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HD150 output/cabinet options

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Steve Lucas (stlucas)
Username: stlucas

Registered: 05-2013
Posted on Thursday, May 23, 2013 - 12:01 pm:   

Hey Everyone-
First time poster, long term reader. For the past 2 years I've been running my hd-150 head into a 2x12 sunn cabinet at 4 ohms. I recently purchased a multi impedance egnater cabinet and am curious about the effects of my now various output setup options.

First, is there any volume/tonal difference when switching impedance (assuming I'm matching my output impedance to the same cabinet impedance)? So, if I set my amp and cabinet to 4 ohms, would there by any difference than setting both to 8?

Also, in my new egnater cabinet there is the option to run two inputs at 8 ohms in "Stereo." I believe both of my outputs in series on the hd150 head will stay the same impedance even if I use both outputs. So, I'm thinking there will be no issue there. However, are the two speaker outs matching signals? That is, I'm thinking there would be no difference in running both 8 ohm outs or one 8 ohm out to my cabinet.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and any responses. This forum has long been helpful to me on my quest to master my musicman head.
Mike Kaus (mm210)
Username: mm210

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Sunday, May 26, 2013 - 08:58 am:   

There really should be no difference when switching impedance but I don't know what's in your impedance matcher. It MIGHT affect the tone but I doubt it. At least not enough that MY deaf ears could hear! As for the egnater cab, if you run the two sides of the egnater with the speakers being 8 ohms each and use the series jacks on the back on the amp, you are going to have a 16 ohm load and therefore will have less power and a slightly overloaded output. Unless I am misunderstanding you question. Mike.
Steve Lucas (stlucas)
Username: stlucas

Registered: 05-2013
Posted on Thursday, May 30, 2013 - 11:03 pm:   

Thanks for the response Mike and I believe you are understanding correctly.

Now that I've read much of the forum's discussion on speaker impedance matching, I now have a better understanding of the situation. Thank you for the wealth of knowledge on this site!

If I keep my (in series) 150 head in the 8 ohm position, my head can then handle up to a 16 ohm load (100% mismatch). this 16 ohm load can be made up of a two 8 ohm cabinet pairing.

this now leads to me to the more unique side of my question which I can't find anyone discussing online. my cabinet has a strange option of having "stereo" inputs (both being 8ohm- giving me my 16 ohm load).

what I'm confused about is how you get a strereo amp into a cabinet? I had an old GK combo head that had stereo effects, but other than that sort of set up I don't know what the benefit would be. I don't think any musicman heads have stereo outputs. so, assuming proper impedance matching- I'm pretty sure my sound through this cabinet will be the same whether I put one output to the cab, or two outputs to the same cab.
-I hope this is more clear and someone could share their thoughts. I would try things out more on my own but I'm rarely in the same room with my rig as it stays in a practice space.

Also- whats the benefit of having two cabinets? Is it twice the output in watts (and 1.2x of the volume)? Or are the watts and therefor volume than split?

Also, I suppose their is dispersion and looking intense as shit.
Mike Kaus (mm210)
Username: mm210

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Friday, May 31, 2013 - 09:27 am:   

Personall, I would want to run an amp at 100% mismatch when I could just use it in parallel config, get full power, and switch it to 4 ohms. Why put the extra stress on the OT. There IS no stereo output on MM amps or any other standard guitar amp unless you are using a dedicated stereo amp with twin inputs. Then, you are still just ponging the same input to two amps with an effect or a splitter. Stereo phasers are cool but a trick at best. I mean a guitar is s mono device so there you go. The advantages of two cabinets are increased sound levels because of more square footage of sound reprodution. Not more watts, just better use of what you have. Also, as in MY case, I use two cabinets but with only 1x12 in each because they are lighter to carry and I'm freaking old! Mike.