amp/speaker compatibility?

[dudeguy]

I am looking to buy a new amp. I am new to understanding why or why not when a amp and cab are mismatched. Can someone help me out?

I currently own a SVT 810E bass enclosure.

RMS Power Handling: 2 x 400-Watts (Stereo)
RMS Power Handling: 800-Watts (Mono)

Nominal Impedance: 2 x 8-Ohms (Stereo)
Nominal Impedance: 4-Ohms (Mono)

I am looking to buy one of these two amps.
1. SVT-CL Bass head

RMS Power Output (2 Ohms): 300-Watts
RMS Power Output (4 Ohms): 300-Watts

2. Mesa Boogie Bass 400+

500 Watts @ 2 Ohms, All Tube, Class A/B Power / 12x6L6, 4x12AX7
600 Ohm XLR Balanced Out

I entered all the info I thought would be important. So, basically I wanted to know which amp would work better with my cab? I am playing music typically at high volumes and I am usually using some type of overdrive pedal. Thank you.

 

[KojakCurtis]

For pure tone, I'd go with the 400+. I used Ampeg exclusivley, until I tried out a Mesa 400, and I've never looked back. You'll also get more power to push more air from the 400.

 

[Billy Hiwatt]

A mismatch is when the cab is of less ohms than the head.
For example, you have a 4 ohm cab. Your head is selected
at 8 ohms. A mismatch. Your cab must be equal or higher
ohmage than the head.
A safe mismatch is when the cab is above the amp in ohms.
For example, you can use a 16 ohm cab with the head
selected at 8 ohms. As long as the cab ohms is not lower than
the head ohms, you are okay.
The 810 cab is a 4 ohm cab. You would select 4 ohms also
on the head, for a perfect match.
Clear as mud?

 

[dudeguy]

Thanks to both of you for the input. Thank you for explaining impedance to me. That's all I needed was an explanation that was simple. You helped me out greatly.