Bass Speaker??

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 28 Dec 2007 8:42 am

I have a little VOX DA-5 that I try to use with lap steels,,,but it sounds too "thin". I'm wondering if I would put a small bass speaker in it if that would help??,,what is the smallest bass speaker available?? I could probably squeeze an 8" in it,,at the most??

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 28 Dec 2007 1:26 pm

I have one of those, and it seems like the bottom end they have (which is pretty amazing for their size and power) comes from the unported, closed-back acoustic suspension design. A bigger speaker would also have to be that type of speaker, and I doubt the cabinet is big enough to work right with a bigger speaker. You might have to trade up to a bigger size Vox, which they have now.

Lee Jeffriess · Post by **Lee Jeffriess** » 28 Dec 2007 1:28 pm

Sonny, try a Jensen MOD, they do an 8.
There realy mellow sounding and, cheap .
tubesandmore.com
Lee

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 28 Dec 2007 8:03 pm

Going to an 8" speaker might help a little, but the main problem is you've got a very cheap five-watt amp, and you really shouldn't expect too much of it.

Also, David is right...the open back does hurt the bass response, but this amp wasn't designed for "clean and mellow", it was designed for rockin'.

p.s. If you do go to an 8" speaker, you don't want a "bass speaker". They're usually not as efficient as standard speakers, and you really can't afford to lose any output, even if it will improve the tone.

Colin Mclean · Post by **Colin Mclean** » 28 Dec 2007 8:11 pm

Donny is right, a speaker voiced for bass would probably be of a higher power handling capability, which usually translates to efficiency loss.

Maybe try closing up the back with a piece of wood cut to size, or try plugging it into an extension cab.

I tried plugging my steel into my Vibro Champ and it distorted almost immediately IIRC.

Sonny Jenkins · Post by **Sonny Jenkins** » 29 Dec 2007 3:04 pm

Donny and Colin,,thanks for the input,,,don't know if you're aware that the VOX DA-5 is a battery powered practice,,or portable amp,,that DOES HAVE A CLOSED BACK. May try a DA-10,,or Roland is now making one called the "Street",,,

Again,,,thanks guys

David Doggett · Post by **David Doggett** » 29 Dec 2007 3:40 pm

Yes, it's closed-back and unported. It is an acoustic suspension cab, just like the small bookcase speakers for home stereos. That's why I don't think a larger instrument speaker will work. You would need a long throw acoustic suspension type speaker, and the cab would be too small for it to work well. Just get one of the bigger amps.