Can an Ampeg SVT Classic Be Run @ 8 Ohms?

There have been a couple of debates on this topic here & some people say "Yes & that they have using it on an 8OHM cab for a long time" & others say "No, you could damage something".

Me personally, I wouldn't do it. Why risk it? I have the SVT II PRO (Rackmount version that's has a graphic EQ) & I haven't & won't just because of the fact that "If something can go wrong, I'll go wrong on Nino." I have been using an SVT 810 or SVT 410HLF. They are both 4OHM cabs.

 

Many people on here will say "yes" but I would`nt
even mess around with running it out of spec.My luck the thing would fry/blow up or whatever.

I`m with Nino on this one.That is too nice a piece of equipment to take even a small chance with it.
Just my opinion though.

 

Here's the dilly: The amp has an output transformer (unlike SS amps) with a secondary tap for 4 ohms and one for 2 ohms. So, theorectically you shouldn't hook anything other than 2 or 4 ohm loads to it. In practice you can run an 8 ohm box without much worry of damaging the amp. The difference between the transformer impedence and the cab isn't enough to be really concerned about. You will lose some power though. I do it/ have done it. That doesn't mean I'd reccommend that anyone else do it, of course . In general, I think it's wise to stick with the reccommend impedences. These amps do sound better when the impedences are matched.