Peavey Scorpion replacement???

[definenredefine]

I think I blew my speaker. Here's what I know -

It's a Peavey Scorpion 15", 4 ohm. During band practice last Sunday, the speaker cut out suddenly.

There's no visible damage - the cone, dust cap and wiring is intact. I pushed gently on the cone and there was noticeable rubbing noise. I hooked it back up and it sounded pretty distorted. That's when it passes sound; otherwise it's silence save for some intermittent pops.

So I guess I need a new speaker. The trouble is that there doesn't appear to be an OEM replacement (which I guess makes sense since this is a pretty old cab.) I've found NOS replacements (including baskets) but they're mostly 8 ohm.

My questions -

Can I use an 8 ohm replacement? There's no crossover so I don't think there's an electrical reason why I can't. I just wonder of the T/S parameters would be the same.

If not, assuming I can't find another 4 ohm Scorpion, can use a Black Widow? A lot of similar appearing cabs seem to have used those. If so, does it need to be an old BW? Or will a new one work?

And lastly, is it worth reaching out to Peavey? Hell, is it worth replacing at all?

Thanks, fine people!

 

[agedhorse]

Yes, the 8 ohm version was by far the most common. Well worth repairing, the 8 ohm version is a better choice IMO.

 

[definenredefine]

Yes, the 8 ohm version was by far the most common. Well worth repairing, the 8 ohm version is a better choice IMO.

Thanks for replying - can I ask why you say that? Is it the ability to add another cab? And do I need to replace the whole speaker, or just the basket/VC?

 

[definenredefine]

I guess I should have mentioned that I did pop the basket and magnet apart, and, when I put them back together, the rubbing noise went away. But the speaker still sounds bad and only passes sound intermittently (as I described above.)

 

[agedhorse]

The 8 ohm version is about 1dB more sensitive, it's more universal since you can add another speaker, and the 4 ohm version was used primarily in a couple of combo amps to get full power out of a small amp.

 

[definenredefine]

I see. Thanks! That should make replacing easier.

Incidentally, am I a dummy for worrying about T/S parameters between 4 & 8 ohm versions? I suspect that I am...

 

[DaveParker39]

I see. Thanks! That should make replacing easier.

Incidentally, am I a dummy for worrying about T/S parameters between 4 & 8 ohm versions? I suspect that I am...

Here are the differences, based on this info I would say you have nothing to worry about. Same resonant frequency specs
https://peavey.com/manuals/scorpionPlus15.pdf

 

[agedhorse]

I see. Thanks! That should make replacing easier.

Incidentally, am I a dummy for worrying about T/S parameters between 4 & 8 ohm versions? I suspect that I am...

They are close enough (assuming the same version, I'm going from distant memory here but there may have been a couple versions, but the older and probably more common ones were the SP-15825. IIRC, the later one used a different cone material. Be sure that what you buy works with your motor assembly. There were some compatibility issues over the generations of Black Widows, don't recall if there were any of these issues in the Scorpion line.

 

[agedhorse]

Here are the differences, based on this info I would say you have nothing to worry about
https://peavey.com/manuals/scorpionPlus15.pdf

That's the Plus version which is different, I would recommend verifying the the original and plus motors are the same and the Plus kit fits the original motor (if that's what the OP has).

 

[definenredefine]

That's the Plus version which is different, I would recommend verifying the the original and plus motors are the same and the Plus kit fits the original motor (if that's what the OP has).

I indeed have the plus version (at least that's what I remember being on the magnet assembly.) So, in theory, the 8 ohm "Plus" basket should fit on the magnet I already have, I hope?

Here are the differences, based on this info I would say you have nothing to worry about. Same resonant frequency specs
https://peavey.com/manuals/scorpionPlus15.pdf

From that sheet, it looks like cabinet volume for the 4 ohm version is a liter more than the 8 ohm version for the same resonant frequency. How big of a difference is that really?

 

[byacey]

From what I remember of the BW, Peavey would sell the cone and basket as an assembly that bolted on to the magnet. If the Scorpion is the same, you should be able to disassemble the damaged speaker and check the coil.

Perhaps a glue bond broke.
Edit: sorry, I see you mentioned it's dead.

 

[agedhorse]

I indeed have the plus version (at least that's what I remember being on the magnet assembly.) So, in theory, the 8 ohm "Plus" basket should fit on the magnet I already have, I hope?


From that sheet, it looks like cabinet volume for the 4 ohm version is a liter more than the 8 ohm version for the same resonant frequency. How big of a difference is that really?

Yes, that should fit.

In practice, it will be reasonably close. It will never be exactly the same. It will never be identical.

 

[definenredefine]

From what I remember of the BW, Peavey would sell the cone and basket as an assembly that bolted on to the magnet. If the Scorpion is the same, you should be able to disassemble the damaged speaker and check the coil.

Perhaps a glue bond broke.
Edit: sorry, I see you mentioned it's dead.

I didn't see anything that looked "wrong" to my untrained eye, but it still sounds bad. So I guess the coil is done, regardless of whether the damage is visible.

Yes, that should fit.

In practice, it will be reasonably close. It will never be exactly the same. It will never be identical.

Okay cool. Hopefully this'll work out then. Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[agedhorse]

Be sure to follow the instructions and be careful.

 

[braud357]

The Scorpion (and Black Widow) replacement baskets are VERY expensive. You might consider replacing the entire speaker. Eminence and Dayton (Parts Express) have some awesome choices which can be purchased for less than the cost of a Scorpion basket. (I have a blown 15" Scorpion and 15" Black Widow hanging on the wall of my shop. After seeing the cost of replacement baskets they will continue to be decorations !)

 

[agedhorse]

The Scorpion (and Black Widow) replacement baskets are VERY expensive. You might consider replacing the entire speaker. Eminence and Dayton (Parts Express) have some awesome choices which can be purchased for less than the cost of a Scorpion basket. (I have a blown 15" Scorpion and 15" Black Widow hanging on the wall of my shop. After seeing the cost of replacement baskets they will continue to be decorations !)

The Scorpion has some desirable characteristics, and is a very good speaker. The OP's cabinet is already tuned for the Scorpion as well (presumably it's a Peavey cabinet).

 

[Aidenn7]

do this have fuse? attached to the speaker?

 

[trevcda]

Mu two cents: it's absolutely worth contacting Peavey for a replacement. I've found them to be generally very helpful in the past. And in my considerable experiencee, I've never heard any Peavey equipment improved by replacing the OEM driver.

 

[braud357]

The Scorpion has some desirable characteristics, and is a very good speaker. The OP's cabinet is already tuned for the Scorpion as well (presumably it's a Peavey cabinet).

Concerning Scorpions - I have found that they sound, as best I can describe - flabby. Very unfocused in sound. Again - this has been MY experience !

 

[agedhorse]

Concerning Scorpions - I have found that they sound, as best I can describe - flabby. Very unfocused in sound. Again - this has been MY experience !

Not my experience, sorry.