Running one 4 ohm 12" cab

[Ed Schaefer]

Hey TalkBass,
I'm in process of getting out of the combo game on a budget. Currently I have an old GK BL head and a 410 (8 ohm)cab I found used for fairly cheap. The amp is rated at ~180watts at 8ohms and ~300watts at 4ohm. Here's my question:
Is it reasonable to run the amp at 4 ohms through a 112 cab? Through my understanding of impedence and power ratings, I should get more output from the amp going from 8 to 4 ohm, but I don't know if it would work quite like that going from a 410 to a 112. If I went to a 4 ohm 112, would I actually get more power and sound? If so that would be a sweet back saver. If not, my plan is to eventually go for two 8 ohm 112's because I like the tone they give. What are your thoughts on a 4 ohm 112? Could it handle the power? Would it actually give me the full power of the amp, or am I just dreaming?

 

[RoadRanger]

8 ohm 4x10 probably louder than a 4 ohm 1x12 - plus 300w is a bit much for a single 12 . Yes, two 8 ohm 12's would be good. OTOH I have a 4 ohm 34 lb 2x12 that's great (GK 212MBE)

 

[sharkbait130]

Stick with the 4 10 cab. It will move a lot more air than the 1 12 and will be louder even though the power will be reduced a bit.

 

[joebar]

8 ohm 4x10 probably louder than a 4 ohm 1x12 - plus 300w is a bit much for a single 12 . Yes, two 8 ohm 12's would be good. OTOH I have a 4 ohm 34 lb 2x12 that's great (GK 212MBE)

this-

 

[B-string]

Speakers make sound, watts don't. You need cone area and movement (excursion) to make sound. One good 12" might sound better but won't be nearly as loud.

 

[klokker]

I agree with everyone else. If it's volume you're interested in, then the 4x10 will give you more volume, even with reduced wattage. But it depends on what you're using it for. For the vast majority of the gigs I play, a 1/12 would be just fine. You get full power out of your amp and you won't have to lug a bigger cab around.