Hartke VX-215, Kappalite 3015s?

[Count Bassie]

So, I have the VX 215. I played it last night with a GK 400RB in front of it and it pretty well was a grand slam. Now, I've got 2 Kappalite 3015 speakers and am considering swapping them in for the stock Hartke VLF-1508s in there now.

I know, if it works, don't fix it. But I'm just asking... also the cab would get a good deal lighter than it already is- which is good for when my rough stone front steps get icy in winter and I have to carry the thing up them to the house. Also it might be fun to get a little more hi-mids out of the cab, since the tweeter is blown and now disconnected.

I imagine I'll have to port the bejeezus out of the cab, since there's only a single 4" port in it now- but could I just cut slots into it, like the old Peavey 215D cabs had in their front baffle?

[BassmanPaul]

Putting any replacement speaker into a box that wasn't designed for it is going to be a crapshoot. It may work perfectly but remember the house always wins.

[Count Bassie]

Okay, here's the cab's front-baffle layout:



From what I've gathered about the 3015, it needs plenty of air moving freely in and out of the cab's porting to avoid chuff. I suppose that's due to the pretty good travel, or x-max, of the cone/voice coil. This cab has one, just a little bigger than a 4" inside diameter.

What I'm wondering is, could I just cut some larger slots into the baffle of the cab instead of adding specific sized ports for this purpose? Sounds hack, I know, but I'm bound to ask as many stupid questions as I can get a feel for... when I get a little more educated I'll refine my approach!

Here's a couple screenshots, Box and Vents tabs, of my findings so far for the Eminence Kappalite 3015s (a pair) in this box:

[NickyBass]

I was wondering this too. Although the tone and weight are pretty sweet as is.

btw, I use my GK with it too:

[NickyBass]

Oh, btw, there is some info here: Hartke VX215 cab with Kappalite 3015's ?

[Count Bassie]

Originally Posted by NickyBass

I was wondering this too. Although the tone and weight are pretty sweet as is.

btw, I use my GK with it too...

Yeah, you know I was about floored with what I got out of it. I had brought along my 400RB as back-up, and when we had a power issue and I'd thought it was my TE 250SMX, I swapped it. Boy I'm a born-again believer now. That little 400 is a killer! Love the sound of it all over again.

But as far as the VX, it seems downright dumb to "fix" it in light of what I've learned about it at this point, but I also realize that the ability to get more mids/highs is going to be valuable in a different setting. The VX does tend to be a little dark-sounding. Plus if the 800RB that I bought ever shows up, I'd like to be sure I don't stress those Hartke cones.

And I did see that there thread you linked to, thank you.

I've also posted the above in the Linear Team forum (WinISD). I will keep this one current with what I learn there.

[Count Bassie]

Oh, and just for general edification, here's what matters that's in the VX-215 cab: 300w @ 8 ohms, twice...



Stamped-metal frame- not a complaint, just an observation:

[NickyBass]

Interesting--the website says that the cab is 500 watts at 4 ohms.

[Count Bassie]

Originally Posted by NickyBass

Interesting--the website says that the cab is 500 watts at 4 ohms.

I know. Got nothin' there... maybe Larry was just over-killing the spec?

[Count Bassie]

I'm having to abandon the mod to my VX-215 cab. Wrist/general nerve-related issues are prompting my looking into a change of occupation (... carpentry/construction presently), and at this point I can't afford the luxury of "Going for the One" concerning tone, etc. Bread tied up in speakers I don't really, really have to have isn't a realistic idea just now. But I'm not too bummed, as the VX-215 and GK 400RB head are a pretty killer sounding combo, and are going to quell my Tone-Jones for the while. I've got a solid rig, so I'm good .

Gotta go post this at the WinISD site as well... sorry about it. Priority shift...