Working out ohms from how you connect cabinets

[srayb]

I've read the OHMS FAQ, but still have a simple question.

Does it make any difference in "how" you connect cabinets? For example, if I use one speaker output from my head to one cabinet and use the other speaker output from the head to another cabinet, is this the same as if I used a single speaker output from my head into one cabinet, then from that cabinet run a speaker cable to the second cabinet? Is the first scenario parallel and the second scenario series?

In my situation, I have an 8 ohm cab and (what I think is) a 4 ohm cab. Do both these conenction scenarios work out to the same total ohmage (and am I correct in my calculation that it is 2.67 ohms)? My head cannot go below 4 ohms so it is important that I know what I am doing! :-)

Thanks for any help!

[Warrior_Bass]

Typically, yes you are correct in your assumption. What head are you using?

[Bass_Pounder]

Using two seperate outputs from your head is the SAME as connecting from head to cab, and daisy chaining to a second cab.

They are both parallel.

[srayb]

Originally Posted by Warrior_Bass

Typically, yes you are correct in your assumption. What head are you using?

I've got 2 separate heads, GenzBenz Shuttle 3.0 & Gallien Krueger 400RB. Both are only rated as low as 4 ohms. Is there any possible way I can use a head with both of my cabinets at the same time if one is 8 ohms and the other is 4 ohms (series vs. parallel)??

I haven't had a chance yet to confirm one of my cabinets... I looked up the specs online and they say it is a 4 ohm cab, but I had previously thought it was 8 ohms... I intend to verify that eventually. It is a Peavey 1516 (1x Black Widow 15" + 2x 8" speakers).

Thanks!

[srayb]

Originally Posted by Bass_Pounder

Using two seperate outputs from your head is the SAME as connecting from head to cab, and daisy chaining to a second cab.

They are both parallel.

Thanks, that answers my question!

[father of fires]

The only way to safely use both cabs (assuming that one is 4ohm) would be in series. You would need a special cable to do it.

[RickenBoogie]

+1, for now, the best option is one cab per amp, as neither will run both cabs safely, unless as stated already, you build a special series cable. (not worth the effort imo).