The Impedance Question

[Slowy]

I have an amp with an 8 and 16 ohm selectable speaker out. I usually play one of the two 12" 16 ohm units I have.

Now my question: If I had two identical Celestion Blues say, except one was 8 and the other 16 ohm, would there be any differences in the sound? Specifically, does the different load affect the amp in any way?

Amp is low wattage, 2x EL84.

[Jay]

I have an amp with an 8 and 16 ohm selectable speaker out. I usually play one of the two 12" 16 ohm units I have.

Now my question: If I had two identical Celestion Blues say, except one was 8 and the other 16 ohm, would there be any differences in the sound? Specifically, does the different load affect the amp in any way?

Amp is low wattage, 2x EL84.

Going to assume that the CB specification is identical for the 8 and 16 ohm version...
Then the only difference I imagine would be introduced by the output transformer which might have a 'preference' for either 8 or 16 ohm. OT specs would provide you some clues... The OT would take care of the different loads so to speak so shouldn't majorly impact on the power section.

I don't think you would hear much, if any difference unless the Blues' specs are quite different.

[jeremyb]

There might be a subtle difference in sensitivity and frequency response but would you notice is another thing entirely.

[MikeC]

One Blue will get twice as much power as the other. But they're both Blues so you shouldn't hear any difference overall.

[RectifiedAmps]

The frequency response of 8 and 16 ohm versions of the same speaker are different. Some manufacturers actually provide different curve graphs depending on the ohms (Eminence I think?). Whether or not you can notice it is the real question.

The 8 and 16 ohm windings of the output transformer will also have different frequency responses, due to different numbers of wire turns which affects inductance and both treble and bass response. Again, it might not be noticeable.

[sizzlingbadger]

In general 16ohm speakers seem a tiny bit brighter to their 8ohm counterparts.

[Bg]

Too be a pendant, this is 'An Impedance Question' as there are many more that could have been asked. As you were.

[Optical]

That pedal show did a video on this question

https://youtu.be/WP6uHtClwec

[robthemac]

That pedal show did a video on this question

https://youtu.be/WP6uHtClwec

Haven't watched the video, but I imagine it takes about fifty minutes and eight guitars more than is required to answer the question.

[Conway]

You can get a little blue pill from your doctor to help with impedance.

[Bg]

Don't be so impedant!

[jeremyb]

Too be a pendant, this is 'An Impedance Question' as there are many more that could have been asked. As you were.

I feel some resistance to being broader on this topic too.

[Slowy]

Too be a pendant, this is 'An Impedance Question' as there are many more that could have been asked. As you were.

To be pedantic, this is my question. It’s the only one I have. Therefore it’s THE question.

[Bg]

In that case "My Impedance Question - the only one I have"

[Slowy]

In that case "My Impedance Question - the only one I have"

But it’s not all about me.