Dumb amp/speaker question: is higher ohm speaker ok?

[Dave Locher]

I did a quick Google search before posting this and I think it's fine, but I want to clear it with known experts (that's you!) first: is there any problem with running my solid-state Randall RG100ES head into a 16-ohm cabinet? It has 8-ohm outputs.

I've downsized my 2x12 to 1x12 with an 8 ohm speaker and it sounds thin and cold to me. My Google search found a source claiming that speakers with a higher ohm rating than the amp is intended for would give more mids. So it has occurred to me to just buy another 8-ohm speaker and wire them in series to get 16 ohms. Would this lower the volume of the amp? (That would be a good thing!) Would it potentially harm the amp or the speakers? I rarely play above volume 3 or 4, and that's on stage.
OR...do I just need to be more patient and break in the new speaker before making any additions?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[devastone]

Re: Dumb amp/speaker question: is higher ohm speaker ok?

It'll be fine and yes, it will probably lower the output of the amp. Usually ss amps state a minimum impedance for the speakers, so higher won't hurt them.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Dumb amp/speaker question: is higher ohm speaker ok?

Thank you, devastone. Lower output would be nice - the amp sounds a lot better when the master volume goes above, but that's ear-bleed level in its current configuration. Toning it down some would be a nice bonus.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Dumb amp/speaker question: is higher ohm speaker ok?

It'll be fine and yes, it will probably lower the output of the amp. Usually ss amps state a minimum impedance for the speakers, so higher won't hurt them.

:bigthumb:


My Google search found a source claiming that speakers with a higher ohm rating than the amp is intended for would give more mids.
Check your google search...I suspect it referred to the resultant effect on tube amps....never heard that about ss amps, but I don't claim to have heard everything.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Dumb amp/speaker question: is higher ohm speaker ok?

If your SS Randall will produce 100 watts into 8 ohms, it'll produce roughly 50 watts into 16. This isn't a hard and fast rule, just a general guideline that holds true for most SS amps. The one exception that immediately comes to mind is the Ampeg SVT 3 Pro which produces 450W into 4 ohms, but 275W into 8 instead of the expected 225W.