Audio Systems: Speakers, speaker impedance, 4 ohm speakers

Question
I just purchased a new home theater reciever (Pioneere elite vsx-54) and have a question about speakers to use with it. The manual says for use with 8 or 6 ohm speakers. I currently have Kef 103/3 speakers that are 4 ohm. Can I use these speakers or not?

Answer
Dear Bob,

The power amplifiers inside A/V receivers are made so that the power output is increased when speaker impedance is also increased (represented by a lesser number; i.e., 4 ohms resistance is greater than 8 ohms). Unless the VSX-54 violates every principle of amp design, then all it will do is work a bit harder with 4-ohm speakers. IMHO, you shouldn't have any problem with the KEFs.

Kindest regards,

Kevin