Matching amp head with speaker cab.

Bassguitarbubba · #1 12-17-2011, 01:45 AM

I need some advice about matching up my amp with a compatible cab. I have a Peavey all tube VB-2 225 watt head (225 watts continuous). If I were to get a 4X10 cab rated at 800 watt program and 1600 watt peak, would that be too much cabinet for the head?

bongomania · #2 12-17-2011, 01:54 AM

There's no such thing as "too much cabinet for the head".

Be sure to read the stickied FAQs about that.

Bassguitarbubba · #3 12-17-2011, 01:55 AM

Will do, if I can find it. I tried looking for the answer before the post. I'll try again. Thanks!

**Thor** · #4 12-17-2011, 02:16 AM

Open this sticky. Read the bazillion links on this topic. Feel free to post relevant questions after you read them.

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

Munjibunga · #5 12-17-2011, 02:40 AM

After you get done reading, that head would work fine with an 800-watt cab, but the sound will depend on what cab it is.

Bassguitarbubba · #6 12-17-2011, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

After you get done reading, that head would work fine with an 800-watt cab, but the sound will depend on what cab it is.

Whew! Tons of stuff in that sticky!

In wanting to stay consistent, I was thinking of getting the Peavey VB-410 cabinet. 8 Ohms with 100dB sensitivity and the wattage ratings I mentioned earlier.

I read a lot about headroom and I'm a little scared of using a cab with a smaller wattage rating than the head. I know me and I'll flaten out the speakers, if not blow them out.

Joe Louvar · #7 12-17-2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassguitarbubba

I need some advice about matching up my amp with a compatible cab. I have a Peavey all tube VB-2 225 watt head (225 watts continuous). If I were to get a 4X10 cab rated at 800 watt program and 1600 watt peak, would that be too much cabinet for the head?

No need to read all those sticky/threads - the cab should work fine with your amp.

RickenBoogie · #8 12-17-2011, 03:56 PM

Yes, the pair will work fine, but I disagree- every reason in the world to read the FAQ's and stickies- unless you want to continue on NOT knowing how your gear works.

Joe Louvar · #9 12-17-2011, 05:51 PM

+1, agreed, but I think he was looking for a quick shortcut answer.

**B-string** · #10 12-17-2011, 05:55 PM

Yeah, darn Mods always trying to make things easy so the same question doesn't have to be answered 7 to 20 times a week

groove pump · #11 12-17-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassguitarbubba

Whew! Tons of stuff in that sticky!

In wanting to stay consistent, I was thinking of getting the Peavey VB-410 cabinet. 8 Ohms with 100dB sensitivity and the wattage ratings I mentioned earlier.

I read a lot about headroom and I'm a little scared of using a cab with a smaller wattage rating than the head. I know me and I'll flaten out the speakers, if not blow them out.

As long as you have the right ohm rating in your speakers to give your amp the proper load, you're in business.

If you're worried about the welfare of your cab, just use the volume knob on your amp. Start out with it turned down - standard operating procedure, right? If you turn up far enough to make your speakers grumpy, they'll pretty much tell you by sounding grumpy.

My layout is different from yours, but I use a preamp/power amp rig to drive a pair of 2x10 cabs. My power amp is rated at 1,400 watts bridged into 4 ohms and together my cabs rate at 400 watts RMS and 4 ohms. Sure I've got more power than I "need" here, but I also never have to turn way up. In fact, my master volume has never even been up to "noon" with this layout.

No smoke shows, no tragedies... Keep the volume under control and if you need more sound, get more speakers to collectively shake more air. Also, it wouldn't hurt to read up on a few of the FAQ's - I'm sort of slackin' myself.

Joe Louvar · #12 12-17-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Yeah, darn Mods always trying to make things easy so the same question doesn't have to be answered 7 to 20 times a week

<Smile> I know, I'm too easy.

**B-string** · #13 12-17-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

<Smile> I know, I'm too easy.

Keeps it fun Bro

Joe Louvar · #14 12-17-2011, 06:53 PM

Bassguitarbubba · #15 12-24-2011, 02:49 AM

Thanks for all the comments. I read as much as I could in the sticky and it was very informative. I understand about ohms and such. I think my confusion began when I listened to my guitarist and his explanation about head wattage vs. cab wattage. Again, thanks for all the input and the main thing I learned is to not listen to my guitarist!

billfitzmaurice · #16 12-24-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassguitarbubba

the main thing I learned is to not listen to my guitarist!

That alone makes it worth the read.

Joe Louvar · #17 12-24-2011, 08:07 AM

+1
Guitard's

RNV · #18 12-24-2011, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

That alone makes it worth the read.

That was one the most useful thing ever posted on these here forums.