Parallel vs. Series Wiring When Mixing SPKR Power Ratings
Posted: Tue Feb 22, 2022 7:14 am
I'm doing some planning for a High Power Tweed Twin build, 4 x 5881. Essentially stock circuit, no funny business, except I will add a PPIMV (purists, please don't shoot me). I have it on strong recommendation from the owner of a well-known speaker manufacturer that their speaker ratings are posted low, and a certain favorite of mine can handle more than the data sheet says. I have no reason to doubt this, just looking for some opinions.
The stock Fender 5F8A circuit puts out about 80 watts. I know the safe call is to feed that to speakers that total twice the rated power. One of my planned speakers is rated at 80 watts, the other I want to include is rated at 40 watts ("program power" of 70 watts on paper). What would be the actual difference in power handling if I wired the 80 watt speaker in first position in series with the 40 watt speaker for a total 16 ohm load (2 x 8R) vs. wiring them both in parallel for an 8 ohm load (2 X 16R)? I seem to recall the paper handling on either would be 80 watts owing to the 2 x 40W rule in this case.
I guess my question is, when is this rule made to be broken? I recall reading about Brad Paisley preferring a Celestion Gold 40W in series with a Celestion Blue 15W for his 4 x EL84 amps, which are around 36 watts, so that comparison seems somewhat even. Thanks.
The stock Fender 5F8A circuit puts out about 80 watts. I know the safe call is to feed that to speakers that total twice the rated power. One of my planned speakers is rated at 80 watts, the other I want to include is rated at 40 watts ("program power" of 70 watts on paper). What would be the actual difference in power handling if I wired the 80 watt speaker in first position in series with the 40 watt speaker for a total 16 ohm load (2 x 8R) vs. wiring them both in parallel for an 8 ohm load (2 X 16R)? I seem to recall the paper handling on either would be 80 watts owing to the 2 x 40W rule in this case.
I guess my question is, when is this rule made to be broken? I recall reading about Brad Paisley preferring a Celestion Gold 40W in series with a Celestion Blue 15W for his 4 x EL84 amps, which are around 36 watts, so that comparison seems somewhat even. Thanks.