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Speaker Question...

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Daywalker, Nov 22, 2005.

  1. Nov 22, 2005 #1
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    My BA-210SP isn't sounding as good as it used to for some reason. I've got a tech looking at it, and he told me that each speaker would cost about $100 if they are blown. My question is, could I just buy ANY aftermarket speakers as long as they're 8OHMs like the ones in there now? :confused: I could get two new 10" speakers(JL Audio/Alpine/Rockford Fosgate etc.), probably nicer than the ones in the amp now for about $100. I don't see why not, but I figured I'd ask first. Thanks...
     
  2. Nov 22, 2005 #2
    getz76

    getz76

    Apr 3, 2005
    Hoboken, NJ
    Short answer: No.

    Long answer: No. There are many variables regarding speaker response in a system. You are only considering two; speaker diameter and nominal impedance. There is a slim chance you will get lucky and end up with a good sound, but it is more likely you will just screw up the response of the system.
     
  3. Nov 22, 2005 #3
    Dan1099

    Dan1099 Dumbing My Process Down

    Aug 7, 2004
    Michigan
    The speakers you are listing are Subwoofers. They are NOT to be confused with full range speakers. Trust me, not a good idea. Also, as mentioned above, there are MANY parameters you have to take in consideration for a proper driver/cabinet match. Basically, go with the OEM speakers.

    What makes you think the speakers are blown? Do they still work? No torn cones, etc? Unless the one or both of the speakers have stopped working entirely, nothing is blown.
     
  4. Nov 22, 2005 #4
    billfitzmaurice

    billfitzmaurice Commercial User

    Sep 15, 2004
    New Hampshire
    Owner, Bill Fitzmaurice Loudspeaker Design
    You never want to use autosound driver in anything other than a car. They look pretty and have impressive wattage ratings but are totally unsuited to professional use. As already noted be sure to get either OEM replacements or drivers with compatable T/S parameter specs or your new speakers will likely not sound even as good as the old ones.
     
  5. Nov 22, 2005 #5
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    I realize that I would need subwoofers, and not full range speakers. I was just wondering why they couldn't be used. $100 for one speaker is completely nutz. And no, both of the speaker do produce sound, and there are no tears in either of them. The thing just sounds crappy now, I don't know what the heck is going on with it. I may just chuck it and upgrade to a different/nicer combo for smaller gigs. Or maybe like a B2R with a 2x10 cab? I dunno, I'll figure something out I guess...
     
  6. Nov 22, 2005 #6
    Dan1099

    Dan1099 Dumbing My Process Down

    Aug 7, 2004
    Michigan
    No, you DO need full range speakers, not subwoofers.

    Finding used speakers with the correct T/S parameters is most likely going to be impossible.

    I doubt there is anything wrong with the speakers. Perhaps there is something wrong with the amplifier?
     
  7. Nov 22, 2005 #7
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    If that's the case, then I'm looking at spending some serious BUCKS to get it fixed. I really hope it isn't the amp, that would be the most expensive repair I'm guessing.........
     
  8. Nov 22, 2005 #8
    Doug Parent

    Doug Parent Supporting Member

    May 31, 2004
    San Diego, Ca.
    Dealer Nordstrand Pickups.
    Not to sound catty or anything but, have you considered other reasons why it sounds bad? For instance, did something CHANGE? When? How so?

    How about your bass strings, are they old, does it have a pre-amp? maybe it needs a replacment battery?

    Pre-amp tubes? Check for the most obvious causes first.
     
  9. Nov 22, 2005 #9
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    I don't know for sure if it has a pre-amp or not. I heard the difference with new strings, old strings, the whole nine. I know there aren't any pre-amp tubes, that much I do know. Hopefully the tech guy calls with good news.....
     
  10. Nov 22, 2005 #10
    Petebass

    Petebass

    Dec 22, 2002
    QLD Australia
    Speakers don't usually detiorate as you're suggesting, especially blown ones - they either make no sound at all, or sound normal except for the additional crackling, rattling and distorting.

    My guess is the problem lies elsewhere in yout signal chain, but without actually hearing it, it's hard to diagnose. Can you be more specific about the "badness" in the speakers sound?
     
  11. Nov 23, 2005 #11
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    It's just the quality of sound that has gone downhill. At lower volumes, I hear a strange kinda mild distortion that wasn't there before. Think of it like, an overdriven sound, but at a low volume. When I slap, or play really high notes, there's a strange sound that comes out along with the note that's hard to put into words. It just sounds crappy now, and I wouldn't have bought it if it sounded like this at first. It's that noticeable. My girlfriend even asked, "what's wrong with your amp?" And she doesn't pay attention to anything really......lol
     
  12. Nov 23, 2005 #12
    getz76

    getz76

    Apr 3, 2005
    Hoboken, NJ
    Sounds like a dead battery in your bass.
     
  13. Nov 23, 2005 #13
    herndonbassist

    herndonbassist Low Down Thumper Supporting Member

    Apr 7, 2005
    Herndon, VA - NoVa
    I have to agree with that comment! I also wanted to chime in on the speaker front. I have a very old practice amp that I put a subwoofer speaker in and was amazed at how crappy it sounded. It fit, and the impedance was correct, but it was a VERY bad idea. I did it b/c I had it lying around, but it STILL was a bad idea.

    just my $.02
     
  14. Nov 23, 2005 #14
    Daywalker

    Daywalker

    Apr 13, 2005
    SOCAL
    I ALWAYS keep good batteries in my basses. And the "bad" sound I'm hearing, is with all of my basses...