Sunn Model T vs. Coliseum Bass

[sunnOshine]

I have an original Sunn Model T and an original Sunn Coliseum Bass. Now, aside from the obvious fact that the Coliseum says its 500w (solid state), and that its called a "Coliseum" probably for a reason, I was very disappointed to find that my 140w+ Model T, which is (obviously) tube, is not even near as loud as my Coliseum. This must be for obvious reasons, but, I still can't but help feel disappointed. I actually like the tone of my coliseum a little bit more, which makes me feel even worse, considering that I spent a fraction of the cost of the T on the Coliseum.

Does any one have any thoughts here? I once heard that tube amps are supposedly louder than solid state amps? I also heard that decibel levels were only minutely affected by wattage ratings. I know i am a n00b, but I am just trying to figure this out.

[CLD]

Are you playing guitar or bass?

I didn't keep my Model T long enough to be an expert, but I let it go because I couldn't maintain a clean bass sound and get much volume.  (The sound would start to distort with gain beyond 3.)

The Coliseum Bass, which I still have, doesn't sound as good but it has more power than the local utility's nuclear plant. One day I'd like to rent the local baseball stadium to crank it up safely.

[sunnOshine]

I'm playing both, so much so that I can't really discriminate between the two. I run a Rickenbacker 4003/ Fender Jaguar into my pedals and then I am using a Roland RE-20 "space echo" stereo into both the T and the Coliseum. The Coliseum is going into a Sunn 1x15, and the T goes into an Acoustic 8x10

i don't mind the gain so much, but the lack of volume is irritating to me. I've been considering replacing the Coliseum (not selling, just setting aside) with an Orange Thunderverb 200, in hopes of giving the T a chance. 

[biltmore]

The Model T is 120w, I believe. I know that the later versions of the red knob Coliseum amps put out 320w @ 2 ohms, 200w @ 4 ohms, and 110w @ 8 ohms.

[loudthud]

First of all, on the back of a Coliseum is says Power Requirement 500W. That's not the power output, it's the maximum power required from the power company.

Do you have any idea of the concept of impedance matching? You can't just plug amps and speakers together like the salesman at Guitar Center.

What impedance is the 1x15? The 8x10? What impedance is the Model T set to?

It's not a fair to compare two different amps with different speaker cabinets. How does the volume compare with the Coliseum pluged into the 8x10 and the Model T into the 1x15? What kind of shape is the 8x10 in. Are all the speakers good or has the cabinet been abused possibly blowing some of the speakers? It's hard to tell because they will all appear to move when you play through them.

[sunnOshine]

 I do know a thing or two about impedance matching. I have tried them in both settings. Both cabinets are rated at 4 ohms, and I have set the T to 4 ohms as well. The speakers, as far as I know are in great condition, but I'm no speaker surgeon. I've tried the heads and cabinets in all sorts of combinations, but with similar results. I had no idea that the 500w on the back of my silver faced original Coliseum meant that it was a power requirement, so in that aspect i was naive. Thank you for clearing it up for me. I am still pretty new to all of this, which is why I come here for help. Thank you all for your insight into this issue.

[loudthud]

Under the conditions you describe there must be a problem with the Model T. They should be very close to the same volume at 4 ohms when everything is working properly. Have the Model T checked for power output. It is rated at 150W.

[Ryanx]

get it checked out to be safe, but don't put too much thought into the volume difference.  while loud, i noticed my T (which was running fine) at times was hard to keep up with a beta bass combo and a 4x10.  i always thought it should blow out the beta, but the beta typically kept up well.  my 1200s gets drowned out by the beta.

[sunnOshine]

A friend of mine put it to me in a way that, with a little help from our green friends, made perfect sense


Think of the word Coliseum, think about what that means. People fighting to the death for the amusement of the people. Blood, chaos, carnage. That is the Coliseum. It is made to be brutal.

A model T is the sunday car you take your girlfriend out in on a nice drive.

yes.