Is it safe to use an 8 Ohm cab with a 16 Ohm output on amp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter conanthewarrior
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conanthewarrior

conanthewarrior

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Hi everyone, I had a problem with my HT5M where the volume was cutting out after a few minutes of use and was given advice on the forum.

I tried everything I could think of, then tonight I thought why not try a different output at the back of the amp?

The speaker cable was plugged into the correct 8 Ohm output while the issue was happening, but when I tried plugging it into the 16 Ohm output it works for ages, and the volume problem doesn't happen.

I have heard about amp and cab mismatching, so wondered if it is safe to use the 16 Ohm output with the 8 Ohm cab, or could it damage my amp?
 
There's people who say a 1 step ohms mismatch either way is fine. There are some that say going down a step is OK but not the reverse and then there's those that say the opposite. In my experience, it depends on the amp, but I've never mismatched for long periods of time.

But now you have troubleshooted the problem with your amp and narrowed it down to the 8 ohm speaker out of your amp.
 
OK, thank you for all the responses, someone answered on my other thread @Erock that the amp head is still seeing 8 Ohms wether it is the 1x8 Ohm output, or one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs being used with an 8 Ohm cab- just like it would see 8 Ohms if I plugged in 2x16 Ohm cabs so it is not a mismatch for the amp head?

I am not plugged into the far right output which says 1x16 Ohm, I am plugged into one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs so going from what the Erock said as long as the amp expects an 8 Ohm load and is getting one this is OK?
 
LP Freak said:
16ohm amp into 8ohm cabinet is not advised. Cabinet should match the amp or be higher to be safe. Have you tried cleaning the jack with contact cleaner?
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I attempted too clean it last night, went to spray the contact cleaner, and was met with nothing- I had run out of contact cleaner. It did last for years though.
I will get another can of it and attempt cleaning the 8 Ohm jack with the cleaner, fingers crossed this works.
 
conanthewarrior said:
OK, thank you for all the responses, someone answered on my other thread @Erock that the amp head is still seeing 8 Ohms wether it is the 1x8 Ohm output, or one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs being used with an 8 Ohm cab- just like it would see 8 Ohms if I plugged in 2x16 Ohm cabs so it is not a mismatch for the amp head?

I am not plugged into the far right output which says 1x16 Ohm, I am plugged into one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs so going from what the Erock said as long as the amp expects an 8 Ohm load and is getting one this is OK?
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2x16 outputs are 8ohms each. So if that's what you're doing, it's okay. Post a picture of the back of the amp.

That said, the amp shouldn't be cutting out on ANY output. That's not normal and should be fixed. Ignoring a problem can only make it worse.
 
GuitarBilly said:
2x16 outputs are 8ohms each. So if that's what you're doing, it's okay. Post a picture of the back of the amp.

That said, the amp shouldn't be cutting out on ANY output. That's not normal and should be fixed. Ignoring a problem can only make it worse.
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Sure, here is a picture- sorry its a bit blurry but you can make it out still.

No, I agree it shouldn't be. I should really get it to a tech then, or just get my new amp head.
 

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conanthewarrior said:
OK, thank you for all the responses, someone answered on my other thread @Erock that the amp head is still seeing 8 Ohms wether it is the 1x8 Ohm output, or one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs being used with an 8 Ohm cab- just like it would see 8 Ohms if I plugged in 2x16 Ohm cabs so it is not a mismatch for the amp head?

I am not plugged into the far right output which says 1x16 Ohm, I am plugged into one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs so going from what the Erock said as long as the amp expects an 8 Ohm load and is getting one this is OK?
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You gotta buy the right amp & cab combo like everybody else man or suffer the consequences of stupity.
You either have the right equiptment or you don't.
 
shar-vell Dan said:
You gotta buy the right amp & cab combo like everybody else man or suffer the consequences of stupity.
You either have the right equiptment or you don't.
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Thats the only thing, I do have the right equipment as I bought it together, but unfortunately something is wrong with the 1x8 Ohm output.

I am thankful that @Erock explained it to me as long as it is getting an 8 Ohm load like it expects there is no mismatch going on.
 
conanthewarrior said:
Thats the only thing, I do have the right equipment as I bought it together, but unfortunately something is wrong with the 1x8 Ohm output.

I am thankful that @Erock explained it to me as long as it is getting an 8 Ohm load like it expects there is no mismatch going on.
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ohms_law_diagram.jpg


If you have an 8 ohm cab its should go into an 8 ohm speaker out. Put a meter on it. Its not terribly complicated.
But for 2 days you've been trying to talk yourself into doing everything except the right thing.
Shooting wild forum hypothectical scenarios trying to be right.
Seems instead of playing guitar youre more determined to defy Ohms Law.
 
shar-vell Dan said:
ohms_law_diagram.jpg


If you have an 8 ohm cab its should go into an 8 ohm speaker out. Put a meter on it. Its not terribly complicated.
But for 2 days you've been trying to talk yourself into doing everything except the right thing.
Shooting wild forum hypothectical scenarios trying to be right.
Seems instead of playing guitar youre more determined to defy Ohms Law.
Click to expand...
I completely understand that, and I understand Ohms law.
I am not trying to come across strangely, I had a serious head injury about 4 years ago that has impacted aspects of my life so I may not seem to be the sharpest tool in the box, for that I do apologise if I come across strangely or like I am not taking advice.
I don't want to defy Ohms law, I was just happy that one of the 2x16 Ohm outputs worked when the correct 1x8 Ohm jack didn't- I was completely surprised that it did so it made me happy. I was told where it is one of the two 16 Ohm outputs as the amp head is seeing 8 Ohms from my cab there is no issue?
Again, I do apologise if I am coming across strangely or anything, I don't mean too and appreciate everyone that has given advice and tried to help me.
 
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