Replacing speaker in Ashdown combo

Joeymarshmallow · #1 10-05-2010, 12:06 AM

Hey guys, I've recently upgraded my rig (hooray!), so my Ashdown electric blue 180 (15 inch) has become my bedroom practice amp. The only problem is, since I've upgraded (to a Hartke LH1000 + 2 Avatar Neo 210s) I just can't stand the tone of the Ashdown combo! The tone sounds dead/muffled/flat to me. I have plugged in the head of the combo to one of the Avatar 210s, and it sounds much better. I'm wondering if replacing the speaker (which could have been damaged at some point, when I pushed the combo at several gigs) will give me a much improved tone. Is this worth replacing? Or is the poor tone due to the amp? Another thought - the speaker in it now is doing about 100w according to an Ashdown customer service rep, so a potential replacement could harness the full 180w of the head.

Mr. Foxen · #2 10-05-2010, 06:37 AM

The extra 80 isn't worth the cost of a new speaker, and means you lose the extension option, which is the only way to actually get more volume. It's a sealed box isn't it? Don't know what would be good off the top of my head, but if you measure up and figure how much air is in the box, someone might figure a good one out. I had the ported 1x12 version and a Eminence delta 12lfa speaker worked really well in it.

Joeymarshmallow · #3 10-05-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

The extra 80 isn't worth the cost of a new speaker, and means you lose the extension option, which is the only way to actually get more volume. It's a sealed box isn't it? Don't know what would be good off the top of my head, but if you measure up and figure how much air is in the box, someone might figure a good one out. I had the ported 1x12 version and a Eminence delta 12lfa speaker worked really well in it.

Yep, sealed box. Dimensions of speaker enclosure are roughly 19.6 x 18.6 x 11.8 giving me a volume of 4,300 cubic inches. I don't understand how I would lose the extension option? I'm pretty sure the amp pushes 180w @ 8ohms, and is 4ohm capable. So if I replaced it with say a 8ohm 200w speaker, I could still plug in another 8ohm cab, right?

Exploiter8 · #4 10-05-2010, 08:30 AM

Sometimes lining the interior of the cab can help absorb some of the muddiness. Many use everything from a mattress pad to carpet padding to hobby store batting, etc. and staple it in. I use this from PartsExpress:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=260-525

Yes it's pricey. Yes it's overkill. I've lined all of my combos and my 215 cab with great results.

You could always try an EQ pedal, too.

YMMV

X8