Ampeg SVT-2 convert to speakon

[crazy_kat_matt]

I have an old style svt-2pro and of course this was before speakons were invented, my question, anyone here convert them? i plan on taking the red/black speaker connectors out and replacing it with speakon. They only use basic terminal connectors into the board so im sure it wouldn't be too hard, but problem is, the speakon connectors utilize 2 positive and 2 grounds, i could either run them to both positives/grounds spliced together going into the board, or just using one positive and ground. I dont mind having 1/4 inch inputs, but i feel that having a speakon would be safer imo and less hassle with worrying about 1/4" cables to stop working, plus my 810 has the speakon jacks.

If anyone has done this much info would be appreciated it.

Thank you.

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Why not just use a 2-pole speakon connector?

Never done it, but it should be simple enough, just need to carve a hole in the chassis.

[crazy_kat_matt]

yea thats what i plan on doing. i wasnt aware they made 2 pole speakon connectors, thanks! ill check guitar center in the morning

[JimmyM]

i wouldn't touch it. nothing to be gained with speakons...speaker cables aren't really shock hazards until you get past 500w.

[crazy_kat_matt]

yea, im just really meticulous sometimes. my old head had speakons and it just seemed to make things a whole lot easier and worry free

[Jerrold Tiers]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i wouldn't touch it. nothing to be gained with speakons...speaker cables aren't really shock hazards until you get past 500w.

They have other features as well...... but it still might not be worth the effort....

They don't pull out / fall out accidentally

They are a lot more resistant to being broken by yanks on the cord, or getting clobbered by something when plugged in(but they also stick out farther so it happens more)

When not plugged in, they can just about be run over by a truck without damage.... even large roadies don't easily break them

Fewer people borrow them...........

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by crazy_kat_matt

yea thats what i plan on doing. i wasnt aware they made 2 pole speakon connectors, thanks! ill check guitar center in the morning

Get the 4 poles. they are pretty much industry standard these days.
You would then connect the two leads to 1+ and 1-.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Jerrold Tiers

They have other features as well...... but it still might not be worth the effort....

They don't pull out / fall out accidentally

They are a lot more resistant to being broken by yanks on the cord, or getting clobbered by something when plugged in(but they also stick out farther so it happens more)

When not plugged in, they can just about be run over by a truck without damage.... even large roadies don't easily break them

Fewer people borrow them...........

all good points. i just don't like drilling holes in svt's unless absolutely necessary.

[4Mal]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

all good points. i just don't like drilling holes in svt's unless absolutely necessary.

amen to that. there really isn't much advantage to the speakn in your scenario. You would be just as well off with a 1/4" to Speakon cable, or banana to speakon if that is what you have on the amp side.

My WT-800 is banana and quarter inch out so I took a 1 space black rack panel and mounted a speakon on it. I biamp with the 800 so in my case it is a 4 pole. I hardwired from the speakon to banana plus that go to the amp. Mounted it in the back of my rack. Cost maybe $20 in parts. and no shipping the amp off to Eden for a retrofit...

To me, this is a way better option than slicing up a classic amp ...

[crazy_kat_matt]

thanks for all the feedback. Still deciding what i want to do, thanks lbw for the wiring hint.

[crazy_kat_matt]

letting everyone know i ended up making my own speakon to 1/4inch cable. works great!