amp heads and cabs

[mcKrueger]

im new to bass and i was wondering about bass stacks and if you can use just any bass head for just any cab or if they have specific head and it has been confusing for me

[rmkesler]

Make sure that the head and cab have the same ohm rating. I.e. use a 4 ohm capable head with a 4 ohm cabinet.

[mcKrueger]

is the ohms all that count or does the wattage matter?

[rmkesler]

That's a loaded question around here. If you do a search on it you'll find plenty of debates on that topic. My thought's on the topic is to have a cab that has a higher wattage rating than the head. For example, I use a 800 watt cab with a 300 watt head.

[mcKrueger]

thank you, you have helped alot

[funkybassinator]

may I point you towards the FAQ stickies in the amps forum:
AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

[john m]

head ohms < or = cab ohms is OK

head ohms > or cab ohms is NG

More head watts that cab is good but be careful not to push it.

Less head watts than cab can fry things (especially tweeters)


john

[mcKrueger]

so its best to keep them even

[Richard Lindsey]

Originally Posted by john m

Less head watts than cab can fry things (especially tweeters)


john

Wrong, as has been repeatedly explained.

[BigOldHarry]

Another thing: Do not assume that the best set up is to match brands: I have an Ashdown head on Epifani cabs; Both companies make amps and cabs, but I didn't much like the Ashdown cabs (and I do not now really like the Epi heads) -- but my ashdown on my epi sounds *great*. The truth is, I've found that few companies do both well...

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by john m

head ohms < or = cab ohms is OK for solid state power sections

head ohms > or cab ohms is NG for solid state power sections

More head watts that cab is good ok but be careful not to push it.

Less head watt than cab Stupidity can fry things (especially tweeters)


john

I made a few corrections. Tube power sections work a bit differently; for those you don't want to exceed the maximum rating for the head.

As previously mentioned, the sticky about this should be very useful.

The most important rule for amps: If it sounds like it's hurting the amp/cab then TURN DOWN the volume.