16 ohm minimum impedence question

[Kyle Ashley]

I'm grabbing one of those new Peavey Vypyr 75s to try out on a gig. The standard speaker is a 16 ohm and the ext speaker jack says 16 ohm minimum. I would like to install an EVM12L instead of the stock Blue Marvel, but my EV is 8 ohms.

I've always heard you could run at a lower impedence without damaging the amp, but shouldn't run a higher impedence speaker, such as a 16 ohm out of an 8 ohm amp.

Bottom line - can I run an 8 ohm speaker without damaging anything?
Thanks!!

[rockon1]

A "trick" on the Classic 30(if memory serves me well) if you want to use an 8 ohm internal speaker is to tape up the internal speaker wires and run a new wire plugged into the extension speaker jack. It switches to the 8 ohm tap when that jack is used. I'd bet the Vyper is similar. Maybe someone here can confirm this? Bob

[mc5nrg]

SS or tube?

[Kyle Ashley]

SS or tube?

The Vypyr is a SS modeling amp.

[Kyle Ashley]

I dorked out and was reading the manual section for a different amp model. The Vypyr 75 does NOT have an ext speaker out.

[rockon1]

I thought the Vyper was a modeling amp with a tube power section. Bob

[Kyle Ashley]

I thought the Vyper was a modeling amp with a tube power section. Bob

The tube models come out in about a month. I'm off to pick up my 75 watt SS version today. If it's decent, I'll probably get the tube version when they're available...but I have to leave for a gig on Sept 5, and the vipyr would be perfect for it...once I get the right speaker in.

[TopBooster]

It's a general rule, regarding SS amps, to not go much below the minimum recommended impedance, otherwise you risk burning out the output section. (This is exactly opposite from the general rule for tube amps...) Going with the mismatch you're suggesting is a bad idea. I think you need a 16 ohm EV for the job...or just stick with the Blue Marvel in the meantime.

[donnyjaguar]

I haven't seen a solid state amp in years that spec's 16Ω as a minimum. Generally the output impedance of an SS amp is appreciably lower than 1Ω anyway. I'd try it out and keep tabs on how hot its getting during normal use. If its too hot to hold your hand on the output devices, then you're probably over doing it.

[Kyle Ashley]

Thanks for all the replies...although I was premature in posting. After actually getting the amp home, the SS model does spec out at 8 ohm. The tube models are at 16 ohm and are what's featured in the PDF operating manual that I was referring to.

So i'm OK for now with my 8 ohm EVs.