Would an extension cab really help..?

[tbassist4]

Hey everyone,
So I've outgrown my old Crate BT220 combo, but thought I might try the extension cab option while I'm transitioning to a full head/cab setup.

Here's the issue:
Extension jack is wired in series with the internal speaker, which is 4ohms. So that means if I add another 4ohm cab, I'll have 8ohms on a 4ohm head and be losing a lot of efficiency.

Will this actually be louder or sound better, or is it just a wash?

[runmikeyrun]

You're going to be roughly halving the power output. Even with additional speakers moving air it'll probably be a wash. Unless you're connecting to a 2x15 or 8x10 you probably won't notice much difference.

[tbassist4]

Originally Posted by runmikeyrun

You're going to be roughly halving the power output. Even with additional speakers moving air it'll probably be a wash. Unless you're connecting to a 2x15 or 8x10 you probably won't notice much difference.

Eh, kinda figured - ohwell, on to better quality equipment, heh heh. Thanks for the response!

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by runmikeyrun

Even with additional speakers moving air it'll probably be a wash.

Not if the internal driver is only able to handle half the amp's output or less, which is the case more often than not.

[Downunderwonder]

That begs the question, can you turn it up without it farting out as it is?