Will an ART SL-2 Power Amp blow speakers in one 4x12?

[romanianreaper]

I know the ART SL-2 is a solid state power amp but supposedly this thing is around 500 watts when run in mono. Will this blow the speakers in a single 4x12 cab?

I know alot of people use the SL-2 with the Axe-FX and 11R. Do most players run the SL-2 in stereo to separate cabs?

I'm wondering if an SL-1 would be a better choice for a single cab or if it wouldn't be loud enough, etc.

 

[mboogman]

The danger with solid state amps is when they start to clip. If the amp stays linear enough, you should be fine. I'd be careful with the volume if I were you, though.

 

[glpg80]

it takes more wattage from solid state to equal that of tubed power - 400 watts solid state equates to about the same dB levels as a tubed amplifier running full tilt. as already mentioned though solid state amplifiers clip, just as tubes do, but tubes clip into natural compression. solid state clipping is simillar to a harsh crossover distortion if biased class A/B and with added heat can make the problem worse over time. solid state designs also "peak" - meaning spikes of non-linear voltage or current. this is what the real danger is with speakers and solid state power amplifiers.

you will be fine as long as the speakers arent 25W greenies.

 

[romanianreaper]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Just out of curiosity, anyone know why the SL2 is more popular than the SL1? I've never run a rig in stereo. I imagine that is why the SL2 is so popular.

 

[hellaboogie]

doesn't it have more wattage

 

[glpg80]

doesn't it have more wattage

wattage is calculated in power consumed or power produced mainly dependent on the square of the current the amplifier can deliver. tubes are current driven, and can produce monstrous power on demand using high voltage converted to low voltage/high current. low rail-voltage high current solid state transistors require huge capacitor banks to do the same work. unless you are piggy-backing 1000W of solid state amplifiers back to back on one another to increase the current on demand, you wont have a problem.

the main killer for speakers is not the wattage or the current. its heat and internal wire resistance. heat shorts coils. you can actually over-wattage a speaker as long as the cooling and build quality are solid. but you are gambling at this point.

ask how many people have cooked 25W greenbacks with tubed amplifiers by accident.

now do the same for solid state guys.

there is a reason tubes are still used today for LOS radio stations to transmit their radio signals into the air for long distances

 

[steve_k]

there is a reason tubes are still used today for LOS radio stations to transmit their radio signals into the air for long distances

Dude - you got it going on in the electrical department and always appreciate your response to stuff I know little about

Looking for the "Axe Air" next year to make a run at the LOS Radio transmission market.....

 

[glpg80]

there is a reason tubes are still used today for LOS radio stations to transmit their radio signals into the air for long distances

Dude - you got it going on in the electrical department and always appreciate your response to stuff I know little about

Looking for the "Axe Air" next year to make a run at the LOS Radio transmission market.....

i appreciate the kind words steve. what can i say, i love electronics in all applications

one thing you wont hear coming out of my mouth is "just sell it"