Which GK for my 400w RMS 800w Program rig

Goodacheese · #1 12-13-2011, 02:07 PM

Hey guys I'm new to the amp and cab world and super paranoid Im going to blow something up.

I have two ampeg 4x8's which i loveeeeeee.
Been looking at the Gk 700rb and Gk 1001rb to power them.
The 700 is 480 watts at 4 ohms and the 1001 is 700 watts at 4 ohms.

Which amp would best match the power rating of the two cabs at 4 ohms. I have been looking at lots of post but cant find a definite answer that will calm my noobish anxieties.

I also want to be able to run a single at 8 ohms when i play in my room alone.

Thanks for any input.

MysticMichael · #2 12-13-2011, 02:17 PM

There is no "definite answer"...

Strictly speaking, either head is capable of blowing your speakers - IF you become reckless with the master volume control. And even the 1001RB-II could work with those cabs - IF you're careful about not overdriving them.

As a practical matter, you'd be less likely to blow your speakers by using the lower-powered head - in this case the 700RB-II. Personally, that's the one I would choose, were I in your shoes.

But the bottom line is: It's ultimately all up to you, and the way you use your gear. You are potentially the most dangerous element in this scenario...

MM

newbold · #3 12-13-2011, 02:22 PM

I think that only a few valium will calm your noobish anxieties.

RickenBoogie · #4 12-13-2011, 02:37 PM

+1 to post #2. (and #3 too)

Goodacheese · #5 12-13-2011, 02:51 PM

Okay Ill go with the 700rb
As long as I don't fully crank the amp, keep the lows down and listen I should be fine right?
One last question, because the amp watts is so close to the 400 rms why is there a risk even if I do crank the amp considerably? The cabs together should be able to take 400 watts right? or is RMS the max because I thought program was the max?
Everyone seems to have different views on this and im so confused haha.

Thanks so much for your help Mystic

RickenBoogie · #6 12-13-2011, 05:24 PM

The cab ratings are thermal, and have no bearing on the cab's actual ability. Fact is, most cabs can handle approximately HALF their RMS rating before farting out. And it's all about the frequencies you're putting through the cab- the lower you go, the less they can take.

MysticMichael · #7 12-13-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

The cab ratings are thermal, and have no bearing on the cab's actual ability. Fact is, most cabs can handle approximately HALF their RMS rating before farting out. And it's all about the frequencies you're putting through the cab- the lower you go, the less they can take.

Yes. That plus the fact that amp power ratings vary quite a bit from one make or model to another, and in no way can be relied upon with any great precision. The GK RB-series heads, in particular, are known to be rated quite conservatively (relatively speaking), and have been known to put out significantly greater amounts of power than many other heads of similar power rating - especially in peak/transient situations.

Look to power ratings (for amps) and power handling ratings (for cabs) for guidance ONLY in a very general way. For the rest of it, learn to use your ears. Your speakers will tell you when they're beginning to get stressed - if only you'll listen to them.

I'll state it once more, for the benefit of noobs everywhere: LEARN TO USE YOUR EARS!

MM

Goodacheese · #8 12-14-2011, 12:03 AM

Ok cool thanks for the input.

I think im going to go with the 700rb and just use my ears as you say.
I'm using a B2RE that is just a tad underpowered right now so I think the GK will be perfect. (I will likely be playing the GK at the same volume it just wont clip like how im getting with the ampeg)

Thanks for your help everyone.