mismatched speaker cab question

Discussion in 'Amps/Cabs Tech Corner: Amplifier, Cab & Speakers' started by cbstrat, Jan 27, 2012.

  1. Jan 27, 2012 #1
    cbstrat

    cbstrat Supporting Member

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    a friend of mine told me he was using two cabs with his Carol Ann. 1) 8 ohm and 1) 16 ohm and hooking them up to the corresponding 8 & 16 speaker outs on the head.

    Is this the correct way to hook these up or will it harm the amp?
     
    cbstrat, Jan 27, 2012
    cbstrat, Jan 27, 2012
    #1
  2. Jan 27, 2012 #2
    pdf64

    pdf64 Member

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    This will result in half the intended impedance being reflected back to the OT primary; may not be an issue unless it's got EL34s and a high VB+.
    Is there a 4 ohm output? If so plug the 8 ohm speaker into the 4 ohm output and the 16 ohm speaker into the 8 ohm output and the correct impedance will be reflected back to the primary.
    Pete.
     
    pdf64, Jan 27, 2012
    pdf64, Jan 27, 2012
    #2
  3. Jan 27, 2012 #3
    Carol-AnnAmps

    Carol-AnnAmps Gold Supporting Member

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    Agreed, not ideal, but a lower secondary impedance being reflected back is still better than a higher mismatch. I do know a number of people have done this, but you are putting the amp under more strain and yes, EL34's would show up problems usually before 6L6's. Most of the CA's run a high B+.
     
    Carol-AnnAmps, Jan 27, 2012
    Carol-AnnAmps, Jan 27, 2012
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