Replacement speakers for SWR Redhead

andrewalexander · #1 03-27-2011, 01:41 PM

I recently was given the SWR Super Redhead combo amp. I previously was using a Peavey Max 160 through a Carvin 4x10. Despite the size of the rig, the 160 watts just wasn't enough power for some the larger gigs I was playing. The Redhead not only offers an improved 350 watts of power, but is easier to transport.

However, the amp hadn't been played in years, and I found that one of the speakers was buzzing pretty badly any time I brought the master volume past 4 or 5. Since I'm planning to make this amp part of my rig for years to come, I want to go ahead and replace the speakers with the highest quality speakers I can get, even if there are more cost-efficient ways to eliminate the buzzing. The problem is that in the realm of speaker-purchasing, I am dumbfounded. I know my music theory, but NOT my equipment. All I know is that I need two 10-inch speakers that can handle the 350 watts of power that the amp produces. I looked at Celestion and Eminence speakers, as I recognized them from high-end amps that I have seen and played, but I have no idea which ones would produce the sounds that I want. Price isn't an object; I'll save up money for as long as I need to. Any recommendations on what speakers to buy?

BassmanPaul · #2 03-27-2011, 02:09 PM

The problem you are going to face is the drop in the number of cones 4>2. Most of us could gig with a 4x10 but not so many would succeed with a 2x10. I wouldn't even try with mine. The increase in power will not offset the reduction in cones.

**IvanMike** · #3 03-27-2011, 03:11 PM

the factory replacement speakers are probably the best bet as (hopefully) the cab is designed around them. I haven't heard too many reports of redheads blowing drivers - yours may have been pushed really hard.

And BP speaks the truth. You're going to want an extension cabinet - at least another 210. AFAIK, the original redhead was only available with a 4 ohm internal cab, but the amp was stable to 2 ohms, so you could use another 4 ohm cab. I believe the super was available with an 8 ohm or a 4 ohm internal cab - (the stand alone 210 cabs were by then). You may want to consider using an internal 8 ohm configuration. This will make the amp a tiny bit quieter on its own, but would allow you to use more speakers with it. Even if you keep it 4 ohm, you could still use two more 8 ohm 2x10 cabs with it, but the internal drivers will be getting 2x the wattage (not twice the volume however).

Bass_Pounder · #4 03-27-2011, 03:19 PM

+1 to all above................

Easy way to look at it:

You are doubling your wattage, but halving your speaker area.

At best it's a wash - No Gain

The best way to gain volume is by adding speaker area - NOT by adding power.

andrewalexander · #5 03-27-2011, 05:36 PM

Well, I have a Carvin 2x12 that I use as an extension cab with the Redhead. I probably should have already mentioned that. In fact, I've played two small gigs in the past two nights, and in both cases the buzzing with the internal speakers became so distracting that I turned them off, sending all the power through the 2x12; something I'd definitely like to not have to do in the future. I'm pretty sure that once I correct the problem with the internal speakers, I'll be able to balance my sound between them and the 2x12. I can't imagine needing more speakers than that at the level that I'm playing, especially since most venues I've played at recently just direct the bass into the house, and the Redhead's XLR line out sounds great.

Again, what I'm really concerned with is the buzzing from the internal speakers from the Redhead and what I'll need to do to replace them. I've never had to replace speakers in an amp before, and am not sure what to look for when shopping for them. Then again, if Ivanmike is correct and the best option is to get replacement speakers from the factory, then my problem is pretty easily rectified.

RickenBoogie · #6 03-27-2011, 05:43 PM

Yes, direct replacements from SWR will be your best bet. The problem with just dropping in any pair of 10's is, there's alot of science that goes into pairing spkrs and cabs. It's a crapshoot at best, unless you understand the science, and model the cab in a program like WinISD to find the best replacements. OEM from the manufacturer will ALWAYS work. Good luck.

Ben Esparza · #7 03-27-2011, 05:57 PM

Make life a whole lot easier for yourself. Send the stock drivers to Orange County Speaker Repair for a recone (see Recone Price List) and give those speakers, that were designed for that cab, a new lease on life. Then find an SWR Goliath Jr. III and place it under the SWR Super Redhead. An 8 ohm Goliath Jr. III will give you 400 watts and a 4 ohm Goliath Jr. III will give you 450 watts. The Super Redhead will go down to 2 ohms, but make sure that fan stays on to keep it cool. You'll be back to your 4x10 configuration, with the added option of another tweeter if you wish, and a whole lot more wattage than you've had to settle for. The recone for the stock speakers will run $79 each plus shipping (new speakers are $150 at discount plus shipping each). A Goliath Jr. III can be gotten for anywhere from $275 to $350 used on the web. Way simpler, cheaper and no crap shoot on whether or not the sound coming out of aftermarket replacements will be to your liking.

**Chef** · #8 03-27-2011, 07:46 PM

totally concur with the "recone+extension cab" approach.

andrewalexander · #9 03-27-2011, 07:57 PM

I'm going to let my naivete show here a little bit and ask, by drivers do you mean the speakers themselves? I'm unfamiliar with the technicalities of guitar equipment, and most of the corresponding terminology. And I'm also not sure about how to remove the speakers from the cab, other than to unscrew them in the front.

Regardless, are there companies similar to Orange County Speaker Repair throughout the country? I live in Atlanta, so the shipping costs to send them to California will rival that of the speaker repairs themselves. and, are there any other possible causes for the speakers buzzing the way they do? Perhaps something being loose, or rattling inside the amp itself?

**Chef** · #10 03-27-2011, 08:03 PM

speaker repair & loudspeaker reconing

shipping speakers won't be that expensive. $30 maybe.

will33 · #11 03-27-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewalexander

are there any other possible causes for the speakers buzzing the way they do? Perhaps something being loose, or rattling inside the amp itself?

Possibly. I would think Atlanta is big enough there must be somebody reconing locally. Some googling may help.

**Chef** · #12 03-27-2011, 08:09 PM

two local shops via google:
speaker repair atlanta - Google Search

andrewalexander · #13 03-27-2011, 08:12 PM

Yup, I'm lazy. I should've googled it. Thanks for the link.

**Chef** · #14 03-27-2011, 08:14 PM

sure thing

Ben Esparza · #15 03-27-2011, 08:14 PM

Looks as if you have Northwest Speaker and Equipment in your own back yard. Apparently, you'll get a 10% discount on reconing there if you present the coupon on the web page. BTW, drivers are synonymous with speakers.

On the Super Redhead, you just remove the 7 screws from the front grill (4 larger ones with rubber spacers on the top of the grill, 3 smaller screws that go straight into the wood at the bottom).

Then remove the 4 machine screws from each speaker that mounts it in front of the cab section of the amp. Make sure you save the chrome grill speakers and spacers in one zip-lock bag and the 8 speaker mounting machine screws in another zip-lock bag. You'll find that the wiring goes from the input to one of the speakers and then to the other. If there's any confusion, put masking tape on the + wires (hook into the red speaker connector) and the -wires (hook into the black connector).

Great time to clean and vacuum behind the grill and around the speaker mount area. Having spent a 25 year carreer in the fire department, I'm a little anal about keeping gear clean. As I learn in my carreer, clean equipment shows the public that you provide clean service.

andrewalexander · #16 03-27-2011, 08:34 PM

Thanks so much for the walkthrough and the link, Ben. I was able to make sense of all of that, and should be removing the speakers and driving out to Smyrna this week. I'm really excited to crank my Redhead to some real volumes with the refurbished speakers and see how it sounds.

I'm still not totally sure about going out and buying a new 4x10, however. As long as my 2x12 + the Redhead is giving me the volume I need, I'd rather stick with the set-up that is easier to transport. My car is woefully small, and my previous 4x10 wouldn't fit in it. However, if it becomes necessary to expand my speaker area, I will definitely look into the Goliath series of SWR speakers, as you recommended.

will33 · #17 03-27-2011, 08:43 PM

I think they were talking about getting a 210 goliath ext. cab so you'd end up with 410's when you stacked it all together. There's something to be said for having all the speakers the same then but if what you've got gets the job done, fine.