People always say that wattage doesn't blow speakers--Then why...

[cgworkman]

...have I blown 2 drivers in two different SWR Goliath IIIs?? The the speaker has torn around the dustcap in the center of the speaker.

I run my EQ on both my preamp and my bass mostly flat. I might boost some highs and little bass--but mostly I run it flat.

As far as my setup--I've been using the same preamp/amp on several different cabs--GK, Trace Elliot, and Avatar--and have never had any problems/blown drivers. I never had any problems until I 'upgraded.'

So what gives?

For a cab rated at 700 watts RMS and peak probably being twice that it really doesn't make any sense to me.

I'm using a BBE Bmax (SS) preamp into a QSC RMX 2450 (bridged into 4 ohms--going into two GIII 8 ohm cabs). That's approx. 1400 watts peak per cab. As I've always done in the past since usually a cab's peak power is twice it's RMS rating. I've got my gain set to accomodate the decent output from my bass. I have the master level of the pre set to where I get no clip light from my amp. Rarely do I need to turn the volume control on the amp up past 3 or 4. Never do I see any clip lights flashing.

So why have I blown two drivers--one in each cab? I'm not 'turned up' any louder.

 

[maddog]

Has the cone torn or just the dustcap come loose?

Also, is it dead as a doornail or does a bit of sound still come from it?

Right now, I'm guessing you've got a mechanical problem if you've ripped the cone and not an electrical problem.

 

[Randracula]

A local speaker repair shop can replace the dust cover.It's pretty inexpensive if you take out the speaker yourself.It sounds to me like your experiencing over excursion of the speaker cone resulting in the dust cover tearing/popping off.I had the same thing happen with a SWR Henry 8x8.The SWR cabs can be a little delicate.I think that mabye the QSC RMX 2450 is a little more than the Goliath can handle, especially when you really dig in....

 

[Oldtoe]

I got rid of my Goliath III for two reasons:

1. Sound

2. Blew speakers for apparently no reason.


Get a Bergantino and be set free.

 

[Aragorn35016]

My super redread blew both 10's and it was played mainly at home at normal volumes. Sold it and never looked back.

 

[cgworkman]

Has the cone torn or just the dustcap come loose?

Also, is it dead as a doornail or does a bit of sound still come from it?

Right now, I'm guessing you've got a mechanical problem if you've ripped the cone and not an electrical problem.

The cone is torn about 1/4 inch away from the cap. The cap itself appears undamaged.

It still puts out sound. But if you turn the volume up a bit you can hear it buzz.

 

[maddog]

looks to be a mechanical problem then. Most specs I've seen simply rate to VC failure. Would point to the cabinet being mistuned for the drivers. A simple fix is to try closing up the tear with some silicone glue or caulk. Otherwise, it should just be a recone. Hopefully your fav LMS can handle a recone. Regardless, once it is fixed it may be time to look for a new cabinet brand. Not that I am negatively biased against SWR.

 

[cgworkman]

I have two $850 GIII cabs. If they're going to blow speakers when nothing else I've used has--WTF? Should I just fix them and then unload them for something more reliable? Or is this a one time thing? (Not that I really expect anyone to know for sure. Basically asking for opinions.)

 

[Bassplyr]

I understand that with Fender owning them now, parts are a pain in the a$$ to get.

 

[TSanders]

Get a Bergantino and be set free.

+192,309,408,104,633

 

[Dr Stankface]

Or give the GK Neo series cabs a shot.

 

[bovinehost]

I have two $850 GIII cabs. If they're going to blow speakers when nothing else I've used has--WTF? Should I just fix them and then unload them for something more reliable?

After reading a few of these comments from people I trust (scary thought, that), I know what I personally would do.

 

[TSanders]

Or give the GK Neo series cabs a shot.

Yeah, they do run a close second to the Bergs.

 

[maddog]

Should I just fix them and then unload them for something more reliable?

Find out what it would take to fix them before you make a decision. If it is cheap, fix it and see if it happens again. If it is expensive, fix it and sell it.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Are the Goliath III's you purchased new ones from the past couple of years? (ie. post Fender takeover). If so, there's your answer. If anybody is considering buying SWR cabs, find old pre-2003(?) stock or buy used.

 

[Oldtoe]

It took three months to get a replacement driver for my Goliath III. Mine was a pre-Fender, btw; but it blew post-Fender, which just blew.

 

[cgworkman]

After reading a few of these comments from people I trust (scary thought, that), I know what I personally would do.

I hear ya.

And to answer what many of you have asked--Yes, they're post Fender cabs.

But the speakers aren't made by Fender. They're made by PAS.

 

[maddog]

Is there a part number on the driver?

 

[Oldtoe]

I'm serious about it taking three months to get a new PAS driver. Ridiculous.

 

[Randracula]

Just take it to a speaker repair shop and have them order a recone kit from PAS. Shouldn't take too long.