Apologies if this questions has already been answered elsewhere.
The Lil' Buddy Speaker is 8 ohms. The internal stock speaker that comes with the Special 6 is 16 ohms. I realize that I can simply connect the Lil' Buddy terminals to the 8 ohm connector on the real panel. Any idea what would be the process to match the speaker/amp internally? ---------- GeorgeB
Tube amps can usually tolerate a 2:1 impedance mismatch without problem. After testing both the amp and the speaker we decided they were compatible. I've never heard of a problem with this combination.
But I am interested to hear what others recommend.
I recently acquired a Special 6, and like it a lot. Can you tell me how much of an improvement there would be if I changed the speaker to a Lil' Buddy?
Just putting this out there as I don't know much about these things, but if you connect it to the 8 ohm socket using the same internal connections. Wouldn't that make it run at 8 ohm and simply bypass the 16 ohm connection? Wouldn't that be the correct way to do it?
Last Edited by Kingley on May 09, 2013 10:16 PM
@Rick. I did find a 1:2 impedance mismatch reference but thanks for the 2:1 confirmation...just was not sure of that.
@John. I am not very good at describing sound. You may want to check this thread out...Rick has some very good input: http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/4557889.htm
@Kingley. Yes, after looking at the schematic a little closer, that looks like it will work. I should be able to jumper the 8 ohm connection from T2 to the + terminal of the speaker. ---------- GeorgeB
Im no amp/speaker guy but I do have an electrical background. If there is a question IRT to loss of resistance, just add an 8 ohm resistor in series with the speaker. Can this not be done for some reason I cant think of?
I have done this but don't remember the specifics of the chassis layout. All of the circuitry is old timey hand wiring so the lead switch is easy if you can solder. The schematic suggests you just disconnect the lead to the internal speaker jack tip from the 16 ohm external jack and solder it to the tip terminal of the 8 ohm jack.
Well, I think Rick has the answer...sounds pretty good to me. Just let it ride.
If you have a touch of OCD (as I do) I did find this connection...just run it from the 8 ohm jack to the speaker: http://angela.com/fendersnaponto1413speakercordforcomboamps.aspx
@undertheradar...question: If you add an 8 ohm resistor in series from the 16 ohm connection on T2, wouldn't that give you 24 ohms (R1 + R2, etc.)? I guess you could do that in parallel with a 16 ohm resistor to end up with 8 ohms. I will leave this answer to the folks who are smarter with electricity than I am.
That contradicts Ricks statement about the impedance mismatch. Now I am inclined to trust Rick, but don't want to blow gear. Would it not be the best option to use the 8 Ohm socket?
On another note: I understand that changing the 6v6 in the VHT can lead to a problem with the speaker hitting the tube. Would that problem occur with - say - an lil buddy and JJ6v6's?
Thanks. Getting this amp this week (and a 5751 tube), and consider asking for a speaker and 6v6 for Christmas :)
Now that I'm in the questionposing mode. Has anybody tried the Eminence Legend 1058 for the VHT. It comes in 16 ohms and is a gread deal cheaper than the lil buddy. And is perhaps a bit more defined in tone? I spend a half hour listening to the eminence tone guide. Rajin cajun and ramrod sound good too.
Hi Freewilly. Yep, I have seen that link and I'm aware of the issues. If it makes you nervous you should use a 16-ohm speaker, of course.
The speaker impedance mismatch can potentially harm your amp. (it makes the output tranny work harder) Other things we do to make amps sound better for blues harp can also be potentially harmful.
I've not heard of any problems with this speaker in the VHT amp. I talked to some good amp techs before making the swap, and they told me it would likely be fine. I worked my Sp6 amp pretty hard and it never faltered.
What about the jensen jet tornado. I'm afraid the lil buddy will be too chicago/dark, but the ramrod and ragin cajun sound a bit bright to my ears. Would the Jensen Jet be a good compromise? Some reviews say its overly bright, some claim it a good harp speaker??!!
Or should I get the even more expensive weber vintage 10a125? I'm looking for a balanced, loud en responsive speaker... Don't mind a bit of compression. Want to play with a couple of pedals.
Thanks!
Last Edited by FreeWilly on Nov 19, 2013 4:01 AM
The Weber 10a125 weber is a very fine speaker, but it is relatively inefficient and the amp will sound not nearly as loud and punchy (as compared to the Lil Buddy).
I like the Eminence Legend alnico speakers for harp, although I haven't tried them in this specific amp. People whose opinions I trust rave about the sound of the Jensen Jet. Lots of good choices out there.
I was a bit disappointed by the feedback in this thread. Perhaps it's been discussed too many times already? That's why I did bump an old thread..
Rick, I read that the Weber has a sensitivity of 98 db. That's pretty much the same as the Lil' Buddy? Are there other factors involved here?
BTW: I played my new amp in a band setting for the first time today, and I was totally blown away by the tone and bottom end. Wow! I don't have much reference, but: Wow! I will change the ax for a 5751, as there was quite a bit of feedback, but I will definitely go for a not so bass-y speaker :) Perhaps the Jet after all? Would still appreciate feedback on this. Thanks in advance!
Ah, man, I just had it. And now I can't find it. I'm sorry.
It was just a statement from someone in a forum though. Probably wrong then? In searching for the number I found a statement about this speaker not being as loud as the 10A150, and that is 99Db. So for it to be perceivably louder, it would have to be around 96? Just guessing..
Ted Weber stopped publishing speaker sensitivity numbers long ago because he felt there was no uniform industry standard for the measurement, making it meaningless and confusing. I'm not sure I agree with that.
The 10A125 Weber speaker sounds about as efficient as the reissue Jensen P10R alnico, which is listed at 95 dB.
I have three Weber 10A125 speakers: two in my Avatar 2x10 cab and one unused. I tried both the Weber and the Lil Buddy in my VHT Special 6 amp, one right after the other, and the difference in sensitivity was apparent.
I contacted Eminence and asked them to recommend a 16 ohm speaker similar in sensitivity and tone to the lil Buddy. I was told they would be glad to build a 16 ohm lil Buddy speaker for me in their custom shop. The lead time is 2-4 weeks and cost $84, not much more than the off the shelf 8 ohm lil Buddy. Just thought I'd share what I learned.
Last Edited by Larry A Milco on Feb 20, 2018 6:31 PM
