Speaker problems using GK Backline 600

cimchazz1 · #1 04-09-2011, 11:07 AM

I can't figure this one out, so I thought I would try the forum. I have a Gallien Krueger Backline 600 I have been playing through for 8 months that I got used. Recently my twin 15" Vega EM158s tinsel wires disintegrated in my West bottom (I was told that happens with age), so I went to Guitar Center and bot the Acoustic B-410 bottom to use with the GK. The first bottom started making loud "crack" sounds within the first 10 minutes of playing, and after 2 hours it had a blown speaker. I exchanged it for another and this one made the same "crack" sound when I played a low "A". Now I am playing with the bass turned down to get through the job tonight. Is it my amp, my cord to the speaker, or what? The Guitar Center guy said I might be underpowering the bottom, but my Vegas handle more than 400W and didn't have that issue? Any ideas out there? Is it because the bottom is 8 ohms and the head is 4 or 8? I think the head puts out 180W @ 8 ohms.

shawshank72 · #2 04-09-2011, 11:15 AM

Whatever the problem is......
IT IS NOT UNDERPOWERING that is the problem.
I thought we were past so called professionals telling people this nonsense so they can sell them more powerful expensive gear.
I hope someone can help you though, theres always someone on tb who can.

randall p · #3 04-09-2011, 11:25 AM

It is not the ohms rating of the speaker either. Backline 600's can be run at 4 or 8 ohms. Neither is "better".

mikeldtl · #4 04-09-2011, 01:54 PM

I don't think that the GC "Acoustic" branded stuff is really known for the quality...

Pushing a low A through the Acoustic 4x10 at gig volume is probably just asking too much of it. I'm not a wiz with cabs or speaker specs but my guess is you really pushed the speaker excursion with your low A and dusted at least one of the tens. You said you had some 15s previous to this which probably worked just fine with the cabinet design and your tuning. My advice? If it was me? Well... the problem is the cab. I would use it for any pending gigs and then try to return it. Either get a full refund or trade in... get yourself a used cab with some 15s with your $$.

mikeldtl · #5 04-09-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cimchazz1

......Recently my twin 15" Vega EM158s tinsel wires disintegrated in my West bottom (I was told that happens with age)

Curious about what exactly happened to your old cab.... are you saying that the speaker leads physically disintegrated or did the drivers bite the bullet?

BassmanPaul · #6 04-09-2011, 03:27 PM

How is your EQ set?? Too much and you can push your drivers past their limits. The voice coil can impact the back plate which is what I think is happening.

You should be able to get your Vegas repaired. The tinsel leads can be replaced if the drivers are otherwise sound.

cimchazz1 · #7 04-09-2011, 04:39 PM

Thanks all. My Vegas are fine except for the tinsel wires, One tore off at the terminal and I kept playing with one speaker and that one quit working because both tinsel leads came apart in the center and were all unraveled. I read somewhere that these wires can corrode over time from not being used (they sat for 30 years). I want to replace the tinsel wires, but I am thinking I should have someone do it that knows what they're doing. Anyone know of anyplace in the Detroit metro area that is reputable (big challenge) maybe even with Cerwin Vega experience? And what is a good 410 cab to use with this amp? Actually, I like the 15" sound, too, so what is a good 15? Are Eminence Kappa any good?

billfitzmaurice · #8 04-09-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cimchazz1

I want to replace the tinsel wires,

They can't be replaced. A full recone is required.

Quote:

I like the 15" sound, too, so what is a good 15? Are Eminence Kappa any good?

There are many good fifteens; choosing the right one is a complicated affair.

Quote:

The first bottom started making loud "crack" sounds within the first 10 minutes of playing, and after 2 hours it had a blown speaker

That's the result of over-excursion. The drivers are not up to handling what you're putting through them.

cimchazz1 · #9 04-12-2011, 05:42 PM

I returned the Acoustic bottom to GC and got a store credit. Now I'm thinking I probably need a larger amp so I dont need to run it into the "clipping" zone to get the power/tone I need. The 8 ohm cab was also a bad move with that amp for me. Anyone have a sugestion for a good amp/cab combination that works well? I like deep clear bass, play classic rock and blues. I was thinking GK 1001RB2 w/SWR cab? I'm sure there's others, but that's what I see many bands using around here. I will probably look for used and want to stay under $1000.00, but want to get something I won't need to upgrade again.