Quote:
Originally Posted by itaynipt  thanks for all the replies. I knew that with tube amps you need to have a load but didnt know if the headphones would kill the signal out like it kills the speaker volume.
@MIJ-VI- I would have included specifics on the head but i dont have one yet. I'm curently using a combo amp and looking to upgrade to a head/cab and was wondering if i could make it work with just a head for awhile. |
If a prospective transistor amp has a headphone jack then it can be run with 'phones and without speakers.
It's a good idea to download and study the manuals for any gear one is considering as a means of comparing features to one's immediate and possible future needs.
For example: the all-tube 100 Watt RMS (it can be switched down to 30 Watt RMS Class A mode)
Traynor YCS100H2 (it's a guitar amp) has a headphone jack and it can be run without speakers being plugged in--as long as the standby switch is
off.
EDIT:
In general one should NEVER run an all-tube amp (or any amplifier which has a tube power amp) without speakers being connected via a proper, fully functioning speaker cable (IIRC 14 gauge wire is good, 16 gauge minimum).
The Traynor YCS100H2 mentioned above is a rare exception to this rule.
From the amp's manual:
"
Standby Switch & Indicator
The Standby switch controls the high-voltage power being supplied to the output tubes only. Standby mode keeps the tubes warmed up when the amp is not in use. The large, jewel indicator on the front panel glows red when the amp is fully powered-up and changes to yellow when the high voltage circuit has been turned off (when in Standby mode). Putting the amp into Standby mode (i.e. during set breaks) shuts off the amplifier output stage and effectively increases tube life by reducing wear on the tubes. The pre- amp tubes remain active so that the D.I. and headphone outputs can be used for silent practice or for recording. You do not need to connect speakers to the amplifier when operating in standby mode."
