Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

RW James

RW James

New member
Being new to the world of tubes, I'm really not sure how to match speakers to the amp. So I need your experience and opinions...

I have a V Series V3112T combo amp with a 80 watt Celestion speaker (specifically the G12P-80 "seventy 80" speaker). I want to be able to go through a 2x12 cab (bypassing the onboard speaker) and I'm looking at the Avatar G212H cabs.

I like the description of the open back with one Vintage 30 and one G12H30 speaker with a total of 60 watts. Is that going to be enough for the 30 watt amp? Or should I go with the closed back model with two Vintage 30s for a total of 120 watts?

Thanks
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

The vintage 30 handles 60 watts and the g12h30 handles 30 so that would be 90 watts or 120 depending on the cab you choose. Either will do the deed with no problem.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

SlyFoxx said:
The vintage 30 handles 60 watts and the g12h30 handles 30 so that would be 90 watts or 120 depending on the cab you choose. Either will do the deed with no problem.
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Yeah, that's the way it would seem - but here is what Avatar says about that in their FAQs:

When you use a 30 watt speaker with a 60 watt speaker of same ohm and SPL sensitivity, why doesn't the power rating add up to 90 watts? Because half of the signal is going to be evenly distributed among the two speakers, you don't want to put any more power than twice the lowest capacity wattage into the pair....otherwise you could damage the 30 watt speaker. The two wattages..30 and 60 don't sum to 90. A 30 watt speaker mixed with a 60 watt speaker makes a 60 watt capacity cab (twice the lowest one).
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Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

it'll still be enough, My 3112TT has a Tone Tubby 40 watt speaker and it handles it fine. 60'll be no prob.

~Mitch~
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

Avatar has it right, but either way, you're good to go. With your 30-watt head, the V30 will get 15 watts, the G12H30 will get 15 watts, and everybody will be happy. Especially you, because that cab will give you great tone and your rig will generally kick booty.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

what rich said, except that your 30w amp puts out 30 clean watts so it has the potential to push more than 15w per speaker but youll be fine
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

Yeah, I don't think I'd risk an Alnico Blue in that cab... lol

BTW, Rick - you do know that rig is going to be way loud in church, don't you? Bwahahahah!
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

Rich_S said:
Yeah, I don't think I'd risk an Alnico Blue in that cab... lol

BTW, Rick - you do know that rig is going to be way loud in church, don't you? Bwahahahah!
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Yeah, I know - but what the heck...

Yesterday I played my Hartke guitar 60 watt head through a single 12 inch speaker - I had it turned way down and I was told that there was too much noise on the platform. I'll be glad when we get our sound system back up with the in-ear monitors.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

depends on what musical style you're into. if you're gonna be playing metal/hard rock always get a closed back cab.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

Because half of the signal is going to be evenly distributed among the two speakers,
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Duh! :smacks self in head:

Wasn't thinking...sorry.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

RW James said:
Yeah, I know - but what the heck...

Yesterday I played my Hartke guitar 60 watt head through a single 12 inch speaker - I had it turned way down and I was told that there was too much noise on the platform. I'll be glad when we get our sound system back up with the in-ear monitors.
Click to expand...

Rick, I've had three different sound men come up to me in the last few years and ask me where my POD was. I try not to be arrogant so I tell them I must have left it at the store. I think the ultimate solution for keeping volume low on the platform may be a sound-proofed 1-12 cabinet with a permanently mounted SM57 inside and a chasis mounted XLR jack.
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

I just ordered the 2x12 cab from Avatar - open back - in RED! (I let my wife pick the color - and I'm good with it.)

I should be getting it by the end of the week.:banana:
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

have them put an emi wizard in there

may cost a couple bucks more but it'll be worth it
 
Re: Speaker cab for 30 watt tube amp

I think the ultimate solution for keeping volume low on the platform may be a sound-proofed 1-12 cabinet with a permanently mounted SM57 inside and a chasis mounted XLR jack.
Click to expand...

Demeter makes such a thing. I have one. Works great for recording the whole band live....as well as on the gig.

http://www.demeteramps.com/ Look for the SSC-1. It's pricey but worth it.
 
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