Hot Rod Deluxe - adding a CAB questions

I have owned a HRD (hot rod deluxe) for about 6 years. I'm now playing bigger gigs (large clubs) and the rest of the guys in my band are using head & Cab set up. So I'm struggling to stay with them in terms of volume but also my guitar sounds far thinner and less powerfull against them. I have a couple of questions that are puzzling me.

1. What Ohm Cab am i best using with my HRD
2. What size Cab should I use, I'm thinking either 2x10, 4x10, 4x12
As i don't want the 1x12 that fender make for this amp. I want to achieve the large warm sound that my bandmates are getting.
3. Should i run a Cab from the ext speaker jack or disconnect the 12" in my combo and run it from that main speaker Jack? I've seen this done but I don't know if it is safe/correct?

many thanks

I'm just in awe that a HRD has lasted through 6 years of gigging!

But, if the HRD isn't loud enough to gig with you should be looking at sound reinforcement, not a bigger amp. And your bandmates need to turn the F&*K down. With today's gear and PA's there is no reason to have that kind of stage volume.

The total minimum load for a HRDlx amp is 4Ω, and must be attained by using both speaker jacks on the bottom of the chassis. These outputs are inter-dependent and plugging into both simultaneously switches the O/T's secondary (output) from 8Ω to 4Ω. Thus, you can add an 8Ω extension cab of your choice while using the amp's speaker. Or you can disconnect the internal speaker and add two different (external) 8Ω loads, using both of the amp's output jacks.

I too am surprised you've gotten six years' service......mine started circlin' the drain after only two years -- I dumped it shortly thereafter.

HTH

I had a HRD some years ago, and used it sometimes with an 8 ohm Marshall 4x12 either as an addition in the external speaker out or instead of the internal speaker. In such a case I unplugged the internal speaker out and plugged the 4x12 in there instead. This configurations meet the ohm requirements. I did this not to get more volum, but to add punch.
greetings

Thanks, at lest i know i have a few options now. So basically pick up an 8ohm Cab, have a play and see what works best for me.

Thanks guys

You could consider changing the stock speaker for something a bit more efficient. I use a Celestion G12 Century and it's very loud and in addition it's very light, shaves a few pounds off the weight of the amp. If you need still more volume just mic the amp thru the PA, that's what I do.

Pete

barentsman makes a great suggestion. A closed-back cab might be what you want and should tighten up the HR's sproingyness.