Will the RX500A damage the SS-CS8?

No. The RX500A is rated for the SS-CS8's 6 Ω load as it comes.

What impedance setting should I use for the SS-CS8 on the RX500A?

None: the SS-CS8 is 6 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.

Is the RX500A powerful enough for the SS-CS8?

Comfortable. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 32 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 318 W.

Does the Sony SS-CS8 work with the Yamaha RX500A?

Verdict

Yes

The SS-CS8 is 6 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.

Speaker load

6 Ω speaker, rated down to 4 Ω

Power

70 W

Comfortable. About 32 W gives 95 dB peaks at 2 m

How to connect them

Connect the SS-CS8 speakers to the RX500A's front terminals with speaker wire.
In the RX500A's speaker setup, set speaker impedance to 6 Ω.
Run Room Correction with its microphone at your seat.

Plan the SS-CS8 and RX500A in your own room.

Draw your room in 3D, place both, and see every connection checked and how loud they play at your seat. Designing is free.

Build it in your room

The specs that decide it

Sony SS-CS8

Impedance: 6 Ω
Sensitivity: 86 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)
MSRP: $169 each (MSRP, September 2014)

All SS-CS8 specs and pairings

Yamaha RX500A

Amplifier channels: 7
Height formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Lowest speaker impedance: 4 Ω
MSRP: $600 each (MSRP, May 2026)

All RX500A specs and pairings

Questions about the SS-CS8 and RX500A

Does the SS-CS8 work with the RX500A?: Yes. The SS-CS8 is 6 Ω, and the RX500A is rated for speakers down to 4 Ω, so it drives them as is.
Will the RX500A damage the SS-CS8?: No. The RX500A is rated for the SS-CS8's 6 Ω load as it comes.
What impedance setting should I use for the SS-CS8 on the RX500A?: None: the SS-CS8 is 6 Ω, and the RX500A needs no change for it.
Is the RX500A powerful enough for the SS-CS8?: Comfortable. From a seat 2 m away, loud 95 dB movie peaks take about 32 W per speaker, and the RX500A is rated 70 W per channel. Cinema reference level, 105 dB peaks, takes about 318 W.

Swap one of them

References

Specs verified against the manufacturer's published data. Last checked September 15, 2026.

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