BassmanPaul

Talking about Leak Hi-Fi amps, a friend sold me a Leak TL50+using a pair of KT88s, for five quid. I had a pre-amp chassis and engraved front panel made for me in work. I built a one valve pre-amp, essentially the Normal channel circuit from a Fender Bassman, into this chassis and, connected to the Leaks pre-amp socket, it sounded wonderful through a Marshall 4x12 100W cabinet. I used that set up for quite a while before moving on to something different.

In those days bass equipment tended to be large and hard to find. Power levels were very low as befits tube/valve output stages. For most applications 50W tended to be the upper limit. When 100W amps hit the market, usually using four EL34s in the output stage, players who could afford them switched to them in droves. I couldn't <sob>. That led me to start building my own amplification. For PA the Mixer/amplifiesr were what you would find in a building PA. The Cave used Vortexion my last band in Liverpool used an Altec Lansing unit with two microphone inputs. The band had three vocalists. At that time microphones were typically high impedance. I modified the amp and by removing the plug in transformers I had the space to add two more high impedance inputs. I still have those two transformers. It's amazing what you hang on to through moves about the country and even across the world. LOL

The band I was a part of in South Wales before we left for Toronto had all Orange gear. 4x12 plus 2x12 with three horns on each side of the stage for PA. 4x12 for guitar and another for bass. It was a workout to get all that stuff loaded in and set up I can tell you!!

In my mind, if you want to sound like you're using an EBS then use one. If you want sound like you're using a Mesa amplifier then buy one. Every amp has it's own voice and you have to learn how to get the best out of it sometimes by trial and error.

Not my cuppa tea but ENJOY!

@Stealth The bass drum made my eyes go gozzey!

@Bill Fitzmaurice Thank you for continually sharing your knowledge. It helps no end.

Thank you for a trip down memory lane. I bought my first bass in 1962. A VOX Clubman II in white. It was a great time to play around the Merseyside area. I eventually bought my first amplifier: a VOX AC50 with the 18" Foundation cabinet. It too was a poor bass amp but looking at it on stage made me feel like I had 'arrived' and was a professional. LOL

Agreed but we know so much more about the subject these days.

May I suggest that you stack the 15 in the top position. It's not going to be able to handle as much power as the 4x10 so you need to be able to hear it's cries of pain.

I think you mean that the amp is Class AB. Just because the amp has a power transformer has no bearing on the Class that the output stage uses.

My choice for a speaker cabinet is the Acme Sound B2 2x10 three way. They handle the Low B of my six strings without any problem. I own four but usually just use a pair in a vertical 4x10 'skinny stack'. They are a delight to play through.

Thing is that the vast majority of an amplifiers weight is taken up by the amp's power supply and heat sinks. If you did do this you would save very little actual weight.

Yes I know -✝️ I lived in the UK until we came to Toronto in late 1973.. I always considered that a house with an unfinished basement incomplete and such a waste of useable space. My basement here contains my dad's baby grand piano, my B15NF, a bed settee for guests, and a complete bathroom with walk in shower. It's fully carpeted is dry, warm and inviting. The folks who stay down there love it's comfort.

Basements are much more practical than lofts in my humble opinion!

Just as a point you do know that the Elf is made by Peavey? As for advice a simple DON'T is the best I can offer.

I have been Speakon only on all of my equipment for decades. I've never had a problem in all that time. mind you I do only ever use Neutrik made parts.

Absolutely agree! Take the damn thing back and get a replacement!!!

Currently I have two bass amps. One is my Sixties Ampeg B15NF which I use as my practice amp. the other is a four space rack case holding a Carvin 2KW capable power amp and a tube pre-amp I designed and built to drive it. The power amp is used to drive either two or four of my Acme B2 2x10 boxes that I stack as a vertical 4x10. Both sound heavenly!

Send it back and get a refund!

Thing is that using the same plug as socket used is better all around. I tried using the 2 pole plugs but I just found them clunky. YMMV.

ALWAYS buy the four pole version of the SpeakOn it matches the sockets that are undoubtedly mounted on your cabinet and amplifier. The difference in price is minuscule!

Come on Chris! why so pessamistic? My Acme B2 cabinets are a dream as a vertical 4x10! LOL

I'm really glad that you are happy with your new system. Play it and enjoy!!

Y'know Andy I DID say could be!! LOL