Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Effect of Running Speaker on 8 or 16 Ohm plug in VHT Special 6

1 reply [Last post]
Wed, 02/14/2018 - 14:51
SFJorge
SFJorge's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/03/2015

I replaced the stock speaker on my VHT Special 6 with an Eminence Little Buddy, which is an 8 Ohm speaker.  The stock speaker was rated at 16 Ohms.  I did this in order to gain volume.  The Little Buddy is a more efficient speaker.

The speaker is attached is with a plug similar to this: https://www.angela.com/images/products/detail/CordTwo.jpg

There is an internal plug rated at 16 Ohms in the inside of the cabinet where the speaker is plugged in.  On the outside of the cabinet, there are 3 plugs meant for an external speaker for 4, 8, and 16 Ohms.

The 8 Ohm speaker is currently plugged into the internal 16 Ohm plug.  It seems to work fine, and the amp doesn't seem to suffer any ill effects of this impedance mismatch.  My question is: What are the effects on volume or sound of plugging 8 Ohm speaker into the 16 Ohm plug, and how would the sound change if I plug the speaker into the 16 Ohm plug on the outside of the cabinet?

Thanks!

Top
Sat, 03/24/2018 - 18:50
#1
Expert Skip Simmons
Expert Skip Simmons's picture
Offline
Joined: 01/18/2010
VHT speaker impedance

Hello SFJorge- Really explaining your question could get a little too deep for this column, but I think it is safe to say that whatever jack sounds best to you is safe to use.

In general, a decent-quality tube amp can safely handle a 100% mis-match between amp and speaker, either up or down. For example, an amp wth an 8-ohm output can safely run with a 16, 8, or 4-ohm cabinet. Experiment!

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com