So I'm running two Heritage G12Ms with a 50w head...

[blackba]

My Question is how did the Bluesbreaker Clapton used work with 2 Alnico 15 watt speakers, given that he dimed it?
Were they just made better back then?

The Celestion Alnico blues, which I think were the stock speakers in the bluesbreaker and are known to be conservatively rated. Also, just cause Clapton didn't have any issues, maybe he just got lucky. Vox AC30's with 2 Blues are known to blow speakers from time to time. It can happen.

People do things they shouldn't all the time like use an instrument cable to connect a head to a cab, it may work for the, but it doesn't mean its smart or a good thing to do or that they won't have an issue down the road.

The general rule is to have at least 1.5 times the amp rating for your speakers. So if you have a 50Watt amp, you need a cab that can handle at least 75Watts. A 40Watt amp, then a 60Watt cab min. 2.0 times like Jim said is much more advisable and if I were selling speakers, that is what I would advise too.

I know if Jim had a dollar for every time he answered one of these types of questions, he would have some serious money.

 

[Scumback Speakers]

They used to blow the speakers in the BluesBreaker amps, too. That's one reason they did so much development on improving the voice coils resistance to heat, so they could handle more power, and have less warranty/repair issues.

Today there are lots of voice coil options...aluminum, kapton, nomex, kraft paper, etc.

Most prefer the paper versions (kraft is old technology paper good to 25/30w max, nomex is current technology and handles higher power 65w) for superior tone, but it's all subjective.

As for how much money I'd have if I got paid 5 cents for answering the "power handling" question, I'd have a couple of thousand bucks by now. If I were getting paid $1 per question, I'd take a six month vacation.

 

[Random Hero]

I'm gonna just stick with it and see. Howard Kaplan, who designed the amp, seems to think they'll be alright as long as I'm not pumping insane - maxed out - volume through them continuously.

 

[Scumback Speakers]

Well good luck. All I'll say is opinions vary.

 

[Random Hero]

Well good luck. All I'll say is opinions vary.

Absolutely do. I'm not in any way refuting your opinion dude, in fact, I'm very thankful that you've taken the time as I honestly had a only a very basic knowledge of speakers as I've always bought pre-loaded cabs.

I don't *think*, based on what I've read from all sides, that I'm going to encounter any problems, especially as the 100w head runs into a 4x12 with four G12Ms seemingly OK. That's what's making me think the 50 into two will be ok. That and I'm not gonna be cranking it, or anywhere near as it's a hot preamp as is. I mean, I was running two G12H30s in this cab for the past four months at the same volumes with no problems and it's only since that I've realised that even that probably wasn't the wisest idea...

Alternatively, I could end up with egg on my face after this post!