Author Topic: Extension speaker on crate gx65 - ok for 2 x 12 cab? (Read 3914 times)

richb · « **on:** May 16, 2007, 06:15:54 PM »

I currently use a Crate GX65 amp, I'm looking at upgrading to a Krank Krankenstein or possibly an ENGL Powerball head in the next 6 months. However for now I would like to buy a 2 x 12 cab to give me a bit more volume until I buy a new head. I'm interested in the framus fr212 from thomann.de for £200. However, does anyone know if this will work with a Crate GX65? It has an 'extension speaker' port but I've no idea if it will support a 100w 2 x 12 cab and I've had no luck finding out so far. Any advice is appreciated...

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 16, 2007, 06:45:05 PM »

Adding a 2x12 cab won't make your current amp louder, it'll just spread the sound a bit more.

If you're buying a decent head, I'd get a decent cab. Marshall 1936 2x12s are around £175 used.

Davey · « **Reply #2 on:** May 16, 2007, 06:55:52 PM »

yes, it will work.

my crate (some GX65 i think) is the older version, without ext speaker

you need an 8ohm cab (taking they still use those cr@ppy speakers)

what it will do, your perception of volume will be so, that it will seem louder AND it will make your amp sound MUCH better (proven).

i built my own 2x12 (it has V30's) and then later got a laney head, so it's a good option to go that way (beter than head first, then cab later)

richb · « **Reply #3 on:** May 16, 2007, 07:26:34 PM »

Thanks for the advice, I shall be ordering a cab very soon. I've heard that the Framus fr212 is a superb cab, I can get a Marshall 1936 2 x 12 for an extra £30 or so - is it really likely to be much better than the Framus? I play metal/hard rock by the way (almost exclusively occasionally a bit of the blues) and I had originally been thinking of buying a 4 x 12 cab but have pretty much decided against it because of the size/weight. Am I likely to hear much difference between a 2 x 12 and 4 x 12 cab (using the same head?) Oh yeah Davey the speaker in the Crate is awful unfortunately as otherwise it's a pretty good amp for the money.

Davey · « **Reply #4 on:** May 16, 2007, 08:12:58 PM »

yes, there will be a difference between the 2 and 4 .. the 4 will be tighter and more focused, better bass response and will be generally better and a touch louder too (due to more air being pushed by the speakers)

but a 2x12 is a nice start and will fit most venues.

what you have to be sure of

A) that you match the impedance value (my crate was 8 ohm, yours might be more or less)

B) that the speaker wattage (or cab wattage) is MORE or the same, than the amp watt rating (you can put a 120W on a 100W amp, but not a 120W amp on a 100W cab) this is a general rule, which sometimes, can be bent a bit, but it is not advisable

richb · « **Reply #5 on:** May 16, 2007, 09:21:03 PM »

I've bene looking at the Harley Benton G412A cab as well - 4 x 12" celestion vintage 30 speakers in an angled cab for £232! I know that's remarkably cheap and they are likely to be fairly cheaply made but I'm not after high end stuff and if it sounds reasonable then I think it's a bargain personally!

Davey as for the impedance value all I can find on Crate's website for the GX65 specs is:

Output Power Ranking:     65 watts RMS @ 5% THD 4 ohms minimum external load
Speaker Size and Rating:    (1) Custom Design 12", 4 ohms
Input Impedance:    470k ohms

The Framus cab is rated 100w@8 ohms and the harley benton 4 x 12 is rated
250w@8 ohms. Do you think either of these would be suitable...?

Thanks

Davey · « **Reply #6 on:** May 16, 2007, 09:45:11 PM »

yea, it says minimum load 4 ohm.. thing with transistor amps is, they arent as picky with impedance as tube amps. as long as it's higher than its minimum, then you should be good.

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2007, 10:27:06 PM »

In my experience cheaper cabs give a mushier, flabbier sound than more substantial ones. Something to do with the cheap plywood they use I think.