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SWR LA-8 Replacement Speaker?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by ojo, Jul 10, 2013.

  1. Jul 10, 2013 #1
    ojo

    ojo

    Jun 12, 2006
    Round Lake
    So, sounds like I need a new speaker for my LA-8, and I'm looking for suggestions on a replacement speaker.

    I've read a bunch of postings where people have mentioned that they have replaced the speaker, so I know it's possible.

    Here are my two questions:
    01. What's a good replacement for this box? I've seen Celestion (no models though) and LDS long throw mentioned, any others come to mind? Ideally, I'd like to be able to turn this sucker up to ten for practice, light rehearsals, and maybe on-stage monitoring.
    02. How do you actually get at the speaker? I haven't taken it apart yet, but I assume it's through the rear access panel (when you remove the amp).

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jul 10, 2013 #2
    tsunami1052

    tsunami1052 What the Funk?

    Sep 13, 2005
    Wyoming
    3 under $100

    1. Carvin NE8-8 Mid Driver.
    2. Eminence Delta Pro 8A.
    3. Faital Pro 8FE200.


    Sorry, those are 8ohm speakers. You most likely want a 4ohm to take avantage of all 30Watt.
     
  3. Jul 15, 2013 #3
    ojo

    ojo

    Jun 12, 2006
    Round Lake
    Thanks for the info, man!

    So, the amp provides 8ohms to the speaker. In this amp, am I taking a risk if I go with a 4ohm instead of an 8ohm speaker?
     
  4. Jul 15, 2013 #4
    Arjank

    Arjank

    Oct 9, 2007
    Above Amsterdam
    I wouldn't use the Emi Delta pro 8a, it's more of a mid speaker to me (high Fs low Qes).

    I have good experience with the Alpha 8a, not an xmax monster but nice sound up to the point where it starts to fart out.

    Is the LA-8 closed?
    If so then the Faital is a good option, or the Alpha 8A.

    The Beyma 8G40 can take some abuse for an 8" driver.

    But since the LA-8 just puts out 30watts I would go for the Alpha 8a, gives you most bang for the buck :)
    For 10 bucks more you have the Faital, but i think both will perform approx the same though the Faital may have a slightly larger mechanical xmax.
     
  5. Jul 16, 2013 #5
    chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    The wind that blows out of the 1/4" jacks is amazing!
    If you have an active bass and plug into the aux in bypassing the pre it's sounds sweet! (Though not as loud as it can get with pre)
     
  6. Jul 17, 2013 #6
    chadds

    chadds

    Mar 18, 2000
    I don't have to turn mine all the way up. I use it in practice or live with no PA with acoustic guitarist/singers. There is a limit to what it can do based on its cab size. You can turn it all the way up with a Fender style bass without causing much distortion. It's sweet spot is a little lower.

    I used it in a bar once with two acoustic guitarists, vocals, mandolin and blues harp. Easiest load in ever! Got drowned out by the size of the room and the ambient sound. You could tell I was playing in tune and rhythmically on but that was about it.
    Reminds me of playing two '60s Fender Bassman with two cabs against Twins & cranked Supers of the same vintage in high school. ;)

    Changing the speaker can make it more than twice as good as it is stock. It's just not going to rock hard. The Celestion I used came from an SWR BBII. Don't know the model. An LDS long throw 8" would be another level of crazy because the girth they bring to the BBII is astounding.
     
  7. Jul 17, 2013 #7
    ojo

    ojo

    Jun 12, 2006
    Round Lake
    This is why I love Talkbass. I ask a question about modding an old, out of production amp, and people jump in to offer advice and experience.

    Thanks again!

    It funny, I posted this question when I was just thinking of modding the amp. The next day I plugged it in to find that the speaker was starting to distort. So, this has gone from a dreaming project to a repair.

    I also read that someone managed to wire an additional output jack so he could use an extension cabinet with the LA-8. Talk about extending functionality.
     
  8. Jul 17, 2013 #8
    will33

    will33

    May 22, 2006
    austin,tx
    This Fane http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/55-2810 has pretty good specs for a bass guitar 8"....affordable too. Probably take what a 30 watt combo can dish out.

    EDIT: the data sheet specs vary from those on the ad page in the link, but still a pretty good 8". You'd have to spend a good deal more on the Faital to get better, but your 30 watts isn't enough to take advantage of the higher excursion.