Mixing ohms and using old passive woofer

[hardcure]

Hi. I am not savvy re electronics and need help. I have some old but excellent phase tech PC50/60 speakers that I would like to use in a new surround system with a new av reciever, center speaker and surround speakers. The PC50 woofer is 8 ohms, and the PC60 speakers are 4 ohms. They are configured so R&L leads go first to the passive subwoofer, then to the right and left PC60 speakers. Questions: (1) Can these be used with modern AC receiver that has separate connections for subwoofer? (2) Would I need an additional amp for the subwoofer, such as my old stereo receiver? (3) How would I best hook them up on a modern av receiver? and (4) how much power will I need in the AV receiver? Thank you for any assistance you can offer......

 

[americanaudiophile]

To use them with a modern surround receiver you have two options.
The first is to connect front speaker L/R to sub and sub to satellites. Set the receiver to large front, no subwoofer.
The other option is to use an amp for the sub and connect it to the subwoofer output and the PC60 to the front out. The receiver would be set for small front speakers and subwoofer on The receiver would have to be stable into 4 ohms this way. If you have an old receiver or amp then you can try it but if you have to buy a decent sub amp it probably would be better to buy a real powered subwoofer. You could use this instead of the PC50 or connect as in option one, also connect the powered sub to subwoofer out and set the receiver for large or small fronts and subwoofer on. This would give you greater dynamic range for the fronts and better bass. You should not have to worry about the ohms rating in option one since the sub is 8 ohms. Power requirement depend on room size but anything over 50 watts should be OK in many rooms.

 

[hardcure]

Thank you very much...that is very helpful. I do have an old Carver stereo receiver that I could use as supplemental amp.....will try both ways.