Using 8 ohm speaker with a 16 ohm amp?

[bert123]

I think it will cause a problem. But what? and the engineer in me has to know why also.

Following some of what I remember from my "electrical engineering for the other engineering majors". I think lower inductance will allow more current to flow through the speaker side of the output transformer -> allowing more current flow through the power tube side -> with Power = voltage drop * current -> allowing more power through the power tubes than they can handle -> burned out power tube. :blackeye:

Right/wrong? Really confused

 

[HolyDirt]

Re: Using 8 ohm speaker with a 16 ohm amp?

Bad, thats a damaging situation

 

[aleclee]

Re: Using 8 ohm speaker with a 16 ohm amp?

Most tube amps will be okay with a 2:1 impedance mismatch in either direction, particularly if you're not cranking it up.

As you note, running a lower-impedance speaker will work the tubes harder but it's not like it'll fry 'em instantly. They'll just wear out sooner.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Using 8 ohm speaker with a 16 ohm amp?

I've alway's read that you can go higher with the impedance but never lower. You'll start frying thing's. For example, if you have an amp that call's for an 8 ohm speaker to be used as the main you can use a 16 ohm, but never a 4 ohm. I also have a Classic 30 and it's my understanding that if you want to use an 8 ohm speaker, you;ll have to disconnect the main lead's and tape them off (seperatley) them connect the 8 ohm speaker up to the extension speaker jack.