Avatar TB153 power handling

[Matthew_84]

Hey guys,

I know there's a bunch of threads on this cab, but a search found nothing and there is no specs on the avatar website.

How much wattage can this cab handle? I'll be using a Crown XLS1000, 700 watts bridged @ 8 ohms, and 1100 bridged @ 4, or 350 watts per channel @ 4 ohms.

Ideally, I'd like to get an 8 ohm version and bridge the amp at 700 watts but am unsure if the cab can handle it.

Thanks

[wcriley]

I think TB153 uses a 3015LF, which is rated at 450 watts continuous/900 watts program. Not sure how the cab might affect those ratings. Also not sure how much the crossover can handle.

[scottbass]

Power "ratings" don't matter as much as you think.

What matters are these two intertwined questions:

(A) Can the cab provide enough volume to make you, your bandmates and (if there's no PA support) the audience happy while keeping the speakers in their "happy place", i.e., before they start to fart?

(B) Can the amp supply enough power to the cab to satisfy (A) above without clipping or otherwise distorting the signal in a way that would cause damage to the cab?

I don't know the "rating" of that Avatar cab, but let's say it's "rated" for 500 watts. Does that mean you can't use an amp that is "rated" at 700 watts? No. Does that mean you can't use an amp that is "rated" at 3,000 watts? No. As with any amp/cab combination, what matters is (A) can the cab get loud enough without farting, and (B) can the amp drive it that loud without clipping?

Neither of those questions is answered by simply considering the power "rating" of the amp and cab.

[Matthew_84]

Well that's good to know. Unfortunately there's no trial period with these cabs, maybe I should talk to Avatar directly. I would be running a VT bass deluxe though an ART TubeMP, so I think that could take care of any clipping issues.

[scottbass]

No, the preamps won't protect you from clipping.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 to scottbass's response. In general, a speaker cab's wattage "rating" is the point at which the voice coil will melt. No matter what it's rating is, it all comes down to clean volume, and the only way of learning that is by actually running your gear through the cab. If it works, it works, and if it doesn't, you need more speakers. That's it really.

[ERIC31]

maybe I should talk to Avatar directly

This....+1000! =)

[thudfromafar]

700 watts will be perfectly fine as long as you aren't pushing it into clipping constantly. 450+ watts is the point where the voice coil will melt -- but here's the catch -- IF you push a constant SINE wave into it, for hours at a time. Which is not what happens with bass. The 3015LF handles 900 watts peak and is excursion limited to more than 450 watts (at least in the fearful box, but it should be in the avatar box as well)

[NWB]

Originally Posted by scottbass

Power "ratings" don't matter as much as you think.

What matters are these two intertwined questions:

(A) Can the cab provide enough volume to make you, your bandmates and (if there's no PA support) the audience happy while keeping the speakers in their "happy place", i.e., before they start to fart?

(B) Can the amp supply enough power to the cab to satisfy (A) above without clipping or otherwise distorting the signal in a way that would cause damage to the cab?

I don't know the "rating" of that Avatar cab, but let's say it's "rated" for 500 watts. Does that mean you can't use an amp that is "rated" at 700 watts? No. Does that mean you can't use an amp that is "rated" at 3,000 watts? No. As with any amp/cab combination, what matters is (A) can the cab get loud enough without farting, and (B) can the amp drive it that loud without clipping?

Neither of those questions is answered by simply considering the power "rating" of the amp and cab.

This answer could probably stand for about 70% (or more) of the questions asked in the amps section.

It should be stickied at the top of the section, but that may eliminate about 70% of the postings.

Dead-on, well-stated, and all that..

[will33]

That cab uses the 3015LF which has enough excursion to take it to it's thermal rating. For that reason, it's one of a very damn few cabs where the "wattage rating" actually tells you something. With that size amp I'd get the 8ohm version. You have plenty of power available and you wouldn't be running the amp at it's lowest rating so it won't be stressed at all. I'd recommend the 4ohm version for smaller amps because it can actually make use of the extra power at 4ohms instead of 8. I can't see any need for 2 cabs when using that one but if you want to start a side business demolishing old buildings with it, get a pair.

[monkeyking]

I run the xti 1000 on the 8 ohm cab with no issues. As always, use your ears and at least a bit of caution.