Mesa

[black cat bone]

im considering buying a mesa d800plus or a prodigy if funds allow.how would either of these amp handle a 5.3 ohm load.i use 3x16 ohm cabs,cheers

 

[BadExample]

I want to generically say yes to the D800+, but I won't, because I don't know if there could be circumstances with the three cabs that could result is 1 or 2 ohms of impedance at a certain frequency, or if there are crossovers or dissimilar cabs if it could do something to the amp by causing an oscillation or something. I don't know anything about the Prodigy.

I will say I'd like all three cabs to be 300 Watts RMS or more each for use with the D800 running close to 4 ohms.

You might state what cabs these are. Or is it one cab with three speakers?

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

If an amp is rated to operate safely at 4 Ohms, then a cab that is 5.6 Ohms should be OK.
If it is only rated for a minimum of 8 Ohms, then 5.6 is a bad idea.
The minimum impedance (Ohms) rating on an amp says "don't hook up a combination of cabs that together are less than the minimum."

Being above the minimum is OK with solid state amps like the Mesa.
Only amps with tube output stages get picky about an matching impedances.

 

[mmbongo]

The Mesa Subway amps are stable to 2 ohms, so yes you can run three 16 ohm cabs. You could run six 16 ohm cabs if you wanted to!

 

[black cat bone]

Thanks for your replies.my cabs are 2x 10 cabs each containing two 8 ohm speakers connected in series giving 16 ohms per cab. One cab can be switched between series and parallel.my reasons for this is so i can choose1 2 or 3 cabs depending on the gig.my current amp works fine but ive never had a class d amp and my last tube amp was back in the 70s.cheers

 

[joel406]

Mesa Subway D-800+ cam handle the load. It will be no problem.

 

[headtrip762]

The Prodigy can go to 4ohm.

 

[BassmanPaul]

IIRC the 800 goes to 2.67Ω and the 800+ to 2Ω.

 

[Al Kraft]

IIRC the 800 goes to 2.67Ω and the 800+ to 2Ω.

Actually they both can handle 2 Ohm loads, but you need to flip a switch on the back to the 2 Ohm position when you're operating with that load.

 

[mmbongo]

Actually they both can handle 2 Ohm loads, but you need to flip a switch on the back to the 2 Ohm position when you're operating with that load.

Al speaks the truth...both the Subway amps are stable at 2 ohms.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Usually when oddball impedance cabs are used with tube amps the tap which is rated slightly over the cab is preferable.

 

[agedhorse]

No problem with either amp running that impedance.

The Subway should be set to the 4-8 watt ohm position, and I would recommend the 4 ohm tap on the prodigy for the best matching. You can give Garry a call in customer service and see which tap he would recommend as he has more experience with the prodigy.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Actually they both can handle 2 Ohm loads, but you need to flip a switch on the back to the 2 Ohm position when you're operating with that load.

Thank you for the correction Al.

 

[Al Kraft]

Thank you for the correction Al.

You were careful to start out with the caveat "IIRC", pretty much inviting a double-check...and I know you have have my back when the situation is reversed.

I think it's great that we all keep an eye on the technical responses, especially when a member indicates they're not 100% sure on something, to ensure this forum can be counted on for technical accuracy.

 

[WarwickThunder]

Hello Guys. I have a question. does anybody knows the brand and model of the transformer in the Pic?
thanks!

 

[agedhorse]

Hello Guys. I have a question. does anybody knows the brand and model of the transformer in the Pic?
thanks!

It's a custom transformer, not off the shelf.

 

[WarwickThunder]

It's a custom transformer, not off the shelf.

But do you know who makes it?

 

[agedhorse]

But do you know who makes it?

Can't say, but it doesn't matter since they wouldn't make you one anyway.

 

[Al Kraft]

Can't say, but it doesn't matter since they wouldn't make you one anyway.

With most of these custom parts that are not manufactured in-house aren't there usually minimum quantity production runs required as well as proprietary agreements that often preclude making the exact same part for someone else? At least that's been my experience in cases where where an OEM no longer stocked replacement parts. While you can sometimes source a suitable substitute (form/fit/function), there are those "supply and demand moments" when if you want the exact part, you have to be prepared to break open your checkbook.

 

[agedhorse]

First of all, there is proprietary intellectual property involved. There is considerable cost involved with coming up with a transformer design, there are testing costs, NRE/tooling costs, sample costs, safety certification costs and MOQ costs that may (easily) add up to several thousand dollars before the first production part is delivered.

One way some less than honorable companies (and individuals) go about lowering their own R&D costs is to appropriate those R&D efforts by trying to buy the finished designs from the OEM vendor of the part. OEM agreements generally carry some severe penalties (at least here in the US and in most parts of western Europe) for violation of confidentiality and IP protections.