Does anyone use a powerblock through one side (stereo) only?

Steve G · April 18th, 2008, 02:23 PM

Reason im asking is ive got hold of a dirt cheap 100w 15" speaker but its a 4ohm one so wont be any good in 8ohm mono mode (also theres obviously a power handling issue as the crates output is 150w mono).

Im currently using the crate as a bass amp with an 8ohm 250w 12" eminence. That works fine, but I figure the thump of a 15" will make up for the lack of volume. (75w per stereo channel as opposed to 150w mono)

As another idea, could I use both speakers? Will it matter if one is 4ohm and one 8ohm? (each stereo channel says 4ohm min.)

Deaf Eddie · April 18th, 2008, 02:55 PM

My advice is to NOT "exceed" the impedance limitations of that amp, not never! That means, do NOT run that 4 ohm speaker on the amp in MONO.

I THINK you'd be OK with the mix of impedances playing it stereo (4 ohm on one side, 8 ohm the other). I doubt that you'll hear that much difference in output POWER (yes, it will be lower), but there certainly SHOULD be an audible difference in fidelity/frequency response with the 15" playing. The type of cabinet for the speaker will make a big difference as well...

JohnnyCrash · April 18th, 2008, 03:20 PM

I use one side. As a backup amp for both for Bass and for Guitar.

Matching impedance is better for sound and power.

Solid state amps are different than tube amps when it comes to impedance matching and all of that.

Steve G · April 19th, 2008, 03:30 AM

Thanks guys
so it looks like Im safe to use it through one or both of the stereo outs at any one time.
Ill try it with the 15" and see if the 75w is enough for my little rock n roll bass gigs.

April 18th, 2008, 02:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Steve G Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: LeeK (England) Posts: 1,409 54 Photos	Does anyone use a powerblock through one side (stereo) only? Reason im asking is ive got hold of a dirt cheap 100w 15" speaker but its a 4ohm one so wont be any good in 8ohm mono mode (also theres obviously a power handling issue as the crates output is 150w mono). Im currently using the crate as a bass amp with an 8ohm 250w 12" eminence. That works fine, but I figure the thump of a 15" will make up for the lack of volume. (75w per stereo channel as opposed to 150w mono) As another idea, could I use both speakers? Will it matter if one is 4ohm and one 8ohm? (each stereo channel says 4ohm min.) __________________ "He was a drinkin' man with a guitar problem..." http://www.myspace.com/stevegiddings http://www.myspace.com/hiandlonesome

April 18th, 2008, 02:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Deaf Eddie Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,140 14 Photos	My advice is to NOT "exceed" the impedance limitations of that amp, not never! That means, do NOT run that 4 ohm speaker on the amp in MONO. I THINK you'd be OK with the mix of impedances playing it stereo (4 ohm on one side, 8 ohm the other). I doubt that you'll hear that much difference in output POWER (yes, it will be lower), but there certainly SHOULD be an audible difference in fidelity/frequency response with the 15" playing. The type of cabinet for the speaker will make a big difference as well... __________________ YMMV - I been wrong before...

April 19th, 2008, 03:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
Steve G Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: LeeK (England) Posts: 1,409 54 Photos	Thanks guys so it looks like Im safe to use it through one or both of the stereo outs at any one time. Ill try it with the 15" and see if the 75w is enough for my little rock n roll bass gigs. __________________ "He was a drinkin' man with a guitar problem..." http://www.myspace.com/stevegiddings http://www.myspace.com/hiandlonesome

April 18th, 2008, 03:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
JohnnyCrash Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Lost Angeles and Orange County Posts: 7,134 39 Photos	I use one side. As a backup amp for both for Bass and for Guitar. Matching impedance is better for sound and power. Solid state amps are different than tube amps when it comes to impedance matching and all of that.