Karaoke Forums

I lucked out and ran into a pair of new Peavey SP5Gs (2004 model) for $300. These speakers are bi-ampable at 400 watts program to the woofer and 80 watts program (160 peak) to the horn.

I already have an extra 400 watt/channel amp for the lows. I can't find a decent amp that runs exactly 80 watts/channel, but did find one at 75 watts/channel and one at 90 watts/channel. My question is, would it be better to overpower the speakers by 10 watts or underpower them by 5?

I assume that I am not going to really hurt them either way, so I suspect I should go with the 90 watt amp and just run them a little shy of wide open.

Suggestions?

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C Mc
KJ, FL

You want as much clean, undistorted power as possible. Speakers do not want a distorted signal from an amplifier.  It's better to have an amplifier that is not driven too hard and is capable of putting out more power then is needed by the speaker.

Fender ?   Sorry I'm confused.  Which model Fender are you discussing ?   This might be a typo on your part, HOWEVER, my concern is that assuming it's not, my Fender amps aren't SS, they are tube, and there's a different power conversion when discussing tube vs tranny wattage..  The rate is about 3:1.   My 85 watt RMS Fender tube heads, are louder in MOST cases than a 300 watts of tube output perceptible sound.  Tranny is cleaner but purer sound output..  Not sure if this helps,  but 400 watts tube amp wattage out, would blow the (#(% out've many of todays speakers rated handling capability of 400 watts peak input..

I assume you mean Peavey SP5G ?????

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

I did a little search on these.  They are Peavey not Fender.

"Peavey SP5G Speakers - $689
Pair of Peavey SP5G speakers two way full range encloser 500 watts to 1000 watts (peak) w/crossover. Each encloser has 1-15" Scorpion Plus speakers w/ field replaceable baskets."

The 75 watts to the highs would be fine, but if you could, go for the higher.  I have that set as well & run 125 watts to the highs with no probs - Carvin DCM600 ran wide open.  
When you use the bi-amp jacks, you WILL need an external crossover as these jacks by-pass the internal completely going directly to the drivers.  The external crossover will help control overdriving of each driver as well.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks for the advise...I was planning on getting a crossover for the set. This purchase will upgrade my 2nd karaoke set and make it club-worthy. There is a friend of mine who actually used to be my band's sound tech back in the day that has expressed interest in using my equipment to run a karaoke show at another bar, with a 70/30% split in the income.

This is perfect for me because I have most of the stuff for a second rig already and I trust this guy with my equipment (known him for about 5 years). A little extra $$$ never hurt anyone!!

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C Mc
KJ, FL