Worthwhile difference adding second 2x10 using a 300 Watt amp?

[Feralhog]

I asked this question several days ago in another less frequented sub-forum and got no response.

I purchased an Acoustic B300H (300 watt) amp and a single Warwick WCA211 Pro (2x10) cabinet. Would a second identical 2x10 add significant volume?

Specs:

• Power rating 300W (max. 400W)
• 8 ohms
• 101dB
• 2 x 10" speakers (power rating 150W, max. 200W, 16 ohms, 94dB, resonant frequency: 50Hz, frequency range: 35Hz-3500Hz)
• HF horn with attenuator (power rating 30W, max. 40W, 8 ohms, 95dB, resonant frequency: 2,5kHz, frequency range: 1,2kHz-20kHz
• Bass reflex housing
• Dimensions (W/H/D): 0,62 x 0,67 x 0,49 m

Tone and headroom are another story. The jury is still out on this Acoustic B300H. If I return it and get a 500+/- watt solid state (Ampeg, Markbass, GK, etc) what impact would that have on two of these cabs?

The way I interpret the specs for the cab (which is no doubt an incorrect interpretation) it would appear that the 300 watt amplifier (which isn't delivering 300 watts at 8 ohms I know) is "close" to a match for the single cabinet and it might even be a little over driven. What would a second cab do with 300 watts split between the two cabs? Vast improvement, noticeable improvement, throw it all back in the pile and start over?

If none of this makes sense I would be happy to elaborate........

Thank you.

 

[Gee Phil]

Hey there Feralhog,

It will definitely make a difference in volume.
Basic rule of thumb: more speakers, more volume.

 

[ChefKen]

Not to mention more power from the head.....No comparison. The 4 10" will kill the 2x10"!!

 

[Feralhog]

Thank you. One of my concerns was the "150 watt" rating but I see now that that must be PER speaker in the cab since they are 16 ohm speakers.

 

[Gee Phil]

Yes the speakers are 16 ohm speakers wired in parallel resulting in 8 ohms being presented to the amp head. So you have an 8 ohm cabinet there. Two 8 ohm, 2x10 cabinets with the Acoustic B300 Head should give you plenty of volume.

 

[Feralhog]

Thank you. I may be proving it shortly!

 

[BassmanPaul]

Stack the boxes on their ends for a vertical 4x10. Brings the top cab up closer to your ears. You can see my pair under my left arm in my avatar.

 

[iualum]

Stack the boxes on their ends for a vertical 4x10. Brings the top cab up closer to your ears. You can see my pair under my left arm in my avatar.

Yes. All four 10s straight in a vertical line.

 

[Downunderwonder]

One 2x10 cab may ''handle'' 300w but two will chomp down on 300w and spit out the bones. Big difference.

 

[Makatak]

I run two WCA211`s and the difference between one and both is very noticeable. Go for it.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

1) Yes.
2) It would provide more surface area and thus more capacity to create pressure differentials in the air (sound).
3) Noticeable improvement.

Its a good idea. If you have the funds and the wherewithal to go through with it then go for it. If you like how your rig sounds now you'll like it even more with a second 210 in the mix.

 

[cfsporn]

Yes

 

[spaz21387]

it will make it way louder. Your amp will put out full power at 4 ohms.

 

[kenneffdupriest]

Stack the boxes on their ends for a vertical 4x10. Brings the top cab up closer to your ears. You can see my pair under my left arm in my avatar.

Vertical stacking is definitely the way to go.

 

[MegaSwing]

If you're willing to do the extra schlepping, the difference in volume will be there. Tone at lower volumes will improve as well.

 

[Feralhog]

Thanks. I am actually quite (i.e. MORE) interested in the tone at lower volumes. More so than knocking people down with two cabs....

 

[Gee Phil]

Definitely a better tone with the two cabs as well. The "Knocking People Down With Two Cabs" is optional if you need to use it sometime.

 

[JdoubleH]

Having double the speaker surface area (and more efficiency from the amp with the lower impedance) not only means your maximum volume will be louder, but it also means more headroom at lower volume, so yes, it'll sound better at lower volume. As suggested, stacking them vertically will give you a taller stack closer to your ears, but it'll also give you better dispersion everywhere you stand, so you won't need to crank it so hard to hear yourself in a band situation. Plus, you'll have a tidy modular solution! Win, win, win.

 

[monsterthompson]

Speakers > amp watts.

Going to a higher wattage amp may gain you 3db (300 going to 600). More speakers should get you more spl/volume. Additional speakers will should couple to beef up the tone.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Thanks. I am actually quite (i.e. MORE) interested in the tone at lower volumes. More so than knocking people down with two cabs....

Vertical stack better represents the tone to you on stage and it carries way better into the room.

You will enjoy the dynamic headroom. Speak softly but carry a big stick. When you lean on a note it comes out!