Author Topic: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T  (Read 4589 times)

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Offline Volta

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Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« on: January 22, 2010, 10:23:44 am »
I am thinking about buying a '76 marshall 4x12 that is loaded with celestion G12M "black backs"  that are rated at 30watts.  Will this be a problem running my head that is supposedly putting out 150 watts into a 120 cab?

Offline grimniggzy

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2010, 12:13:34 pm »
i'd say that depends on the ohmage
Sunn Coliseum Bass--->Sunn 215B
Sunn Beta Bass--->Ampeg 410HLF
Sunn Beta Lead--->Marshall 4X12
2 Sunn Concert Basses
3 Fender P's, 1 Fretless J, 2 Statss, AmpegPlexiBass
OC-2 + QTrons + RATs + VTBass

Offline Volta

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2010, 01:53:35 pm »
Do I understand it correctly that the impedence (ohm) selector lowers the power?  So the amp is putting less of a load into the speakers the higher the impedence?

Offline xsolarusx

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2010, 03:11:40 pm »
nah, you might be driving the cab a bit, but some people like that.  A friend of mine plays a Traynor Custom Special(300 or so watts) through a Traynor 9x8 cabinet rated at 100watts.

You should be alright, but I guess it depends on if you want to preserve the drivers, or get a killer sound.
(2) 73 1st Gen Model T
Late 70's Marshall JCM 800 1960B cab

Offline djc

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2010, 03:47:18 pm »
the resistance matters more to the transformer of a tube amp than anything else.  SS are usually stable down to 2ohms (although my concert lead I would only take to 4 ohms).  tube driven amps have taps off the transformer designed for a specific load.  some have a selector switch others multiple jacks.  match the resistance.  as far as the wattage difference, it's minor and watts are exponential.  500 watts is only twice as loud as 15watts.  -ish.  that's why an AC30 (30 watts) can tear your face off and peel paint.  500 watts will just double the dB.

Offline Volta

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2010, 03:50:42 pm »
So you don't think I will potenitially damage either the speaker cab or the amp itself by having a lower speaker load than the R.M.S. rating of 150watts?

Offline EdBass

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2010, 12:45:52 am »
So you don't think I will potenitially damage either the speaker cab or the amp itself by having a lower speaker load than the R.M.S. rating of 150watts?

Your amp is rated at the same RMS output regardless of which output impedance you select.

In a tube amp the output transformer functions to match the impedance of the speaker load to the impedance of the output tubes.
It's not an exact science, a speaker's actual impedance varies according to frequency, power, etc., but the impedance selector doesn't really have any effect on the amps output power; as in "selecting a lower impedance makes more power". There is a variance in output power with mismatched impedance (like a 4 ohm load on the 8 ohm OT tap), but it doesn't necessarily cause an increase in power.
Generally a tube amp will make maximum power with a matched load, that's the only reason for multiple choices on most tube amps.
I wouldn't worry too much about running a 150 watt amp into a quad of 30 watt speakers, even wide open the amp will only put out 150 watts in short bursts, you should be able to hear the cabinet "begging for mercy"  before the drivers give up.

Offline Isaac

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2010, 09:03:29 am »
the resistance matters more to the transformer of a tube amp than anything else.  SS are usually stable down to 2ohms (although my concert lead I would only take to 4 ohms).  tube driven amps have taps off the transformer designed for a specific load.  some have a selector switch others multiple jacks.  match the resistance.  as far as the wattage difference, it's minor and watts are exponential.  500 watts is only twice as loud as 15watts.  -ish.  that's why an AC30 (30 watts) can tear your face off and peel paint.  500 watts will just double the dB.

I think you're mistaken, djc. While some amps can run into a 2 ohm load, most need a load of 4 ohms or higher. Unless an amp specifically states that it is stable into 2 ohms, I wouldn't go below 4.
Isaac

Offline djc

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Re: Marshall Cab w/ a gen 2 Model T
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2010, 06:47:19 pm »
sorry I should have said some SS.  that is why i run my Concert only to 4ohms.  I don't think there is anything on the back stating 4ohms though.  really not important in this thread.  match the load or you may have an unhappy amp.  as for wattages I kinda like an overdriven cabinet.  driven to the brink but not beyond.