Newbie amp question...

[Joe Nerve]

From and old timer .

Will a 500 watt amp (same company and model) be louder than a 250 watt amp, if they're not using any additional speakers? Specifically, if I'm driving two Carvin MB15s, will I notice a big difference in volume/sound if I go with a combo (which has a 250 watt head), or if I use my own BX500 which is the same head, only 500 watts? Or will those 2X15s just get driven to a certain point and then start breaking up? A point that the 250 watts combo is capable of, therefore making the extra 250 (in the stand alone head) watts pointless?

I already own a Carvin 1X15. Trying to decide if I should go the extra bucks and get a combo to add to it, or just another 15 and use my BX500 with the 2X15s. The combo seems kinda pointless, but it would be 1 less thing to carry. Possibly worth it if the volume will be the same, definitely not worth it if I'm much better off using my head.

 

[Linnin]

Yes, it will be +3dB louder, and you will have twice the headroom.

 

[hrodbert696]

Not an amp expert, but the rule of thumb I remember hearing is that volume increases 10% every time you double the wattage of the amp, but it goes up proportionately with speaker surface area. Twice as much power in the amp gets you 10% more volume (assuming the speakers can handle the extra wattage, of course), but twice as many speakers gets you twice the volume.

 

[Ben Noblit]

You'll be better off with the head.

 

[slade]

So 215s being driven by 250 watts vs 500? Am I reading that correctly? If so, yes you'll notice the difference. Not massive difference, but you'll feel it. In my opinion of course.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Carvin seems to think 250w is plenty for two cabs. That being the case there won't be much volume to be gained with the 500w amp / lost with the combo.

You only get 3dB extra headroom when the cabs can handle the full doubling of power without breaking up. Unlikely.

I'd stick with the amp. Then you're not married to the combo.