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Kappa15 vs. KappaPRO15 in Ampeg cab

B

Ben Sykora

Mar 31, 2011
4
0
#1
I'm rebuilding an ampeg V2 (412) cab into a 215 cab. I did a bunch of WinISD simulations and found that the Kappa15 got be -3dB down in the 40-45 Hz range depending on port tuning and assuming 100L volume for each section in the cab. I was hoping to get down to 30Hz since I play 5 string, but good 40-45Hz response seemed like an acceptable comprimise.

So I ordered the Kappa15. But somehow I received a pair of KappaPRO15. WinISD tells me that the PRO version is going to give me less low frequency and Fs confirms that. In effect, the PRO speaker falls off 5-6Hz sooner, so more like -3dB at 50Hz. As far as I can tell, the main advantage to the PRO version is the lower Vas means you can jam it in a smaller box.

Am I missing anything? If I send the PRO15s back, I'll undoubtedly have to pay some shipping to trade in for a cheaper speaker. So I'm confused what to do.
 
#2
Which Kappa version do you want A, C or LFA?
And which pro version, A or LF-2?

Ben Sykora said:
I'm rebuilding an ampeg V2 (412) cab into a 215 cab. I did a bunch of WinISD simulations and found that the Kappa15 got be -3dB down in the 40-45 Hz range depending on port tuning and assuming 100L volume for each section in the cab. I was hoping to get down to 30Hz since I play 5 string, but good 40-45Hz response seemed like an acceptable comprimise.

So I ordered the Kappa15. But somehow I received a pair of KappaPRO15. WinISD tells me that the PRO version is going to give me less low frequency and Fs confirms that. In effect, the PRO speaker falls off 5-6Hz sooner, so more like -3dB at 50Hz. As far as I can tell, the main advantage to the PRO version is the lower Vas means you can jam it in a smaller box.

Am I missing anything? If I send the PRO15s back, I'll undoubtedly have to pay some shipping to trade in for a cheaper speaker. So I'm confused what to do.
Click to expand...
 
#5
In the same size box tuned the same the LF response of the two is virtually identical. That's hardly the case with the maximum power and maximum SPL, as the Pro has twice the xmax. And the Pro has much smoother midrange response, which WinISD can't tell you, as it's only predictive up to about 200Hz. Of course, both pale badly in comparison to the 3015.
 
#6
billfitzmaurice said:
In the same size box tuned the same the LF response of the two is virtually identical. That's hardly the case with the maximum power and maximum SPL, as the Pro has twice the xmax. And the Pro has much smoother midrange response, which WinISD can't tell you, as it's only predictive up to about 200Hz. Of course, both pale badly in comparison to the 3015.
Click to expand...

Bill, could you clarify your Xmax comment? The eminence website says Xmax is 4mm for the Kappa15 and 3.2mm for KappaPRO15. Where did you get the figure that the PRO has double Xmax?

By 3015, I assume you're talking about the Kappalite.
 
#7
The thing I talked about, excursion, is the same as the xmax.
The kappa pro LF has an xmax of 6.7mm. The regular Kappa A has an xmax of 4 (like you mentioned yourself). So it's indeed not double.

The 3015LF has indeed a larger xmax but it also needs a cab larger then 100 liters to get the best out of this driver.
But when I see the TSP's of all the drivers, and your cab is 100 liters, the Kappa Pro LF would be a good candidate. Tune the port to approx 42hz.
 
#8
Arjank said:
The thing I talked about, excursion, is the same as the xmax.
The kappa pro LF has an xmax of 6.7mm. The regular Kappa A has an xmax of 4 (like you mentioned yourself). So it's indeed not double.

The 3015LF has indeed a larger xmax but it also needs a cab larger then 100 liters to get the best out of this driver.
But when I see the TSP's of all the drivers, and your cab is 100 liters, the Kappa Pro LF would be a good candidate. Tune the port to approx 42hz.
Click to expand...

Okay, I see. The KappaPRO15LF has the bigger Xmax. But the non-LF version actually has a smaller Xmax (according to the eminence website). So again, I'm struggling to see any real benefit to the KappaPRO15 over the Kappa15.
 

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