Broken Amp

[FrankieJ 0]

Hi

 

Over the christmas period I damaged my amp http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/pooh.gif the part that was damaged was the Red/Black connectors on the rear of the amp which the live speaker cables are fixed to.

 

I visited my local disco shop to see if the guy could fix them and he said that he could, I also asked him whether or not I could get a couple of spekon connectors fitted aswell as this would be alot easier than fiddling with those cables.

He said that there is a spekon connector that fits on the amp and only one is needed which then means I can daisy chain the two speakers. Has anyone heard of this before???? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/sadwalk.gif

[Gary 0]

I've not heard of a stereo (two speaker) Speakon connector before, but that doesnt mean that they've not started doing one.

 

However, if the dealers suggesting that you run two speakers on one side/output of the amp, and no speakers off the other side, the amp is suddenly going to start seeing twice to impedence loading (Ohms) on one side, and nothing on the other. (assuming its a stereo amp of course).

 

The dealer might have meant that theres a speakon connector thats all-in-one, but has two mono speakon connectors on it (which would be easier for him to fit probably), but still leaves you with a "Left Out" and "Right Out". If this IS what he meant however, it doesnt explain his "daisy chaining" suggestion.

 

Best that you clarify this with him first. Going to Speakon connectors is a good idea, especially as you're using binding posts (which can be fiddly and riskier than other connection options), but this "just one output connector" bit, sounds .... wierd.

[Paul Smith 0]

I would guess that he's referring to a 4 pin speakon socket. You would then have 2 leads into a 4 pin plug - 1 lead going to each speaker as normal.

 

PaulS

[FrankieJ 0]

Hi Guys

 

Thanks for the feedback. He said he would only have to put in 1 spekon conector in the back of my amp which is stereo, then all I have to do is run one of my speaker leades to one of my speaker and daisy chain this of to the 2nd speaker. I have to admit I havent heard of this before..... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html/emoticons/wacko.gif

[cj_65 0]

Please correct me if I'm wrong... all this takes me back to the thread about

wiring Behringer B1800X subwoofers...

 

Each speakon lead has 2 'channels' +1/-1 and +2/-2 - normally the amplifier and

speakers just use +1/-1 but you can use the other connection in some situations.

For example, if you bi-amp the B1800x the input to the subwoofer is expected

on +2/-2 - I checked this with Behringer - so for amps that just use +1/-1 you

need to rewire the speakons.

 

Anyway, what all this is coming to is that you could use a single speakon to

run a stereo signal - at least I dont see any reason why not - one on +1/-1

and the other on +2/-2.

 

 

health warning:

 

1. I've never heard of this being done before.

2. I'm basing this on the information supplied by a German rep at Behringer

replying about the way they switch the signals in their speakers.

 

I'll expect someone out there will be able to correct this if I've got anything wrong.

 

Cheers, Chris.

[ChrisPointon 0]

One thing to be aware of, although it is unlikely to happen, it it still a possibility.

 

Using one speakon for a stereo output is a little strange and not something which is done in practice by any manufacturer. I guess it is the dealer being a bit lazy and saving themselves from having to cut and file two holes in the back panel of your amp.....not an easy task even with the right tools.

 

However, some manufacturers of full range speakers sometimes do link the 1+/- and 2+/- pins together. This is often done to prevent unsuitable speakers from being used in Bi-Amp mode and to stop the unused pins from 'floating'

 

It is rare that the speakons use bridged pins, but not unheard of, and *If* you were to connect a four pole speakon lead to a speaker with both sets of speakons linked then you would bridge both channels of the amplifier and this could cause damage.

 

Also consider what would happen if the combo speakon went faulty?, you wouldn't have another speakon to plug into and would essentially lose BOTH channels of your amplifier.

 

My advice is to insist that the dealer fits two speakons, one for each channel.

[Gary 0]

QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Jan 28 2005, 04:00 PM)

My advice is to insist that the dealer fits two speakons, one for each channel.

This sounds like good advice - if it were my amp, I'd go for two, standard speakon connectors.

 

The problem with going for anything non-standard is that if you need a spare lead in a hurry, having one thats wired in an unusual way, could really crimp your chances of getting one in a hurry. Wheras standard leads with Speakon-to-Speakon, or Speakon-to-1/4inch jack plug, are fairly off-the-shelf items.

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

useing pins 1+ and 1 - for the left and 2+ and 2- for the right is possible, but you will be the only person who does this and will need 4 core cable...

 

also your leads will be diferent from every one elses so dont even start

 

2 speakons one for left and one for right is the best way

[OK KARAOKE 1]

My thoughts on this are as follows:

 

If this guy is even suggesting such a cockamamy modification then he`s a cowboy!

Don`t let him do it - in fact don`t even let him touch it. Take it to a reputable repairer and make sure he`s qualified to work on the gear.

 

I personally know a number of dealers who, because they`ve been in the (selling) game for a long time, think they are engineers or technicians, and therefore are quite happy to "have a go" at fixing stuff. Luckily most faults fall into set categories and with the help and support of distributors and manufacturers can usually effect fairly decent repairs. But now and then they hit a sticky one and think that they can just stick in any old modification to suit themselves. Some mods I`ve seen have been positively life-threatening.

 

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