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Ampeg 2x15 replacement speaker?

B

bassbanger

Mar 4, 2008
79
1
#1
I have an Ampeg 2x15 and the bottom speaker is messed up. It still works but the cone has came off the foam surrounding and the dust cap in the middle has blown off. The speaker says it is a 86-511-08 model at 8 ohms.

I was wondering what would be a good replacement for this? Would like it to have good low end and mid's.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
 
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#2
If You'd like to replace only the damaged speaker, I'd highly recomend contacting Ampeg CS direct for the OEM replacement speaker. However, If You are talking about replacing both speakers with something aftermarket, You'll need to do some homework (interior cab dimensions, port tuning, etc) to see what drivers will work the best in that cab.
 
#6
I have no idea where that speaker came from.

Live sound PA or musical instrument speakers dont have foam surrounds. That is most likely a cheap home stereo speaker or a cheap car stereo sub woofer.

Unless it has paper/cloth surround and you describe it as foam.

if the other speaker is this type too, I would take the plunge and get a matching pair of actual Musical instrument speakers.
The sound will probably blow you away, if you have been playing with car stereo speakers. Not only do they lack any definition and high end/mid frequency response the sensitivity is horrible.

typical car stereo speakers are low around 83 to 89dB and musical instrument speakers are 93dB to 99dB and 15's tend to be in the high range around 95 to 99. if you dont understand sensitivity lets just say it would make a huge difference....huge

depends on your budget and how loud you need to play.

speakers range from 79 to 250$ a good midrange priced 15 has always been the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

otherwise slightly lower cost speakers with less power handling would be the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Keep in mind thermal ratings have nothing to do with how much power the speaker will take before it reaches 10% distortion.
So no a 400 watt speaker will not be crystal clear with 400watts pumping into it. Xmax rating can clue you in how much actual distortion free signal you get

the legends as a pair will do about 280/300 watts with 4.5 to 5mm xmax. and the lower cost speakers will to about 150/180watts with 3 to 4mm xmax. Speaker inductance or Le will somewhat tell you the highend. so high inductance around 1.1 to 1.9mH will have little highend. speakers with lower inductance around .33 to .80mH will have more highend.
 
#7
+1 to getting the correct speakers, so they work right with the cab. if there was actual foam involved, you had bogus car or home stereo replacements like bogey was talking about.

barring that, and assuming these are in the ballpark as far as the cab specs go, i really like the eminence kappa 15As in my two compact single 15 boxes; loud, plenty deep enough and still bright and grindy. they're rated at 450w RMS, and they're cheap, like $100 each.
 
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#9
punkrocko said:
The part number he posted 86-511-08 is correct for an Ampeg OEM driver made by Eminence. I think he's just using the wrong terminology.
Click to expand...

ah good news then, wondering if that was the case, then its just a terminology thing.

Well the original factory eminence speakers are not really worth the cost of a recone. You can get a brand new Eminence that will perform similar, most likely better for the same cost. The upgrade JBL speakers offered at the time are worth recone or ebay sale...anyways not the case.

The Delta15a is the modern equivalent to those factorys, good highend not a super powerhouse but similar to what your use to.

The Kappa15A as mentioned is a good speaker as well, compared to the CB158 they are alomost the exact same speaker, cast frame, voice coil size, magnet size etc etc.
But the legend CB158 has some slight changes made to it to perform as a full range musical instrument speaker. So I would stick with the legend. take the plunge, buy a matching pair, use a new jack and wires, bang ready to go. Delta or legend 150 watts or 300watts....
 
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#11
bassbanger said:
I have an Ampeg 2x15 and the bottom speaker is messed up. It still works but the cone has came off the foam surrounding and the dust cap in the middle has blown off. The speaker says it is a 86-511-08 model at 8 ohms.

I was wondering what would be a good replacement for this? Would like it to have good low end and mid's.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Click to expand...

Replacing a cabinet with original factory drivers is the best bet for keeping the original cab performance and sound.
 
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#12
Thanks everyone for the input!

I did use the wrong term. It is not foam.

My next question would be what is a good adhesive to use to glue the surround back to the cone? Preferably one that I can get at a local store.

Thanks!
 
#13
the truth is, if the speaker is destroyd to that point, there is little to lose. i would recommend trying something serious, like superglue. the gel kind is a lot easier to deal with. i have "repaired" a number of speakers this way, as well as fixing torn paper with tissue or newspaper sopped in thinned elmers glue-all. hell, i once fixed an EAW 2x18 sub which was driven way too hard--- the spiders had been blown off of the motor structure, but the coils were still good. i used superglue--- was real careful about alignment and let it set up overnight. ive put hundreds of hours on that cab since, pushing with a 2000 watt amp very near its maximum sustainable power. sounds as good as it ever did.
 
#14
bassbanger said:
I have an Ampeg 2x15 and the bottom speaker is messed up. It still works but the cone has came off the foam surrounding and the dust cap in the middle has blown off. The speaker says it is a 86-511-08 model at 8 ohms.

I was wondering what would be a good replacement for this? Would like it to have good low end and mid's.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Click to expand...
not totally sure but, maybe they (the 86-511-08) are similar to a delta 15pro
am wondering myself because there is one for sale, and i still need a speaker for this empty 115e (2 small ports on bottom) i have.
p
 
#15
bassbanger said:
I would like to just replace the one broken speaker. Would it just be better to get it re foamed?
Click to expand...
Maybe send both in. If they do the same to both, they should still match pretty well. If you get a new cone and foam on just one, you may have altered TSP's, especially if it's not an OEM kit used. Even then, you'll have one broken in and one new. Just a thought. I've never had a speaker professionally reconed or refoamed. So far, I've been pretty lucky hacking away at them myself.
 
#17
coreyfyfe said:
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That's the direct replacement part.
Click to expand...

There ya go, OP. Re-coning is a little tricky. Also, if the speaker has been used while the surround was off, it's possible the voice coil had some contact with the air gap at some point. If it was me, I'd re-cone both speakers. If I were YOU, I'd buy two new OEM speakers. If you'd filled out all the info in profile and I knew where you lived, I'd consider offering to buy your cabinet as-is.
 
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#18
DIYing it will likely leave the speaker beyond repair. A pro shop should get the cone off and inspect. If you really want to try and repair it your self, your best bet is simplyspeakers.com They sell adhesives that won't ruing the cone and will work well. You should get new surrounds. They have videos. I wouldn't do it to a $200 MI speaker, but I've had very good luck with stereo woofers with deteriorated foam. I'd call a few shops and ask for a ballpark price on repair.
 
#20
BassmanPaul said:
Just as a thought, the OP hasn't logged in since June 2011. @PawleeP has brought forth yet another

for your information I play bass occasionally, and play several different genres, requiring massive amounts of gear.
isn't that what this site is for, information sharing?

i don't care if the thread is from the 50's, 60's 70's 80's or 90's..
i do not look at dates, just the content of the threads...
Click to expand...
 
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