HELP - OLD STANDEL AMP

audiocanuck · #1 10-11-2011, 12:07 PM

Hello all...newbie from Canada here!

I was given a Standel AB30 bass amp recently which unfortunately did not include the (15") speaker. I connected it to my stereo speaker to see if the amp works and it does.

Now I'd like to intall a speaker but am not sure what impedance to use. I've heard that it's better to error with higher ohms for a solid state amp so I am thinking to try a friends Altec 8 ohm and see how it sounds.

If anyone out there can provide some information on this amp, or my suggested procedure, I'd be very greatful!

thumpbass1 · #2 10-11-2011, 01:30 PM

Cool! Sounds like a fun project for grins and giggles. I'd imagine you'd be safe with an 8 ohm load. I know they were big on using JBL speakers in their heyday, but I don't know much about vintage Standel amps; other than I'd see an occasional guitar player here and there using one of their amps back in the 70's when I was starting out. That you have one of their transistor amps in still running condition is cool in it's own right.

JimmyM · #3 10-11-2011, 01:30 PM

Standel loved to use (and still does use) the JBL D130 in their amps, and that is an 8 ohm speaker, so in all likelihood, an 8 ohm speaker would be the ticket. If the idea of paying high dollar for a used JBL doesn't appeal to you, you might want to try the Eminence Beta 15 or Delta 15a.

audiocanuck · #4 10-11-2011, 01:56 PM

Thanks for your repsonses guys!
I friend has a 15" 8 ohm Altec I just might pop in and take for a test drive.
I would like to find a JBL for the sake of heritage but that may take some time...and $'s!

mccartneyman · #5 10-11-2011, 02:36 PM

I had the 215 Standel alsong with two 215 powered cabs back in the '70s and they didn't have JBL as stock, but I can't recall exactly what they did have. I replaced the stock 15s in the main amp with Electro Voice, but the baffle board was made of particleboard and the top speaker pulled the screws clear through the material. So be careful.