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SpeakOn Cable Options

Janforth

Janforth

Supporting Member
Oct 23, 2009
1,336
2,942
#1
Hi,

I have a couple different amps, and I am using SpeakOn cables, but I'm not sure if I have the correct SpeakOn cables, I am using NL4FX labelled with 2- and 2+.

I have a Crown XTi 2002 which says I can use 4-pole and accepts 2 and 4-pole, and a Carvin BX1200, which doesn't specify what type of SpeakOn connector to use. I was looking into possibly getting a Mesa Subway D800+, which is what prompted this inquiry.

Can anyone tell me if I am using the wrong SpeakOns for my current 2 amps, if so, which one's should I get?

Thanks,
Jan
 
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#3
If you're using SS amp, it won't really matter if it's wired incorrectly (+2 & -2), it just won't work.
Plug it in & if it works, you're golden.
or you could pop the end off one of the connectors & make sure it's wired to +1 & -1

Tube amps don't like open circuits (no load) & SS amps don't like a short circuit.
Any SpeakON cable that's wired correctly will not provide a short to your amp.
 
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#4
+1/-1 is most commonly used. The 4 pin should be fine. Be sure and use a proper type and size of screw driver.

IIRC #1 posix.

A philipps will work in a pinch, but will strip the screw head before you get it tight enough for long term. Not recommended. Posix tips are common in security sets and larger 1/4" hex screwdriver sets.

You part number indicates you bought genuine Neutrik. Good call. Knock offs have been trouble to some here.

All sorts of details and info on the neutrik website, if interested. Buttloads of options and gadgets availsble.
 
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#6
If the SpeakOn is only wired 2+/2- the cable will not work. There must be a 1+/1- pair connected that way at both ends to work. The 2+/2- terminals are not used on the Subway and just about all speakers.
 
#7
agedhorse said:
If the SpeakOn is only wired 2+/2- the cable will not work. There must be a 1+/1- pair connected that way at both ends to work. The 2+/2- terminals are not used on the Subway and just about all speakers.
Click to expand...
Okay, but my 2 current amps with the 2-/2+ speakons I have are working, so I'm okay there, right? If I ever get Subway, then I'll need the 1+/1-
 
#8
Are your current cables 2 pair or 1 pair? (2 or 4 wire)

My guess is they are 2 pair, which has all 4 connections made straight through
 
#9
agedhorse said:
Are your current cables 2 pair or 1 pair? (2 or 4 wire)

My guess is they are 2 pair, which has all 4 connections made straight through
Click to expand...
I am not sure - below is a description from where I bought it.

GLS Audio 6 feet Speaker Cable 12AWG 4 Conductor Patch Cords for Bi-Amp - 6 ft Speakon to Speakon Professional Cables 4C Black Neutrik NL4FX (NL4FC) 12 Gauge Wire - Pro 6' Speak-on Cord 12G 4 Cond - Single
 
#10
From the description, it's a 2 pair (4 conductor) cable which should work just fine. The second pair is not used in these applications.
 
#14
Yea they will. When the 2-/2+ are in use it's usually for amps with a section that has a low/high frequencies and sends a higher signal to a horn/tweeted and lower signal (1-/1+) to speakers generally.. I don't know of many but some GK heads do this. The 1-/1+ is usually always for low frequencies and the main one used.
 
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#16
Janforth said:
Will they also work on the Mesa Subway amp?
Click to expand...

This makes it clear to me that you don't understand what you've been told here...

the 1s (+1 / -1) are for your everyday connector & they work on just about everything

in your cable , the 2s (+2 / -2) are also connected, but this doesn't cause any problems
it's actually more than you need

the next time you need a speaker cable, buy some 14 awg power wire (2 conductors) from Home Depot. They sell it by the foot
then put on your own Neutrik SpeakON connectors, connecting them to the +1 & -1 terminals, then you will understand what we were trying to explain here, and you'll have saved some money & have a better quality speaker cable
 
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#19
I get the wire with the thick jacket.

SJOOW
Oil & Water resistant

51c58b4d-056b-4506-bfa8-99c3de80c2fa_1000.jpg
 
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#20
Janforth said:
Hi,

I have a couple different amps, and I am using SpeakOn cables, but I'm not sure if I have the correct SpeakOn cables,... <snip>

Can anyone tell me if I am using the wrong SpeakOns for my current 2 amps, if so, which one's should I get?

Thanks,
Jan
Click to expand...

I can't believe you graduated from Starfleet Academy without that information. How in the name of Mog do you ever expect to repair a warp core, or navigate the Neutral Zone?! Pfft. :facepalm:

:roflmao: Just messing with you... I have always wanted to know the skinny on SpeakON's too.
 
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