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Amp question and advice requested

mfleming1963

mfleming1963

Guest
Jan 1, 2013
33
9
Winchester, VA
#1
I currently have a Randall RB200 combo with 4 10s in it. It is ok and has gotten me this far, but I want some better and easier to move.

I am looking to get a new light weight amp and 2 speakers. My first question: I am thinking about 500 watts for the amp and was wondering whether I should go with 2 2-10 cabinets (Stacked vertically) or 2 -12 cabinets? Either way, I am going to get 2 matched cabs.

Second Question: Since I can't make the purchase all at one time, I am thinking of replacing the speakers first (using the amp from the Randall) then buying a new amp. Is this good thinking or should I get amp first.

I look forward to your responses, I always enjoy reading them and I have learned a lot already.
 
#2
It's an excellent plan.
Getting a pair of 2X10's vs a pair of 1X12's would be personal preference. The 12's would be smaller in size but the 10's would stand up taller and possibly be louder. I've pretty much always used 12's for some reason.
 
#3
I believe that the speaker out on the Randall is for an external cabinet that runs in parallel with the combo's 410 speakers. This could be a problem if the cabinets are not well matched in terms of wattage and performance.

I'd want the amp first. The amp and cabinets have to be chosen so that they compliment each other. A 500W amp will require cabinets that can handle the power output of the amp. A manufacturer will often recommend which of their cabinets can be used with the amp. If you buy the amp first, you can look for cabinets that are optimized for that amp. If you buy the cabinets first, you will be constrained by what amp you can use. If that makes any sense.
 
#4
beans-on-toast said:
I believe that the speaker out on the Randall is for an external cabinet that runs in parallel with the combo's 410 speakers. This could be a problem if the cabinets are not well matched in terms of wattage and performance.

I'd want the amp first. The amp and cabinets have to be chosen so that they compliment each other. A 500W amp will require cabinets that can handle the power output of the amp. A manufacturer will often recommend which of their cabinets can be used with the amp. If you buy the amp first, you can look for cabinets that are optimized for that amp. If you buy the cabinets first, you will be constrained by what amp you can use. If that makes any sense.
Click to expand...

Good thoughts, but the Randall Amp is basically a head that is mounted inside the cabinet. It can easily be removed and mounted into a rack case. the combo speakers plug into it using a 1/4 inch cord and can be unplugged completly.

My thought is to decided which amp and speaker combination I want then buy the speakers first and use the Randall amp until I can get the new amp head.
 
#5
Dave W said:
It's an excellent plan.
Getting a pair of 2X10's vs a pair of 1X12's would be personal preference. The 12's would be smaller in size but the 10's would stand up taller and possibly be louder. I've pretty much always used 12's for some reason.
Click to expand...

I am not sure about louder, but easier to hear may be more accurate. A friend has 2 Aguilar 1-12 cabs and they sound great, which has led me to really like 12's.
 
#6
Aguilar makes fine speaker cabinets. The size of the driver is not that important in a properly designed box. A 12 from Aguilar will sound nothing like a 12 from another manufacturer. I reccommend that you go out and try different cabinets, immaterial of driver size, until you find one that makes you smile. Then buy two!! :)
 
#8
The OP has a solid plan, IMO.

Me, I don't care for 10s that much. If I'm going to carry two magnets around I might as well have the surface area of 12s. But maybe that's not fully rational. YMMV.

Right now I'm using a GK Neo 212-II and, when needed, a GK MBX 210 on top of it. When using the 212 alone, I loft it on an amp stand so it's a foot off the ground and angled up toward my head.

Still, I'm old and my lower back resembles a late-game stack of Jenga blocks. I would love to get by with a pair of 112 cabs. I see that as a possibility, but only if I get really good ones. I've seen guys do a pair of Aguilar 12s. But I think I may hold out for some fearless f112s.
 
#9
mfleming1963 said:
I currently have a Randall RB200 combo with 4 10s in it. It is ok and has gotten me this far, but I want some better and easier to move.

I am looking to get a new light weight amp and 2 speakers. My first question: I am thinking about 500 watts for the amp and was wondering whether I should go with 2 2-10 cabinets (Stacked vertically) or 2 -12 cabinets? Either way, I am going to get 2 matched cabs.

Second Question: Since I can't make the purchase all at one time, I am thinking of replacing the speakers first (using the amp from the Randall) then buying a new amp. Is this good thinking or should I get amp first.

I look forward to your responses, I always enjoy reading them and I have learned a lot already.
Click to expand...
1. You don't talk about the 410- sounding bad or not producing enough volume, so why replace speakers? Seems like you're on a budget (btw, how much are you planning to spend?). Using decent replacement speakers will probably run you at least $200. Not good thinking, imo.
2. Get a new cab(s) before the amp. How much volume do you need? Will two 112s do it for you? Or do you need four 10s? Of course two Eminence 3012s or even 2512s, or Faital Pro 12PR300s will go a long way compared to most 12s used in commercial cabs.
3. Two 210 "vertical" boxes are generally a very good idea (air movement of a 215 with the height to hear well). Two 210s are usually going to cost more than two 112s, though. Still, a pair of nice 112s or a nice 212 is an excellent choice. And they can always be placed on a stand to get better height if needed. TB classifieds is a great place to watch for better grade cabs (whatever it is you decide you want). Here's a fine one at a fine price ... For Sale - WEEKEND PRICE DROP! Genz-Benz Uber 212T 2x12, great condition | TalkBass.com
 

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