Amp Speaker Swap

[Stratlingun]

Hi, what would happen if I put a 12 inch speaker in place of the 8 inch one in my 20 watt amp?

Thank You

[Chuck H]

It would have a bigger speaker in it.

[Stratlingun]

It would have a bigger speaker in it.

No doubt..., but would it work properly?
Would a 12 inch speaker be too much load for an amp that had an 8 inch speaker?
Would I get a deeper richer sound or a weeker sound.
Would it burn out my amp?

[exclamationmark]

Nothing will explode so long as the impedance of the new speaker matches that of the old one... In regards to sound, the bass response will probably be a lot better depending on the replacement speaker.

[Jazz P Bass]

It would have a bigger speaker in it.

Heh, heh, heh.
Wise ass

[Jessica1988]

Hope you went well into 2012 !

[J M Fahey]

Would probably sound "better", specially if the original one is of the "as cheap as possible" category.
Problem is, I doubt it would fit inside the case.
Maybe it pays to build an extra 12" cabinet (or get one ready built, much easier), add an output jack to your 20W combo (it should disconnect the internal speaker) and use it just as a "head".
If you match impedance and use a proper guitar speaker (not a Car type one) all will be fine.

[Chuck H]

FWIW... To the OP and others... What I meant to imply with my brevity was that it wouldn't be a problem to have a bigger speaker in the amp. All things like rated load impedance being equal. Of course I also intended to be a wise a$$ but knowing that this topic would be detailed here. I meant no slight.

I've never seen an amp with an 8" speaker that had room inside to change to a 12" speaker. But if you do have room I say why not. The bigger speaker will sound, uh, bigger. More air moving, more bottom end, etc. And as noted it will probably be a better quality speaker so it will likely sound better inhearently. Also, moving more air is more efficient already (=louder) and 12" speakers tend to be MUCH more efficient than 8" speakers. If you choose a speaker with a very high efficiency you could expect the appearent loudness of the amp to go waaay up. So, if it will fit I just don't see a down side other than the expense of a speaker.

[J M Fahey]

+1and add.
Many who claim "Tube watts are *much* bigger than SS watts" often fail to state that they compare your typical 15W beginnerīs amp using a 90db/W 8" speaker and 4 ounce magnet , packaged in a 10" by 10" by 6" open backed box, to an also 15W AC15 or Matchless Spitfire driving 2 x 12" Vox Blue $300 speakers or a Greenback+V30 pair, about 10dB more efficient, and at least 4X the radiating surface, with 20 or 40X the magnet weight.
Oh well.
So, in a nutshell, you will gain with the substitution.

[Stratlingun]

Hope you went well into 2012 !

Why thank you Jes'. Yes I did, I intered into the new year dancing, praising, and thanking. I hope you and yours also have a Blessed year!

[Stratlingun]

Just want to say, I love this forum. Thanks to all the responders for your valued input, even Chuck..., I enjoy a good wise crack now and again. Happy (and I mean that) new year to all.

[Jazz P Bass]

Why thank you Jes'. Yes I did, I intered into the new year dancing, praising, and thanking. I hope you and yours also have a Blessed year!

We was bangin pots & pans!

[Chuck H]

even Chuck...

Man... If I had a nickel for every time I heard that!!!