Amp noob here. Questions about high volume distortion

[nym_kalahi]

Hi,

I recently purchased a pre-gibson Trace Elliot AH350X head with what I assume is a TE 1048 cab. I got it very cheap off craigslist, and I really sounds great at low-mid volumes.

I have a concern though, and am wondering if there's anything I can/should do about it. The issue is that when I turn the main volume up past 6.5-7, my lows (5 string, so it goes low) become pretty distorted. I have a couple ideas why this could be.

First, there are two inputs, standard 1/4", and an XRL. However, they are both labeled on the head as "high impedance" inputs. Which as far as I understand corresponds to passive bass electronics. My bass however, has active EMG pickups. Could the increased output from the bass make the amp reach it's max volume before the volume knob is turned up all the way?

Could it be a problem with the speakers themselves?

I honestly am pretty clueless when it comes to bass amps, so I'd like to get some input before I screw anything up.

[Growly Lytes]

Both might be........the active bass or the speakers !
Id try the pad for the input so you use an active bass.If that doesnt work it might be the speakers cant handle the lows or they might be blown ?

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by nym_kalahi

My bass however, has active EMG pickups. Could the increased output from the bass make the amp reach it's max volume before the volume knob is turned up all the way?

No. If the output of the pickups was too hot the amp would distort at any volume. EMGs aren't particularly hot anyway.

Could it be a problem with the speakers themselves?

Probably, where output in the low end is concerned the speakers are usually the weakest link.

[nym_kalahi]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

No. If the output of the pickups was too hot the amp would distort at any volume. EMGs aren't particularly hot anyway.

Probably, where output in the low end is concerned the speakers are usually the weakest link.

In that case, is there any way to test if it is all or just some of them (the cab has a couple different brands of speakers)? And if it is the speakers, is there anything that I should know/keep in mind when looking for replacements? (I'm assuming that replacing the speakers could potentially solve the problems?)

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by nym_kalahi

In that case, is there any way to test if it is all or just some of them

Not for the average user.

the cab has a couple different brands of speakers

That's usually a bad sign.
In any event all speakers have their limits. Your best bet is to compare yours to another of similar size and driver complement to see if yours comes up short by comparison.