Ampeg fliptop questions

[Ken R]

The Ampeg B-15n and the Ampeg B-15s.
I understand that the S is for solid state rectifier and the cabinet of the S is bigger, but is that all that is different?
I did a few searches here and on Google, but I really didn't find too many answers.

Thanks,
Ken R

 

[JimmyM]

the s has twice as much wattage, too. sonically i couldn't tell you what the differences are, but i do know it's a little different from what folks have told me.

 

[ZoomBoy]

I had a B-15S and it had a similar sound to my B25b. Not exact but close.

 

[Ken R]

I ask because I stumbled across a B15s the other day. I remember playing thru a fliptop back in 1976 and I remember it sounding good. I didn't remember a model number or anything else about it. But........What the heck, I bought this one.
I brought it home, and plugged it in. It sounded pretty good, and it was in good shape. Everything worked as it should.
I did some Googling and found out that the S cab has a 1/4 jack and a hole for the "kickstand". But this cab also has a 3pin input also. The head has a 3pin connector. So I look closer and realize the head is a B15N and the cab is a B15S. Imagine that. What the heck? The head has 2 6l6's and a few pre amp tubes.
The speaker is an Altec Lansing.
I am assuming that this a good find. I really wasn't looking to buy an amp, but, why not? Early 70's stuff has to be getting kinda rare and if I like it, great. If not, I'm sure I could sell it without too much fanfare.
Pix to be posted later.

Ken R

 

[metalmariachi]

The B-15S is pretty much a b-25, 12ax7 pre amp tubes and 7027 power tubes.
Put out 72 watts (per Ampeg) vs the 50 watts of the last fixed bias B15N.

They are a bit louder (due mostly to the cabinet design), and are rock-n-roll vs Motown sound wise.

Great amps, just not that old school “blue diamond” sound.

MM

 

[JimmyM]

slight correction...the last b-15n's were 30w.