boosting a SUNN Beta Stage 115

[philvanv]

So I am wondering how to get a little bit more sound out of my Stage 115. It is solid state with a 15" speaker. The amp states 50 watts max power, 4 ohms. What do I need, or what can I do if anything. I got rid of the coliseum because it was too big to lug even as a kid..Just back into the scene after a long break. I do love the sound of this as is.
Thanks in advance...

[loudthud]

Your only practical option is to upgrade the speaker. This can be hit or miss because the cabinet tuning will not be optimal for the new speaker. You might try the Eminence Basslite C2515. Look for one at Partsexpress.com or on ebay.

[philvanv]

thanks, I have until October before we hit the road after 20 plus yrs. I excited like I'm 17 again...

[philvanv]

What about adding a preamp? I know nothing about this type of mod since I've always had the Coliseum. I was on another board reading about a similar question and they came up with adding a pre amp but didn't go into detail on what it would exactly do. I understand the pre amp will boost the levels but I thought they only boosted it to the maximum wattage of the combo head in my case? Do the built in power amps not put out the listed watts cleanly, but the pre-amp will help clean the sound up, allowing the speaker to put out the full 50 watts in my case?

[loudthud]

A preamp won't increase the power output, just make it more distorted. It will sound a little louder, but the tone will suffer. Probably not what you want. There are plenty of small lightweight options for bass players these days. Checkout Talkbass.com . Register there and post a question.

[philvanv]

thanks!

[philvanv]

Hey so I tried a speaker that wasn't recommended and it was a big mistake. So i followed your advice and was amazed at the sound  quality. When I got back  to wa I had a funny experience with a servicecenter. Ended up ripping  my entire head apart  cleaning it, was unable to find a problem. He later found out all his *******cords had been  recalled. So he later called and refunded my money.i have pretty much a rebuilt combo love honesty and he now has a life time customer.