16 0r 8 ohm

  • Thread starter Thread starter Elmo89m
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Elmo89m

Elmo89m

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Im using a Marshall JCM900 that has both 16 and 8 ohm output. I dont know which to use with my cab though. It is an avatar 4x12 with only two speakers in. the cab has two input jacks and one speaker gets each jack but then there is a wire connecting the jacks together. The speakers are 8 ohm so my guess is that if i use only one of the input jacks on the cab and one on the head i will want 16 ohm and if i want to use both inputs and both outputs on the head and cab respectively i should set the head to 8 ohms. If this is right, which will sound better, the 8 ohm way or the 16? and if this is wrong then how should i do it? Thanks for the help
 
You're certain that all the speakers are 8 ohms?

Take a look at the wiring off each speaker...how are they wired up. Draw it out on paper...you might have to cut some of the wire ties loose and/or pull off the phono jack plate on the back to see everything.

Let us know...

The likely configuration is 2 speakers in series, another 2 in series then both pairs in parallel (8 ohms) but, it could be 4 speakers in series which would be weird (but possible at 32 ohms) or all 4 parallel (also weird at 2 ohms).

Did you buy this new? If so, call Dave at Avatar a call.

Woops!...I just read your question again...you say a 4x12 with only two speakers?....again, look at the speaker wiring inside...draw a picture and get back with us.
 
Paintbrush us up a diagram...... I've been dying to do some elc. work today. I don't really have anything that needs fixing though.

If you don't know Ohm's law you should check it out, it's simple as hell and it's really useful.
 
I was just thinkin...since you only have two speakers...what do you want it to be? You're choices are limited (assuming both speakers are 8 ohm)

For 16 Ohm (Series):

AMP (+) ------> (+)speaker(-) ------> (+)speaker(-) -----> AMP (-)


For 4 Ohm (Parallel):

AMP (+) -----> (+) -----> (+)
(SPKR#1) (SPKR#2)
AMP (-) <------ (-) <----- (-)

For you to get an 8 ohm cabinet, you can only have one speaker hooked up. I shoulda caught this earlier. Your choices with two spekaers are 4 or 16...not 8. To get 8 ohms, you'll have to ditch one of the speakers or, get two more and hook them up serial parallel.

To be honest, I'm thinking that cabinet is going to sound awful with two open ports in the baffle. I would call avatar and see what an empty 2x12 cab will cost or better yet, get a couple more speakers. I'm a big fan of Avatar btw...they're great people to work with.
 
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