GK 2001RB head with Warwick cabs okay?

David Smyth · #1 08-03-2010, 06:17 AM

Hello all,
I have two Warwick cabs:
-WCA 115 Pro (8 ohms)
-WCA 411 Pro (8 ohms)
Obviously both together run at 4 ohms...

I am thinking of getting a Gallien Krueger 2001RB head so that I have plenty of power, versatility, GK tone and pretty much an amp I'd never have to upgrade.

My question is: Are these cabs adequate to take the power from the 2001RB? The 2001RB is 2x540watts stereo (2 ohms) or 1080watts bridged (4 ohms) and the Warwick cabs are power rated as below:
-WCA 115 Pro - 300W (max. 400W)
-WCA 411 Pro - 600W (max. 800W)

Does this seem like it'd work okay? If so, is bridging the definate clear choice with this set up? Can bi-amping can be disabled? (as I don't have bi-ampable cabs)

Also, I'm new to stereo (Dual Amps) - how does one go about bridging an amp? - specifically the 2001RB if possible.

Does anyone remotely use this combination of rig? or anything similar?

Thanks,
David Smyth

David Smyth · #2 08-05-2010, 07:41 PM

Anyone?

joeydavidson · #3 08-05-2010, 08:01 PM

Hi, I've run a 1001rbII into somebodies 611 at a gig and also used someones rig consisting of a 2001rb into a 611, both times I got a punchy clear sound.

You could push those cabs easily with 700rbII or 1001rbII though, I'd sure the 2001 in bridge mode would just be idling with those cabs.

David Smyth · #4 08-05-2010, 08:14 PM

Thanks for your response!
I've always been torn between the 1001RBII and the 2001RB. And I fully agree with your comment.
I am however in a position where the 2001RB isn't much more expensive than the 1001RBII, therefore I'm keen on paying a little more for something that extra bit further, I guess for upgrading cabs maybe in the future but also lots and lots of head room - which I think is great!

My question was more along the lines of: "Would the 2001RB blow up these cabs or anything?" I wouldn't be anywhere near full volume or anything - utilizing that jumbo headroom

TylerE · #5 08-05-2010, 08:23 PM

Nope. Usual advice applies...if it sounds like it's getting ready to blow up it probably is, but if it isn't you're fine.

David Smyth · #6 08-05-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerE

Nope. Usual advice applies...if it sounds like it's getting ready to blow up it probably is, but if it isn't you're fine.

Sweet man thanks for the reply, I love how you casually said that.. To the point where I might just follow it!

Thanks

c3powil · #7 08-05-2010, 08:52 PM

I wouldn't do it. it's going to be putting 1000+ watts into a setup that can only take 900. and I assume it will be putting 540 watts into each cab. your 15 might blow.

David Smyth · #8 08-05-2010, 09:08 PM

Thanks for your response!
This is why I was asking lol. So if bridged, the 1080watts would be split in half and equally shared between the two cabs right? Also, does it matter if I'm never going to play anywhere near full volume? Although it'd be nice to know your amp doesn't even have the ability to blow itself up if you accidently leaned on the gain or volume pots!

Maybe the safest choice is to rule out the 2001RB and just go for the 1001RBII.. However I have always wanted a 2001RB!

Lets hear your comments!

Thanks,
David.

jg919 · #9 08-05-2010, 09:52 PM

Hi David,
Yes I certainly agree that the 1001rbII is the better option (generally).

If you wanted to have more than 2 cabs in the future, by all means get the 2001 and run it at half-power (which will more than tame your speakers), but if you want to stick with 1 or 2 cabs (which is all you really need unless your playing Wembly Stadium/the Big day out, or just want to compensate for something by having a huge rig like some people I've seen) you'd probably be happier with the 1001. Also, try to find GK's explanation on pushing their amps to 'hitting the rails' - this is why the 300w 800rb is so popular still.

Cheers!
John.

David Smyth · #10 08-05-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jg919

Hi David,
Yes I certainly agree that the 1001rbII is the better option (generally).

If you wanted to have more than 2 cabs in the future, by all means get the 2001 and run it at half-power (which will more than tame your speakers), but if you want to stick with 1 or 2 cabs (which is all you really need unless your playing Wembly Stadium/the Big day out, or just want to compensate for something by having a huge rig like some people I've seen) you'd probably be happier with the 1001. Also, try to find GK's explanation on pushing their amps to 'hitting the rails' - this is why the 300w 800rb is so popular still.

Cheers!
John.

Thanks for the input John,
You make some very valid points - the 1001RBII is starting to look like the more smart option..
Everyone says the 1001RBII is more than enough power anyways so I'll probably go down that road.

Thanks,
David

Implosion · #11 08-05-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c3powil

I wouldn't do it. it's going to be putting 1000+ watts into a setup that can only take 900. and I assume it will be putting 540 watts into each cab. your 15 might blow.

Only if you cranck the thing it will put out that much, not with lower volumes. And actually if you really cranck the thing it will momentarily put out twice it's rated output. Besides, the power handling ratings mentioned for the cabs are their thermal limits. The speakers will reach their excursion limits a lot sooner and will start to fart out with even less output watts.

David Smyth · #12 08-05-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Implosion

Only if you cranck the thing it will put out that much, not with lower volumes. And actually if you really cranck the thing it will momentarily put out twice it's rated output. Besides, the power handling ratings mentioned for the cabs are their thermal limits. The speakers will reach their excursion limits a lot sooner and will start to fart out with even less output watts.

Hey Implosion,
Good points, so would you recommend 1001RBII in my situation? or would the 2001RB be alright

?

Thanks,
David

Implosion · #13 08-06-2010, 04:30 AM

I would go with the 1001RB-II because of the financial side and the convenience of transportation. People usually say that the 1001RB-II is a loud amp so it porbably will be enough. I have tried the 1001RB-II only at a music store with low volume levels so I can't comment how loud it actually is and I have never played through a 2001RB. But remember that the difference is only 300 watts and watts aren't even that important. Total speaker area of the cabs is more important (roughly speaking) and if you feel that you need to be louder you can trade your 115 for another 411.

David Smyth · #14 08-06-2010, 09:49 PM

Yea now I'm thinking about going for the GK 1001RBII, however I now have had the great idea of upgrading my whole rig therefore selling my Warwick cabs and buying a GK 410 RBH (for starters atleast anyways).
This combination would utilize the Horn Management/Bi-Amping features of the 1001.

Anyways, my new dilemma: Should I get a 4 ohm GK 410 RBH? or an 8 ohm GK 410 RBH to add another 8 ohm cabinet (GK 410 RBH or GK 115 RBH) later?

What do people prefer? Is a single 4 ohm 410 any different from 2 x 8 ohm cabinets running at 4 ohms together?
If I was to have 2 cabs, is it more wise to go with 2x410's or a 410 and 115?

Thanks,
David

Implosion · #15 08-07-2010, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Smyth

What do people prefer? Is a single 4 ohm 410 any different from 2 x 8 ohm cabinets running at 4 ohms together?

When used together two similar 8 ohm 410 cabinets will be louder than their single 4 ohm 410 counterpart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Smyth

If I was to have 2 cabs, is it more wise to go with 2x410's or a 410 and 115?

The 410 cab is louder than the 115 and it even has got a better low end response (=more bass in your sound roughly speaking). So i suggest that if you are going to add a another cab later go with a similar 410 in that case. However, if you like the sound of the 115 more than the 410, then go with two 115s. But to match up with two 410s you are probably going to need four 115s so therefore you should also go with the 2001RB

Allthough 2 115s will probably be enough for any situation, but a single 115 might leave you short even at band practice if you are in a loud band and you would have to dish out money for an additional cab quite soon. So I suggest that you start out with a single 8 ohm 410.

David Smyth · #16 08-07-2010, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Implosion

So I suggest that you start out with a single 8 ohm 410.

Yea that sounds like the option I'll choose probably - Start off with a single 8 ohm GK 410 RBH, then leave the possibility of adding another cab later (probably another identical 410).

I found on another thread that the GK 1001RBII is around 460watts at 8 ohms, so that's still plenty of power until I choose to add the second cab..

Thanks for your help!

David