How do I choose a cab to get the maximum out of the amp?

[anarchipur]

Hi guys!

How do I choose a cab to get the maximum out of the amp?
For example I look at two amps and try to compare them.

The one is:
AMPEG B-410HLF with 4x10", 400 Watt @4 Ohm, 55 - 18000 Hz frequency range

the second is:
Gallien Krueger NEO 410/4 with 4x10", 800 Watt@ 4 Ohm, 45 - 19000 Hz

the third is a 2x12":
Gallien Krueger NEO 212-II-8 with 2x12" 600 Watt RMS@8 Ohm, 36Hz-1900 Hz

The AMPEG cab is the most expensive but does it sound better? Does anyone have experience with these cabs?

What I am also asking myself is, which is the difference in the sound between a cab with 2x12 spakers and a cab with 4x10" speakers?

If a take a lower Watt cab, does it mean a more powerful amp could easily damage it if it happens that I turn it a little too loud?

It would be great if someone could help me with these questions.

Thanks guys!!

[Plstrns]

Choose with your ears.

Otherwise, you'll have to believe the bloated GK specs for their cabinets. They list the Neo 410 as -3 db @ 30 hz, 103 db sensitivity. That's 70% louder than the Ampeg B410 HLF with maximum wattage.

[anarchipur]

Thanks , yes, i would like to try the cabs I mentioned, but they don't have them in the shops around. I'm not sure if they will order them for me just to test, so I wanted to learn some principles about how to choose a cab for an amp.

What does the sensitivity mean measured in db?
What does the Watts mean for a cab?
Let's say if I have a 500 Watt amp do I need an 500 Watt cab to get the sound and not to damage the cab?

[Plstrns]

1. Sensitivity is the volume of a cab with 1 watt @ 1 meter away. Some companies use the standard 1 K frequency, others use the average of a swept sinewave. It tells you the efficiency of the enclosure.

2. Watts is the thermal power limit of the speakers within an enclosure. This means very little to you, but gives you a foggy idea of what it's capable of when comparing the same manufacturer's gear.

3. There is no rule here. You can use a 20W or a 2000W amp with a 500w cabinet. Since cabinet wattage ratings mean ~nothing, IMO more power from the amp is always better. Use your ears, you can blow some 400W cabinets with a 200W amp.

Don't worry about specs. At best they will only compare products from the same manufacturer.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by anarchipur

What does the sensitivity mean measured in db?
What does the Watts mean for a cab?
Let's say if I have a 500 Watt amp do I need an 500 Watt cab to get the sound and not to damage the cab?

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

[georgestrings]

I would take either of those G-K cabs over that Ampeg B-series cab... IMO, Ampeg's B-series cabs are pretty lame - and won't stand up to the same abuse as those G-K cabs will...


Personally, if I had the time to look around a bit, I'd scout for a used SVT-410HLF instead of any of those...



- georgestrings