Adding another "ohmage" to an amp.

[Timi]

Say I had an amp that can only be run at 2 or 4 ohms, how hard would it be to change the transformer and any other parts to also make it work at 8 ohms?

[GrantB]

Say I had an amp that can only be run at 2 or 4 ohms, how hard would it be to change the transformer and any other parts to also make it work at 8 ohms?

What amp? The O/T might have an 8ohm tap tucked up it's arse maybe?

[Timi]

Marshall VBA400.

[DC4]

You could put an 8 ohm speaker on a 2 or 4 ohm output, you'd loose a little power, well about half, but not hugely noticeable volume wise.
Or simpler, put 2 x 8 ohm speakers on (in parallel) and voila! there's yer 4 ohms...

[Timi]

I've heard lots of mixed opinions on running an amp on 4 ohms with an 8 ohm cab, most people seem to think its a bad idea and puts strain on the transformer.

I have a 4 ohm cab too, which is what I would use it with most of the time. Sometimes I want to use my smaller cab or I play at shows where I am using someone elses cab, usually 8 ohms.

[chrls]

I'd say most amp transformers are built to handle things like running 8 ohm cabs off a 4 ohm head. It really depends how you thrash it.

It's just like tools...they're built with the expectation that idiots are going to misuse them. I assume some amps are built that way.

[Kristie]

It's just like tools...they're built with the expectation that idiots are going to misuse them. I assume some amps are built that way.

I sure hope mine is

[ash]

I've heard lots of mixed opinions on running an amp on 4 ohms with an 8 ohm cab, most people seem to think its a bad idea and puts strain on the transformer.

I'd be hesitant too. Definetly a fatal idea to run too low an impedance cab, but too high an impedance, while not fatal isn't what the designers had in mind. It will sound different too, since it forces the power tubes into a different part of their operating range.

It's just like tools...they're built with the expectation that idiots are going to misuse them. I assume some amps are built that way.

Thats a dangerous assumption. Most consumer products are designed to make it through their warranty period for the lowest cost possible. They're generally not doing anyone any free favours for the sake of a few boneheads who want to thrash it to death.

[Timi]

It doesn't really matter now, I've come to my senses and realised a 400 watt amp is just silly.

[thehenderson]

It doesn't really matter now, I've come to my senses and realised that having a moustach entitles me to mismatch ohmage whenever I see fit

That's the kind of power it gives you

[Rog]

It doesn't really matter now, I've come to my senses and realised a 400 watt amp is just silly.

Heresy! Wash yer dang mouff out!!

I so want to remove this thread, 'cos I choke everytime I see the word 'ohmage', its as offensive to me as 'amperage' or 'light bulb'.

[stark]

Rog - I know that that "ohmage" = impedance - what's the correct term for "amperage"?

you're still good with watts > wattage, volts > voltage, garb > garbage?

[Timi]

I so want to remove this thread, 'cos I choke everytime I see the word 'ohmage', its as offensive to me as 'amperage' or 'light bulb'.

Note these happy little fellows around the bad word ""

I will not take offence if you change it to "ohm setting" or "impedance".

[Rog]

LOL- don't worry about it, mate. I just like to have fun.

amperage => current in my world, but what the hell would I know, I'm old!!

'ohmage' is more fun anyway.
No its not - I hates it, I does
Shuddup anal Rog
No you shut up you degenerate Rog, go play with your ring
WhY I oughta...
Get off my lawn
go fuck yerself
(faints deads away in shock)

[stark]

"leveage" used as a verb annoys me. (it's in the dictionary as such, though)

what the hell would I know, I'm old!!

Exactly .

Employ teenagers while they know everything!!