How to tell if polarity is correct?

[MetalManiac]

I am not 100% certain I have the polarity correct on my amp/speaker connection.

I have two leads coming off the transformer in a vintage amp, and the leads connect directly to the speaker.

So when I get it connected, what would be the way to tell if the polarity is correct. I know how to test the polarity of the speaker itself with a battery, so that isn't my concern.

TIA

[Myaccount876]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

Look at the amp's schematic. It will tell you what colored wire from the output transformer should be connected to the speaker's "-" terminal. Usually black is ground/negative terminal, and any other color goes to the "+" terminal (assuming the transformer in question has only one option for the secondary winding - one impedance option). This is a combo amp, right? You said the transformer leads connect directly to the speaker.

And why would you suspect that the wiring isn't correct?

[IM4Tone]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

Does the amp have an additional extension cab "out" plug? If it doesn't, I don't think it matters (although some will argue the point).
If it does, then both speakers in phase does matter, for sure.

[ehdwuld]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

I would suppose you could get a nine volt battery
touch the positive and negative leads to the terminals on the battery
and see if the speakers flex out or draw in
and time them together

[MetalManiac]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

I assume I got it correct. I am nearly 100% certain I figured out how the tech had had it wired before I , and I'm glad I did, put some good thick speaker lead wire in place of the pathetic thin speaker wire that was there.

In any event, it's a early 60's reconditioned Ampeg Mercury,and it's for certain a poor mans tweed. It sounds so great I just can't stop playing it. I do have to tilt the amp up to get the desired sound, but I got one of those amp-tilter-uppers, so.

[IM4Tone]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

I assume I got it correct. I am nearly certainm I figured out hopw the tech had had it wired. In any event, it's a early 60's reconditioned Ampeg Mercury,and it's for certain a poor mans tweed. It sounds so great I just can't stop playing it. I do have to tilt the amp up to get the desired sound, but I got one of those amp-tilter-uppers, so.

And that's all that matters. I seriously doubt if you (or anyone else) could pass an A/B blind test with the polarity reversed on the amp driving just one speaker.

[MetalManiac]

Re: How to tell if polarity is correct?

And that's all that matters. I seriously doubt if you (or anyone else) could pass an A/B blind test with the polarity reversed on the amp driving just one speaker.

Tanks-a-lot..

Yeah, when I say it sounds great, I mean vintage, loads of "sag" and reponsivness, but for vintage ( Vintage Strats and Gibsons style guitars with vintage style pickups).
I don't think Dominus or otehr modern metalheads would think this sounded so great..lol.

Funny how the evolution of AMP tone went form spongy to tight, and all points in between. Guess I'm Ol' Skool, and my 6505 still gives me 'sponge' with it's "Resonance" feature, although it's a "modern hi-gain" amp.
One of the reason I so want try a Dual Recto!