Speaker Config for SWR. Calling Aussie Mark

[Aragorn35016]

Hi I just read the thread posted by mantaray that had a link from Aussie Mark on it talking about gain and the effects in has on speakers. I also noticed that like me that your a big SWR fan. Right now Im using My Super Red head with a 4 ohm goliath III cab. I know this is not the best combination in the world but im having to build a rig a piece at a time. When I play at practice I turn the external speakers off on the redhead and use it just to power the Goliath III because the 10's in the redhead seem to work harder. ( I bought the goliath III originally because for some reason I kept blowing 10's in the redhead.) I was wondering if you could give me advice on what kind of head I should get for this cab and possibly the next cab to buy.

Thanks

John

 

[Aussie Mark]

John,

I suspect the reason you were blowing speakers in the Redhead combo is that you may have been running the amp flat out to be heard in a band situation, and you were sending a clipped signal to the speakers. That's why having more headroom than you ever need is a good thing.

Now, the Goliath III can handle a lot of power (700 watts RMS = 1400 watts Peak) and is a great cabinet. To get the best our of the Goliath you should be attacking it with plenty of power. I like SWR gear, but I think their amps are not good value for money, unless you buy used. To get into high power on a budget, your best best would be to go the separate preamp/power amp route, which would mean buying a rack mounted preamp (many options) and a rack mounted power amp (again, many options). Preamps are a matter of personal choice, in terms of features and tone, so shopping around and trying as many as possible is the best option there. On the power amp side of things, you'll want to look at an amp that will produce at least 600-700 watts per side into 4 ohms in stereo mode, because then you can eventually expand your rig by adding another 4 ohm cabinet - either another Goliath, or a 18" Big Ben. In the meantime, you can run the power amp in bridged mono mode to power your Goliath with say 1000 watts (IMPORTANT: Check that the power amp will run at 4 ohms in bridged mode). Good power amp brands are QSC, Crown, Yamaha, Mackie etc

Of course, for most situations, a single Goliath III will be more than adequate, but buying a separate power amp gives you the flexibility to add another cab later.

 

[Aragorn35016]

Thanks for your reply Mark, you probably have just saved me a coupla hundred dollars in blown speakers .

 

[Aragorn35016]

Anyone know if the Sansamp RBI a pretty good preamp?

 

[bovinehost]

I do know and yes it is, especially considering the price. I have had one, and compared it to a lot of higher-priced preamps.

It sounded GREAT.

 

[Aragorn35016]

Ok sorry to keep bothering you guys but what about this for a power amp?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23787&item=3737097529&rd=1

Thanks
John

 

[spectorbassguy]

Ok sorry to keep bothering you guys but what about this for a power amp?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23787&item=3737097529&rd=1

Thanks
John

I've heard good things about QSC - It certainly should be enough power. Personally I would spend and extra $100 and get a brand new one with warranty instead of buying it on ebay.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7...2548925/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/481565/

 

[Aragorn35016]

Thanks for all the help guys. I hope to get these 2 items as soon as i get rid of a jazz bass I got . I'll let you know what I think about this stuff when I get it.