replacing speakers in a cab

[cmhadden]

Im looking to replce the speakers in my cab. Other than choosing 4 new speakers (its a 410) are their any other things that I need to be aware of when upgrading? The speakers that I have chosen are of a higher wattage than that of the current speakers in the cab? So would I just need to change out the speakers or would I also need to upgrade the circut board? Please help?

[BassmanPaul]

Please, please read the FAQ atop page one. Power handling is about the least important parameter a driver has! This subject comes up about every couple of days. The answer is aways the same: Just swapping out one driver for another without doing the "science" will only end in a crapshoot!!!!

[cmhadden]

forgive me for being obtuse but i'm pretty new at this and don't really know the lingo. Ive looked over the faq as requested but can't make heads or tails out of any of it.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by cmhadden

are their any other things that I need to be aware of when upgrading? ?

Just these:
Understanding Loudspeaker Data | Eminence Speaker

And that's just for the low frequency response. You have to use manufacturer data sheet SPL charts to compare the mids and highs.

[Pilgrim]

Advice #1: Replace them with the same speaker that's in there.

Advice #2: If you don't do #1, get help with matching the speaker's performance characteristics to the size of the cabinet - you could replace them and end up with a cab that won't perform because the speakers are not well suited to the enclosure. In other words, read the FAQ and Bill's link above until you DO understand them!!

Advice #3: See #1

Repeat as needed. You really need to tailor any replacements to your specific enclosure - and you didn't provide brand, model or other info.

(Not trying to be mean about this, but some homework will benefit you personally and will help you in the future.)

[cmhadden]

ok so assuming I replace the speakers with the same. The cab it rated at 200watts at 8ohms. The head I have can send 500 watts at 4 and 8 ohms. If I pair the 200 watt cab with a 600 watt cab both being 8 ohm cabs the over all load would be 500 watts at 4 ohms. A-would I be in danger of blowing the 200 watt cab if ran in conjunction with the 600 watt cab? And would it make any difference if I ran them in series or parallel?

[BassmanPaul]

you could mention just what cabinet we're talking about here. If you measure the internal dimensions and ports, if any, and slot them into WinISD it might help you decide on a suitable driver. Post them and possibly someone can help you with this.

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by cmhadden

ok so assuming I replace the speakers with the same. The cab it rated at 200watts at 8ohms. The head I have can send 500 watts at 4 and 8 ohms. If I pair the 200 watt cab with a 600 watt cab both being 8 ohm cabs the over all load would be 500 watts at 4 ohms. A-would I be in danger of blowing the 200 watt cab if ran in conjunction with the 600 watt cab? And would it make any difference if I ran them in series or parallel?

Watts are moot. What limits output is the driver displacement (T/S spec Vd). You can easily have a 200 watt rated cab that can take more power than a 600 watt rated cab before reaching excursion limits, so 'watt matching' simply doesn't work.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 and on top of all that, your 500 watt amp can potentially blow the drivers in an 800 watt cab, just as easily as a 200 watt cab. There is much to learn.

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

There is much to learn Grasshopper!

There y' go, fixed it for ya!

[steamthief]

When you have the drivers out of the box, if you notice bare wood on the interior of the cab, apply some damping.

[RickenBoogie]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

There y' go, fixed it for ya!

Exactly what I was thinking when I typed it. And, so true.