instead Of Power Amps?

You can use a 4-ohm speaker directly with a receiver if the receiver is rated at 4 ohms, the wattage is matched, and you do not max out the volume. The best option is to include an amplifier if your speaker requires considerable power. On the other hand, if you have a powered speaker, you can connect it directly to your AV receiver.

What Is The Cheapest AV Receiver That Can Be Used With 4 Ohm Speakers?

Finding good and cheap AV receivers that support 4-ohm speakers is complex, and this is because this speaker typically requires a lot of power and is not easy to drive. It is best to have a power amplifier if you do not have a lot of money to spend. 

If you are set on using a receiver that is rated at 4 ohms, then here are some affordable options:

  • NAD T 748V2
  • Marantz US SR5009
  • Marantz US NR1608
  • Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver

FAQs

1. A 4-ohm speaker can take how many watts?

When playing light dance music, the 4-ohm power of the amplifier should be 1.6 x 100 W or 160 W continuous per channel. The amplifier’s 4-ohm power should be 2.5 x 100 W or 250 W continuous per channel to handle heavy metal/grunge.

2. Is a 4-ohm speaker good for bass?

If you want greater bass, you should go with a 4-ohm speaker. A 2-ohm speaker, on the other hand, is a better choice if you want a more balanced sound.

3. Can a 4-ohm speaker run at 8-ohms?

Yes, one can run a 4-ohm speaker with sufficient receiver ventilation at 8-ohms. 

4. Which is better: 4-ohm or 8-ohm?

A 4-ohm lower impedance is often used for lesser power, whereas an 8-ohm impedance is typically used for a higher power. An amplifier is necessary, and there are two ways to connect numerous speakers: parallel and series.

5. How many ohms can a receiver handle?

Receivers can easily handle 8-ohm and perhaps 6-ohm speakers too. As long as you don’t raise it too high, it will gladly power a 4-ohm speaker as well, as mentioned in this article. You should double-check if you want to use speakers with impedances of less than 6 ohms.

Final Verdict

There you have it, the best AV receivers that officially support 4-ohm speakers. As you may have realized, receivers that support 4-ohm speakers are not cheap equipment, to begin with, quite frankly.

However, you should be able to use these receivers with your low-impedance speakers and get excellent results. Remember, you may not get the best listening experience if you ignore impedance matching.

Finally, keep in mind that even if you are using a receiver that can support your 4-ohm amps, it’s still a good idea to use a power amp if you will be driving your speakers at max power for extended periods. 

Receiver That Can Be Used With 4 Ohm Speakers?

Finding good and cheap AV receivers that support 4-ohm speakers is complex, and this is because this speaker typically requires a lot of power and is not easy to drive. It is best to have a power amplifier if you do not have a lot of money to spend. 

If you are set on using a receiver that is rated at 4 ohms, then here are some affordable options:

  • NAD T 748V2
  • Marantz US SR5009
  • Marantz US NR1608
  • Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver

Final Verdict

There you have it, the best AV receivers that officially support 4-ohm speakers. As you may have realized, receivers that support 4-ohm speakers are not cheap equipment, to begin with, quite frankly.

However, you should be able to use these receivers with your low-impedance speakers and get excellent results. Remember, you may not get the best listening experience if you ignore impedance matching.

Finally, keep in mind that even if you are using a receiver that can support your 4-ohm amps, it’s still a good idea to use a power amp if you will be driving your speakers at max power for extended periods.