Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

[moog1000]

Hi guys,

I've just acquired a new bass head which has a DI out built in. The head is solid state and I was wondering if these suffer from the same issues as tube heads when no speakers are connected? Is it safe to have no speakers plugged in and use the DI out direct to PA? I've looked in the manual and it doesn't state either way.

Cheers

Moog

[greendy123]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

I think you still need speakers with the right ohms so the transformer doesn't blow.

[marvar]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

Umm ...SS amps don't usually have an output transformer-
as far as having to connect a speaker- well, there has been long discussions on the subject, but, it is usually safe to run a SS amp w/o speakers. At least that is what I was taught in electronics class, and at a Peavey tech class I took
Tube amps are a whole different ball game.

[Tom M]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

I run my SS-powered Mesa without speakers for recording and it works fine. I haven't come across any SS amps you can't do that with, but there may be a few oddballs.

[Amateur]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

Uaually not a problem, but if you have doubts, you can always call the amp's tech support and ask for your peace of mind..

[moog1000]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

Thanks for your help guys!!!

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

It IS a problem...you can run a SS amp with no speaker load longer that you can do it with a tube amp but after a while it will kill a SS amp too...

[moog1000]

Re: Do I need to conect a speaker on a SS amp?

Is there way I can create a dummy load on the amp without going to the extremes of an attenuator? I'm not interested in any sound coming from the speaker, just having a load on the amp.