Quick ohm question.

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Real quick.

Can i replace the stock 16ohm speaker in a 1X12 combo amp, with an 8ohm speaker ?

Is it safe to do so ?

If so, what will i notice ?

Thanks to all

 

[Swampy]

Re: Quick ohm question.

I wouldn't. Especially if it's a tube amp.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Quick ohm question.

It would depend on the amp and how hard you plan on working it. Unless it's a piece of junk or you plan on running it flat out a mismatch from 16 to 8 wouldn't bother me. I've never blown any amp (either guitar or home stereo) from a mismatch. But I keep in mind how much the amp can "lift" and keep the volume level reasonable.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Impedance matching is always the best policy!
People do 1 step mismatches frequently and get by, BUT I don't/won't unless the manufacturer of the amp approves it in their manual. Higher impedance is potentially harder on a tube amp than lower than recommended. Higher impedance is fine for a solid state amp; lower is NOT! Anything other than a match results in loss of efficiency as well.

Can I haul 1 ton of gravel in my 1/2 ton pickup truck? ....Every day? ....For years?

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Do you have an 8ohm tap on the amp?

Based on the amp and components it could be fine for years or could cause issues immediately.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Thanks to all so far.

No, the amp in question is not mine.
I am justtryign to help a friend.

The amp is a 30W Orange Rocker 30 1X12 combo.
Stock speaker is a 16ohm unit.
He can get a used 8ohm Jensen Blackbrid ---> https://www.jensentone.com/jet_series/blackbird_12

I almost think the stock speaker is a Vintage 30 . . . but not 100% sure.

 

[hydro]

Re: Quick ohm question.

I wouldn't do it
My rule of thumb is - higher ohm cabs/speakers cool with lower ohm output but not vice versa.

 

[IM4Tone]

Re: Quick ohm question.

I wouldn't do it
My rule of thumb is - higher ohm cabs/speakers cool with lower ohm output but not vice versa.

You have it backwards for tube amps....what you state is correct for solid state amps.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Rocker 30s stock speaker is a Vintage 30 and the amp (and all modern Oranges) are engineered with that speaker in mind.

That amp is a modern classic and is getting harder to find. I wouldn't mod it.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Rocker 30s stock speaker is a Vintage 30 and the amp (and all modern Oranges) are engineered with that speaker in mind.

That amp is a modern classic and is getting harder to find. I wouldn't mod it.

Thanks Empty Pockets . . . i'll tell Mark (the owner of said Rocker 50)

That brings a 2nd question to light : IF the amp is so sweet . . . why would Orange discontinue something so good ?
I can understand if a unit does not sell . . . but if it is popular, and sell well, because it is a good sounding amp mmmmmm ?

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Quick ohm question.

PS : talking about being discontinued.

I read on the Orange FB Page that the Thunderverb 50 is discontinued, or is about to be discounted :2:

 

[Artie]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Can i replace the stock 16ohm speaker in a 1X12 combo amp, with an 8ohm speaker?

No problem. Just be sure to move the plug to the 8-ohm jack.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Quick ohm question.

No problem. Just be sure to move the plug to the 8-ohm jack.

View attachment 75182

Now that IS good news . . . thanks ArtieToo !!!

 

[Nostalgic Distortion]

Re: Quick ohm question.

No problem. Just be sure to move the plug to the 8-ohm jack.

View attachment 75182

Right??? It should have a 8ohm speaker outlet, at least every one I've ever seen was 8ohm/16ohm switchable. As Artie's pic shows it should have two 8ohm jacks. You should be able use either one if you are only running one 8ohm speaker but look for a speaker main....

 

[hydro]

Re: Quick ohm question.

I wouldn't do it
My rule of thumb is - higher ohm cabs/speakers cool with lower ohm output but not vice versa.

Check out p. 29-34 from the Mesa boogie manual, which has a great explanation of impedence matching, and also says which mismatches are safe, including configs with multiple cabs, etc. In particular note, from p. 29

"You can always have a higher resistance (16 ohms, for example)
without damaging results, but too low of a resistance will likely cause problems.
MIS-MATCHING: When running a higher resistance (for example: 8 ohm output into 16 ohm cabinet), a slightly different feel and
response will be eminent. A slight mismatch can provide a darker smoother tone with a little less output and attack. This response is
a result of the amplifier running a bit cooler"

http://www.mesaboogie.com/media/User Manuals/3chRecto.pdf

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Quick ohm question.

Check out p. 29-34 from the Mesa boogie manual, which has a great explanation of impedence matching, and also says which mismatches are safe, including configs with multiple cabs, etc. In particular note, from p. 29

"You can always have a higher resistance (16 ohms, for example)
without damaging results, but too low of a resistance will likely cause problems.
MIS-MATCHING: When running a higher resistance (for example: 8 ohm output into 16 ohm cabinet), a slightly different feel and
response will be eminent. A slight mismatch can provide a darker smoother tone with a little less output and attack. This response is
a result of the amplifier running a bit cooler"

http://www.mesaboogie.com/media/User Manuals/3chRecto.pdf

Thanks for the info Hydro !