Author Topic: First post- Coliseum 300 question  (Read 8361 times)

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Offline hayseed

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First post- Coliseum 300 question
« on: January 29, 2011, 12:26:03 pm »
Hello everyone. I used to visit this site a few years ago. Good to see it is still up and running.

I am getting a Sunn coliseum 300 this weekend and a 2x15 cab in 2 weeks. I found a manual and schematics for the Coliseum but i was wondering on the production date. The Serial Number is:K62721. Is it pre buy out(Fender)? i will include a pic to help. Also anything else i should know about it?

As for the cab, I was told it was a 68. Right now it is loaded with a Sunn speaker and a Jenson. Any recommendations on speakers if i were to change them out? Also the grill cloth is a bit chewed up, is there a way to change it as well?

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/tenpoundsledge/Gear%20head/Sunn2151968.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/tenpoundsledge/Gear%20head/Sunnbasshead002.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/tenpoundsledge/Gear%20head/Sunnbasshead003.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/tenpoundsledge/Gear%20head/JensenSpecialDesign15speaker.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh210/tenpoundsledge/Gear%20head/Sunn15transducer67-692.jpg

Offline EdBass

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2011, 01:07:02 pm »
Welcome back!
The serial number is no help, your best bet is to find a production date or inspection sticker somewhere on the amp chassis. I don't think Fender ever offered the Coliseum, but I'm not the most up to date on the Fender era stuff.
Sunn 2 X 15 cabs seem to love JBL's particularly the AlNiCo D and K series. I can't tell for sure from the pics if it's a center ported 200S cab, but if so they really shine with a set of old JBL's in them.

AFAIK that old sparkly cloth is long gone. You can get the later Sunn style rectangular pattern cloth, both "brand new" looking as well as aged looking types.
Do a grill cloth search and you'll get a wealth of info about where and how to get it.

Offline Isaac

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2011, 05:50:32 pm »
I'm pretty sure that it's not the 200S cabinet. The internal baffles for the port would have shown up in the driver photos. Also, the drivers look to be too close together on the front view.

Either way, a low Q driver like the old JBLs will be preferable over higher Q drivers, as the Sunn Transducer and the Jensen probably are. My opinion, of course.
Isaac

Offline hayseed

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2011, 07:25:49 pm »
The guy who has it says it is a regular 215 cab with ports on both sides of the middle of the cab face. Also has insulation on the inside walls.


...if that helps. I will have more pics soon.

Offline hayseed

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2011, 11:26:19 pm »
Also he has 2 JBL 2205's to load it. Worth replacing whats in there? How much should one pay for them(used btw)?

Offline Isaac

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2011, 11:57:27 am »
Wish I could remember which amp had the 2x15" reflex configuration. The Spectrum II and Sentura II had 2x15" cabinets, but the drivers were offset, "catty-corner" on the baffle.

Looks as though the JBL 2205 drivers are going for about $100 each on ebay.
Isaac

Offline EdBass

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2011, 10:14:38 am »
The Sorado had a pair of circular ports between the drivers near the edge of the baffle. It was loaded with Sunn Transducers.

Offline Rex B

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2011, 06:21:07 pm »
Hey Everybody !

Just found this site...very cool.

My name is Rex Baker, I was an R&D design engineer at Sunn from 1978 to 1984. I was the lead designer on the Sunn Coliseum 300 (I think that was about 1980).  Howard Goetz was the main circuit guy on this one. I'm happy to answer questions I can about this amp, and other products we did during that time frame. My primary job was as electro-acoustic engineer, doing all speaker products, but I was involved in many of the electronics products also.
Engineer Sunn 1977-1983, Fender 1984-1990
Model T Red Knob
200S Cabinet JBL D140Fs
Sunn SB 300 (Proto Coliseum 300)

Offline hayseed

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #8 on: January 31, 2011, 08:11:54 pm »
Rex -
Pleasure to make your acquaintance! I will be picking up my Sunn Coli 300 this Saturday and i am very stoked about it. I am sure i will have tons of questions once i get it! Be prepared! HAha!

Offline bigobassman

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #9 on: January 31, 2011, 08:44:28 pm »
Rex - a welcome from North Carolina and also a Coliseum 300 owner and user.  Nice to have someone to help with our great Sunn gear.   8-)
"You can't have too much bass."

Offline Isaac

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2011, 10:09:01 am »
The Sorado had a pair of circular ports between the drivers near the edge of the baffle. It was loaded with Sunn Transducers.
That's the one!
Isaac

Offline Isaac

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2011, 10:10:08 am »
Welcome aboard, Rex!
Isaac

Offline hayseed

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #12 on: February 03, 2011, 02:47:13 pm »
Rex-
You wouldn't happen to have a manual for the Coli 300 laying around would you?

Offline bigobassman

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Re: First post- Coliseum 300 question
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2011, 08:13:13 pm »
I have one hayseed.  I can fax you a copy if you'd like.  PM me your fax number and I'll send it to you.   8-)
"You can't have too much bass."