Ampeg B-15n Head w/non-Ampeg Cab

[Chico Ruger]

I have a chance to pick up a recently serviced B-15n head w/o the cab. I have a Peavey VB-115 cab (Black Widow). Is this a reasonable pairing?

 

[BassmanPaul]

If the Peavey is 8Ω yes. You'll have to fabricate a suitable adapter to take care of the requirements of the 4 pin XLR.

 

[Chico Ruger]

If the Peavey is 8Ω yes.

Yes, 8 ohms. Thanks.

 

[JimmyM]

You can get adapters from Fliptops Home of Parts for Ampeg Lovers .

 

[Chico Ruger]

You can get adapters from Fliptops Home of Parts for Ampeg Lovers .

Do I need an adapter to run it?

 

[JimmyM]

You might need one to plug your cab in, as B-15N's generally come with 4-pin XLR connecting cords for the speaker out. You can have it modded to a 1/4" out but you will need an adapter for the XLR if it has one.

4 Pin Male Plug to 1/4" Plug Cable for Portaflex Amps - Product Details

 

[BassmanPaul]

Yes if the service performed left the amp original. The speaker cable is four core. One pair carries the audio signal for the speaker and the second pair completes the ground connection for the power supply allowing it to operate.

 

[Chico Ruger]

You might need one to plug your cab in, as B-15N's generally come with 4-pin XLR connecting cords for the speaker out. You can have it modded to a 1/4" out but you will need an adapter for the XLR if it has one.

4 Pin Male Plug to 1/4" Plug Cable for Portaflex Amps - Product Details

 

[Chico Ruger]

Appreciate both responses regarding adapters.

 

[Chico Ruger]

Opinions as to how the head will sound with the Peavey cab vs the Ampeg cab?

 

[JimmyM]

Hard to say but I'm betting if you like the sound of your cab with other amps, you will love it with a B-15.

 

[sjrash]

I just bought a B-15N that has a black widow in the cabinet as a replacement. This is the only speaker I have heard with this amp. I can tell you first hand, I am able to dial in a decent sound. It has great range and a very modern sound. For my personal taste, I am seeking the CTS that would have been the original driver. I prefer more midrange and lower frequencies and the black widow seems to be a bit bright for me. Just my 2 cents. Get that adapter and let your ears be the judge!

 

[pie_man_25]

I just bought a B-15N that has a black widow in the cabinet as a replacement. This is the only speaker I have heard with this amp. I can tell you first hand, I am able to dial in a decent sound. It has great range and a very modern sound. For my personal taste, I am seeking the CTS that would have been the original driver. I prefer more midrange and lower frequencies and the black widow seems to be a bit bright for me. Just my 2 cents. Get that adapter and let your ears be the judge!

JimmyM might beat me to the punch, but he has said before that the eminence Delta and Beta 15's are reputed to sound very similar.

 

[JimmyM]

JimmyM might beat me to the punch, but he has said before that the eminence Delta and Beta 15's are reputed to sound very similar.

I did beat you to the punch And while the Delta 15a sounds exactly like the 60's CTS's in B-15's, the 70's CTS's for B-15's sound darker and the Delta 15a didn't work as well in the one I had. Came across as having a noticeable mid scoop.

 

[pie_man_25]

There it is! I've just been going through information on the B-15 for a summer project (it's going to be posted on TB when it's done), and your name comes up a LOT.

 

[JimmyM]

As is only right But seriously, I'm by far not the world's leading expert on B-15's, but I do love them.

 

[JoeWPgh]

I do not think you could go wrong with a B15n and a tin can on a string for a speaker. We have all heard of what Leo Fender and his precision bass did to music. The B15n is the amp that made it a viable musical instrument. And it is still great.

 

[bobcruz]

Opinions as to how the head will sound with the Peavey cab vs the Ampeg cab?

It will sound so awful, you should save yourself the anguish and just forward all that non-matching gear to me for disposal....

 

[Azure Skies]

Opinions as to how the head will sound with the Peavey cab vs the Ampeg cab?

I've been using a B15N preamp through a ported 15" and it sounds great. Your setup should sound great.

 

[Upfromthesky]

I have a B-15N but had an adapter cable made so I could use other cabinets. Have played it through Bag End 15" and Mesa 12" and it sounds great. It doesn't sound the same as through the original B-15 speaker bottom. Each cab sounds different as you would expect.