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Matching the Speaker Load
The Headbone itself has no effect on amplifier load or speaker impedance.
You must manage the speaker connections for the best impedance match.
It is important to note that most amplifiers are designed to work best at their
rated impedance. If your amp features selectable impedance loads, use
the one that matches your speaker cabinet. Always consult the amplifier's
specifications to ensure the speaker connections are within the amplifier's
accepted working range.
While matched loads between the amplifier and speaker are the ideal,
unmatched loads can be used. The guidelines below will explain the
ramifications of using unmatched loads.
Using Unmatched Speaker Loads With Tube Amps
Driving a speaker load that is lower than the amps output impedance
(8-Ohm amp with 4-Ohm speaker) tends to drive the tubes harder, which
means they will not last as long. On the other hand, a higher speaker
impedance load (4-Ohm amp with 8-Ohm speaker) will generally sound
less full and less punchy, but tube life is extended.
Amp type
Rated impedance
Tube amp
Grounding for Safety!
The Headbone is powered by an external power supply with a floating
ground. This means that the guitar derives it's ground thru the amplifier
connected to the Headbone's To Amp-1 Input jack.
The To Amp-2 Input jack is transformer-isolated from ground to eliminate
hum or buzz caused by so-called ground loops passing between amp-1
and amp-2. A recessed ground-lift switch is provided to bypass the trans-
former and reconnect the ground through amp-2. The switch is factory
set in the lifted position Should the amplifier connected to the To Amp-1
Input jack not be properly grounded, this switch may be depressed to
connect the ground path through amp-2.
For safety, always use properly grounded guitar amps with 3-prong elec-
trical AC plugs. The third prong is a safety ground that protects you from
electrical shock. Most amplifiers have been subjected to safety tests from
authorities like UL or CSA. Amplifiers that have passed these tests are
safe to use with your Headbone. If you intend to use the Headbone with
amps that only have 2-prong AC plugs, such as old vintage amps, you
are doing so at your own risk. Please consult a qualified technician if you
are not sure how to establish a safety ground connection.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
Higher speaker impedance
Connecting a 16-Ohm cab-
8-Ohm
inet will make amps sound
less punchy & warm. You get
longer tube life.
8
True to the Music
Lower speaker impedance
Connecting a 4-Ohm cabinet
will make amps sound more
punchy and warm. You get
shorter tube life.
Headbone User Guide
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Questions and answers
Why won't the headbone vt work with solid state amplifiers? And what about stereo out solid state amplifiers. Thank you, I'm not well versed in why this wouldn't work. Jon Smyth
The Radial Engineering Tonebone Headbone VT will not work with solid-state amplifiers because it is designed specifically for use with tube amplifiers. Using a solid-state amp with the Headbone VT could damage both the amplifier and the Headbone, and it voids the warranty. Additionally, the Headbone VT is not designed to handle stereo output from solid-state amplifiers, as it only supports switching between two mono tube amp heads connected to a single speaker cabinet.
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@Mr. Anderson Thank you for responding and answering my question. Kind regards, Jon