Can I use 8 ohm surround speakers on a 4 ohm receiver?

Question

I want to use 8 ohm Dayton surrounds, but have a 4 ohm amp from a HT in a box. It is made by Sony. I think i can, but just want to make sure. Also, will full range bookshelf speakers work better for surrounds since they are bigger, or not.

Answer 1

Yes, if it's a solid state amp and not vacuum tubes. Solid state amps will run out of current capability with a speaker load lower than their rating and heat up or trip their protection circuits. The same or higher rating on the speaker compared to the amplifier will be safe.  FYI - For vacuum tube amplifiers, rare these days except for antiques and high-end audio, you need a lower speaker impedence than the amp's rating. Match your surrounds to your front main speakers size and sensitivity as best you  can. For best performance all your surround speakers should have full frequncy range capability, i.e. at least down to 80 Hz bass and up to 20 KHz on the treble. Today even good small 2-way bookshelf speakers with 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inch woofers have no problem.

Just don't pair tiny cube fronts with large bookshelf rear units or vice-versa.

Answer 2

id go with the bigger speakers so they cover more area to project the sound better