Deluxe Reverb and 16ohm speakers.

Rowby1

Looks like I'm getting a Deluxe Reverb head in the next few days. I notice the preferred speaker impedance is 8ohm. 

Both my cabs are 16ohm. Would it cause a problem running it into a 16ohm load? Looking on "other forums" opinion seems divided. 

jpfamps

Actually there are plenty of people who run a DR with a 16 ohm speaker as the reflected impedance will be more "correct" when using a 16 ohm speaker, so this is fine.

Rowby1

jpfamps said:

Actually there are plenty of people who run a DR with a 16 ohm speaker as the reflected impedance will be more "correct" when using a 16 ohm speaker, so this is fine.

Does it stress the power valves somewhat more though?

ICBM

No, less. For some reason the Deluxe Reverb was made with the OT ratio wrong for 6V6s and an 8-ohm speaker. As jpfamps says, running a 16-ohm speaker is actually a *better* match.

My belief is that the amp was originally intended for 6L6s - the ratio is close to correct for those, with an 8-ohm speaker - but Fender then realised the cheaper 6V6s would do the job.

It's also interesting that the "characteristic 6V6 sound" which most people think of is the Deluxe, but that famous 'flubby' tone is as much to do with the impedance mismatch as the valves.

Rowby1

Okay, great! Thanks @jpfamps and @ICBM ;