Converting 2x12 8ohm to 2x12 16ohm cab

[efraser68]

Anyone here have experience in getting a 2x12 wired up for 16ohm? Can it be done by wiring (Series, Parallel, or Series-Parallel), or do you need to add resistors?

Here's a conversation started on another thread.

I suggested converting his 2x12 cab to a 16 ohm cabinet. I would think it has 2 16 ohm drivers wired in parallel. I have some beefy 16 ohm resistors i would wire in like it was a 4x12. see any reason that wouldnt work? enough of a reactive load for the OT? Then he could settle in with the Hot Plate and call it a day. Would only cost him a few beers

[awangotango]

you currently have 2 16 ohm speakers. to end up with a 16 ohm cab, wire them series to 32. then wire in a 32ohm 50w (or more) power resistor in parallel (this simulates the missing 2 16 ohm series speakers of the '4x12'). You end up with a 16 ohm 2x12 cab that can handle 100W. the 50w power resistor sees 50w and the two speakers see 25 each.

The above sounds best to me, but,

you can also wire the speakers in parallel to 8, then series an 8 ohm/50w resistor to get the whole rig up to 16. The two scenarios will sound different as different things are in series and parallel and this affects alot how the speakers interact with themselves and the amp. I'd try scenario 1 and if you have time and money for another resistor you could try option 2 to see which you like best sound'feel wise

[908ssp]

It also sounds a bit different as there is a resistive load and reactive load splitting the power. You may like the sound so try it but it will be different.

It doesn't matter what wattage the speakers are. 50 watt wire wound aluminum housed resistors are less than half the cost of a 100 watt so I'd buy two 50s. If you have 16 ohm speakers buy two 16 ohm 50 watt resistors and think of them as two additional 16 ohm speakers and you can wire either series/parallel or parallel/series to see which you like better.

[efraser68]

Thanks guys, some solid suggestions and I'll hopefully get this resolved soon!

[philmanatee]

I've got a guy that calls me up every two or three years to trade me 8 ohm speakers for 16 ohm speakers. I met him through craigslist, maybe you could try putting up an ad to trade for the speakers you need. Phil