Can anyone describe what speaker breakup sounds like as op..

[blumuz123]

as opposed/different then amp breakup or distortion?


Sorry for the noob question.

 

[guitarslinger]

It sounds like the shit is falling apart.

It sounds like crummy sonic meltdown.

You might as well stab the speakers to add distortion, and then kick your amp.


Back in 1955, it was necessary, because preamps had little to no gain.



one day, all will realize;

PREAMP DISTORTION IS AWESOME. PREAMP DISTORTION IS KING.

 

[aeroic]

It sounds like the shit is falling apart.

It sounds like crummy sonic meltdown.

You might as well stab the speakers to add distortion, and then kick your amp.


Back in 1955, it was necessary, because preamps had little to no gain.



one day, all will realize;

PREAMP DISTORTION IS AWESOME. PREAMP DISTORTION IS KING.

I'm in TOTAL agreement here. I used greenbacks for a bit, but man I didn't like them at all. At lower volumes, they were great, but as the volume got higher and higher, it really made my tone change for the worse in my eyes. For lower gain amps like old Fenders and Marshalls, they are great. But for higher gain stuff, you don't need speaker breakup in my mind either. I've been really digging the CL80 and K100 lately as they have the same tone at lower volumes and higher volumes. The CL80 right now has been my speaker of choice, as its very warm, yet very punchy, and has great chime on the high end. But, it sounds consistent at all volumes.

Eric

 

[guitarslinger]

BTW, I have similar feelings regarding power tube distortion.

Which is why 6550'S SOUND SO FUCKING AWESOME!!!!

no break up

 

[RockStarNick]

I also agree that speaker breakup, to my ears, doesn't sound THAT desirable.

It's such a delicate balance with speakers. You don't want to get one UNDER-powered. You want to get that cone moving and pushing some air, but you don't want it to distort either.

 

[blumuz123]

Big thanks
I would not have known that.

 

[aeroic]

BTW, I have similar feelings regarding power tube distortion.

Which is why 6550'S SOUND SO FUCKING AWESOME!!!!

no break up

I totally agree here man. I'm totally with you. I get all my tone from the preamp, and let the power amp make it louder. It's why I've never liked EL34's or 6L6's as much as 6550s. The louder you get, the harsher 34s or 6L6s got for me. Since the headroom on 6550s is high, it gives you the same tone at lower volumes and higher volumes. And they have sweet, warm midrange!

There's no other tube for me other than 6550s .

Eric

 

[Violin Player 75]

I go after more vintage tones.. and power amps tones.... preamps are much fun... but the real juice for me is a mildly driven power tube tone.

I am going to have to do some more study on speaker breakup- .. most people I talk to refer to it (not in the fart levels) as a good thing.... and one of the essential parts of the full distortion sound... and I am quite sure I heard some recordings/ comparisons a bit ago in smaller combos and heads that were attributed to it.... guess i learn new stuff everyday!


hmm

I did find this on "the guitar amp handbook"