Can I use an amp head without a cab?

[Hyperstatik]

Hi there, okay this might seem like a simple question but I've been researching it a while and I'm so confused! Haha.

Basically, I live in an apartment and I need to get something to practice with, which potentially could be something I could gig with down the line. I was thinking about investing in an amp head for now and then adding cabs when I need them (obviously not to practice with).

Specifically, I was looking at the GK MB200 (I really love this little guy) or the Acoustic B200H. When I was demoing some stuff the other day I explained to the the guy at the store what I was trying to go for and he was saying that you need to have a load on the amp head or you'll burn it out. Obviously this killed my idea, but I've done some research and it seems like it might not be the case with solid state amp heads?

The GK would really be perfect for me, aux in + headphones out for practicing, and it just sounds badass. If this idea totally wouldn't work then I guess I'd have to go with some type of pedal effects processor (line 6 pod thing) or get a small combo.

Let me know what you think! Thanks

[john m]

OK with a solid state power section.

NO NO with a tube power amp

[M Sterling]

Originally Posted by john m

OK with a solid state power section.

NO NO with a tube power amp

+1

[Silver Blues]

Originally Posted by john m

OK with a solid state power section.

NO NO with a tube power amp

+2

[gjbassist]

Yes. I have used a GK MB200 without a cabinet as a preamp direct into a PA and as a practice amp with only headphones. Worked great.

[B-string]

You are good!

[HereIGoAgain]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

Yes. I have used a GK MB200 without a cabinet as a preamp direct into a PA and as a practice amp with only headphones. Worked great.

I've done the same with my Acoustic B200H. However, as previously alluded to, both the Acoustic and the MB200 are all solid-state.

[Munjibunga]

No prob with the MB200, which is perfect for what you want to do.

[Hyperstatik]

Awesome, thanks everyone!

[PDGood]

One more thing. This is true with modern era amps but not vintage amps - even solid state ones. Someone else will need to explain why, but I remember all too well blown SS amps back in the day from not having a speaker plugged in.

[wcriley]

Originally Posted by Hyperstatik

I explained to the the guy at the store what I was trying to go for and he was saying that you need to have a load on the amp head or you'll burn it out.

Lesson learned: NEVER trust a salesman.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by PDGood

One more thing. This is true with modern era amps but not vintage amps - even solid state ones. Someone else will need to explain why, but I remember all too well blown SS amps back in the day from not having a speaker plugged in.

Some very old SS amps still used an output transformer before it was discovered to be a waste of components. There is I believe a boutique builder that still uses one for the "sound comes from the iron" crowd. There is also a boutique builder that has an OTL (output transformer less) tube amp. These are the exceptions.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by PDGood

One more thing. This is true with modern era amps but not vintage amps - even solid state ones. Someone else will need to explain why, but I remember all too well blown SS amps back in the day from not having a speaker plugged in.

+1

GK 800RB needs to have a load on it.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

+1

GK 800RB needs to have a load on it.

Sorry no it doesn't. It will run perfectly fine with no load attached.

[bassgod0dmw]

Originally Posted by B-string

Sorry no it doesn't. It will run perfectly fine with no load attached.

I could have sworn that I read somewhere not to turn it on without a load attached. Of course, I can't find anything to support that now

[B-string]

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

I could have sworn that I read somewhere not to turn it on without a load attached. Of course, I can't find anything to support that now

No problem. You must never connect the 300 and 100 watt amps together, other than that with no load attached to the power amps they do nothing but wait to be used

You may have read not to attach or detach a load with the amp on? This is true with any amp that uses a 1/4"?

[cica]

Why not just get one of these for $15 and buy your amp later?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-a...and-ipod-touch