HELP i'm REALLY confused

[benedict1115]

Hey everyone,

So i've been lurking around the forums reading up on amps and cabs and i am completely confused on how to pair an amp head with an amp cab. I've been looking into amps and i was wondering if an amp head at 200W @ 4ohms can power a 4X10 cabinet at 400W at 8 ohms? and if anyone can clear up how i can pair up ohms with watts it would be extremely appreciated

THANKS

[WhoDidTheElf]

How many watts does the head provide at 8ohms?

I would gander around 100 watts at 8 ohms. While it can power that cab, it would have very little head room (the head). Of course if its a tube head that's another deal.

Just don't push the head too hard and you should be fine. Go by ear, if something sounds wrong, odds are there probably is.

[benedict1115]

i can't find how many watts it is at 8 ohms but its the Gallien Krueger MB200 head that i'm looking at if that helps

[WhoDidTheElf]

Has 140 watts at 8ohms. So there is a little more head room on the head, but I still wouldn't push it super hard.

It will be able to push the cab though.

[benedict1115]

is there a better pairing with that head though? and if so which? also thank you so much for coming back with such quick responses!

[WhoDidTheElf]

Eh it doesn't matter. You don't have to match watt ratings really, just be mindful. If you smell burning, turn it down. If you hear your speakers making weird mechanical noises turn it down. You can use the ratings a simple guide but really that's about it.

[benedict1115]

Thanks a lot i guess ill go to my local music store try out the head with a bunch of different cabs and make my decision then!

[WhoDidTheElf]

Yeah just find out what sounds the best.

You'll learn what the limits of your rig are eventually.

[fourfinger]

Gallien Krueger 115MBX (1 x 15") | Sweetwater.com

or

Gallien Krueger 210MBX (2 x 10") | Sweetwater.com

BTW if a combo would do the job, I just got one of these and can recommend it:

Gallien Krueger MB112 | Sweetwater.com

I really am impressed with it (and with Sweetwater too).

If you get the combo, be advised you won't be able to add another cab -- it operates at 4 Ohms already so the amp is giving all its power to the one speaker.

on the other hand, if you get the MB200 head and one of the two cabs, you could easily add a second 200W 8 Ohm cab later (for a lot more volume when you need it) because the second cab brings the total load to 4 Ohms (= two 8-Ohm cabs).

[Blankandson]

Definately try it out first. I ran a 4X10 with a 100 watt (at 8 ohm) amp at SA a few months ago. Really it sounded nice but had no volumn. It would not have survived an average gig. Cab was rated 400 watts @ 8 ohm.