Need help deciding on which replacement speakers to go with

[bassist5819]

I am putting new speakers in my vintage Kustom tuck n roll 3x15. I have already decided on the Eminence Kappalite 3015 but I am not sure to go LF or not or partially. I know this has already been discussed in other threads, but I've found nothing on the 3x15 configuration. This is where you guys come in.

With the 3x15 I was wondering if it would be best for me to combine 1 of the 3015lf's with 2 regular 3015's or 2 of the 3015lf's and just one regular 3015. OR should I keep all 3 the same model. I'm looking to have a pronounced and big bottom that can handle lower tuning (every band I'm in plays in drop c or lower), but I still want clarity and definition with my mids and highs.

Tell me what you guys think would be best

[craig.p]

First bit of information you'll need will be internal box volume and the diameter and length of the ports. I recall there being two but it was a long time ago. (Or have you already generated your response graph and therefore already know what you're going to get in that box?)

I don't think mixing different drivers in the same cab and/or in the same frequency range is such a hot idea, at least on paper. You may get lucky and like the result but it'll be a crap shoot.

[bassist5819]

I already know what I'm going to get out of the box I was just curious to see if you guys thought it would be better to use one or two 3015fl's because the low end is supposed to be better.

[Rick Auricchio]

The LF has very little upper end. You'd have plenty of boom but not much definition of the notes. It's really best with a dedicated midrange, which you won't have.

[craig.p]

I'd be careful with the LF. Top end is nonexistent and midrange nearly so. Bill F clued me in a few days ago re. how limited the midrange is in some bass drivers. This is a perfect example.

[greenboy]

Frankly, in terms of midrange the difference in the 3015LF and the 3015 or any other 15" driver just aren't that great once you go slightly off-axis. But in a vertical 215 or 215 arrangement, that isn't so bad: it still cleans the clock on a 410's midrange dispersion in many ways.

One thing that hasn't been discussed is actually relevant: how much wattage is being considered. It's possible a cheaper driver may actually be a better choice.

[bassist5819]

Originally Posted by greenboy

One thing that hasn't been discussed is actually relevant: how much wattage is being considered. It's possible a cheaper driver may actually be a better choice.

I'm running a carvin bx1200 and looking to get all of the wattage possible out of it. I wanted something I could run full out and not blow so thats why 3 3015's sounded good.

[billfitzmaurice]

The Kustom is too small internally to run three fifteens to good effect. It would probably be OK with two 3015LFs, and a pair of vertically arrayed sixes in the top hole, in a separate compartment. Basically you'd be turning it into a fEarful 2x15/2x6. Depending on the internal volume even two fifteens might not go, they want at least 3 cu ft each. A pair of 3012LFs would be the next option, they can run in 2 cu ft each. Whatever you use the cab would have to be tuned/ported to work with them.
This assumes you've got at least 600 watts to push them with. If you don't high excursion drivers aren't for you.

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by bassist5819

I'm running a carvin bx1200 and looking to get all of the wattage possible out of it. I wanted something I could run full out and not blow so thats why 3 3015's sounded good.

With three 3015's, you ARE NOT going to be able "all the wattage possible"

If you wire 2 of them together, and the third is wired by itself - that means you have to run your head in 2 channel mode. Since each side of your head is capable of a 2 ohm load - giving it a 4 ohm load on one side and an 8 ohm load on the other is going to give you MAYBE half of the amps potential wattage.

If you bridge your amp to get the full wattage - it has to be into a 4 ohm load. All three speakers together will be a 2.67 load - NOT doable.

I suggest you go back and read the responses in your original thread.

[bassist5819]

I'm going to wire the cab with 2 of the speakers in series and then the last one in parallel giving the cab a total of 5.33 ohms, which can give me close to 1100 watts

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by bassist5819

I'm going to wire the cab with 2 of the speakers in series and then the last one in parallel giving the cab a total of 5.33 ohms, which can give me close to 1100 watts

That will send half your power into one driver, half into the other two, rendering your quest to 'get all of the wattage possible out of it' moot. It's a senseless quest anyway. Power and output are not directly related.

[tdvt]

"Need help deciding on which replacement speakers to go with"

How about 2- 3015LF's and then fabricate a blanking plate for the 3rd 15" hole that you can mount a mid driver in.

No harm done to the cabinet as it would be "undoable" but definitely an upgrade & it would also keep your load at 4 Ohms.

[bassist5819]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

That will send half your power into one driver, half into the other two, rendering your quest to 'get all of the wattage possible out of it' moot. It's a senseless quest anyway. Power and output are not directly related.

I am aware of the effects of wiring the cab as I plan to. It might not be ideal, but its the best way I have found to wire a 3x15 cab.

I also have no plans of altering the cab to accommodate anything but 3 15 inch speakers, billfitzmaurice. The entire point of this cab is to be something ridiculous that no one else has.

I am just asking whether or not putting one or two kappalite 3015lf's in the cab would give me better bass response than if I just had three 3015's in it. It's that simple.