Ampeg SVT Classic with an 8 Ohm load?

[MoistTowelette]

I know the general advice is to get a 4 ohm cab with the SVT but my only cab is an 8 ohm Mesa powerhouse 210 and I only plan on playing in my apartment. I don’t really ever plan to go very loud. Could I manage to get away with an 8 ohm load without cooking the transformers? Also what would be a good 8 ohm cab if I choose to go for a dual cab parallel 4 ohm cabinet. Ideally id want a cab that would sound good with my other amp, a tt800.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Also what would be a good 8 ohm cab if I choose to go for a dual cab parallel 4 ohm cabinet.

The best cab would be another Mesa Powerhouse 210.

 

[Wasnex]

Showing the amp the expected impedance is preferable. However, the designer of the original SVT said it was safe pushing an 8 ohm load. It's harder on the tubes and it will reduce how much power the amp can make. The output section of the Classic is electrically pretty similar to the original. It should be fine, especially at relatively low volume.

 

[Nebadon2000]

I am just glad I don't live in your Apartment Building be kind and don't add another Cab

 

[agedhorse]

At low levels with that amp, it’s fine at 8 ohms. Won’t affect tube life either.

(Edit for typo)

 

[Wasnex]

Won’t affect tube life either.

My assumption is the impedance mismatch becomes more relevant as the power is increased. So at low levels, little to no additional stress on the output tubes--unless the amp has some sort of instability issue. AFAIK, a different matter if the amp is asked cross into output drive territory.

 

[Engle]

I like how we don't question running an SVT in an apartment

 

[MoistTowelette]

I like how we don't question running an SVT in an apartment

Ground floor, incredibly thick walls, and no upstairs neighbor

 

[Nebadon2000]

Ground floor, incredibly thick walls, and no upstairs neighbor

You are aware how Bass Travels
But if neighbors are fine with it
Rock On

 

[MCF]

I like how we don't question running an SVT in an apartment

And what’s wrong with that? OP is my kind of player. Their other head is a TT800!

 

[baxter_x]

At low levers with that amp, it’s fine at 8 ohms. Won’t affect tube life either.

At high level things are different?
I'm asking as I use my SVT 2 pro for rehearsals plugged in an 8 ohms cab. Gain à 11, master at 14 o'clock.

 

[KenSmithFan]

At low levers with that amp,

My SVT doesn’t have levers!

 

[agedhorse]

At high level things are different?
I'm asking as I use my SVT 2 pro for rehearsals plugged in an 8 ohms cab. Gain à 11, master at 14 o'clock.

They do change a little, mostly if you clip the signal (especially at the power amp stage) because flyback voltages (energy) are going to be a little higher.

This is because the plate load decreases (due to the mismatch) as the output signal reflects back from secondary to primary.

 

[MCF]

I know the general advice is to get a 4 ohm cab with the SVT but my only cab is an 8 ohm Mesa powerhouse 210 and I only plan on playing in my apartment. I don’t really ever plan to go very loud. Could I manage to get away with an 8 ohm load without cooking the transformers? Also what would be a good 8 ohm cab if I choose to go for a dual cab parallel 4 ohm cabinet. Ideally id want a cab that would sound good with my other amp, a tt800.

Here’s an old thread you might find somewhat helpful.

Thread 'Ampeg SVT VR to 8Ω cabinet'

Mar 4, 2015

The SVT VR has 2Ω or 4Ω speaker output. Can i connect it to a 8Ω cab? Will it work normally?

• supremo
• Replies: 14
• Forum: Amps and Cabs [BG]

 

[baxter_x]

They do change a little, mostly if you clip the signal (especially at the power amp stage) because flyback voltages (energy) are going to be a little higher.

This is because the plate load decreases (due to the mismatch) as the output signal reflects back from secondary to primary.

Should I stop pushing or running the amp at 8 ohms then?

 

[agedhorse]

Should I stop pushing or running the amp at 8 ohms then?

I wouldn't recommend driving it into clipping, though it may be fine even driven pretty hard. It's a question with an "it depends" answer.

 

[baxter_x]

I wouldn't recommend driving it into clipping, though it may be fine even driven pretty hard. It's a question with an "it depends" answer.

Would you advise me to use a 4 ohms load with the amp?
I found a good deal on a 4 ohms Fender Rumble 410.

 

[agedhorse]

Would you advise me to use a 4 ohms load with the amp?
I found a good deal on a 4 ohms Fender Rumble 410.

That would be a good cabinet choice IMO.