Vintage AlNiCo speakers with Class AB IC car amp....

[ds1919]

We are doing a project out here, developing a light weight sound system to be "pedal powered". We got it working fine, but I want to maximize efficiency, both weight and sound output.

I am aware that my 12" jensen alnico woofers can only handle maybe around 20 watts each. My Carver M-240 class G amp puts out 120watts/channel. BUT, I can reduce the gain to allow these speakers to work without the threat of being overpowered (heat, cone excursion, etc) -> I think.

Is it possible to have a reliable system using AlNiCo magnet speakers with a modern Integrated Circuit amplifier (with the ability to reduce the gain adj)?

Oh yeah, this particular setup is for the lead guitarist who will also be doing vocals. So no bass guitar or drums going thru this particular system, only around 200-300Hz and up........

Please remember that I would like to use these speakers because they each weigh about a pound each, if that. When the band is not performing, they will be carrying all their gear on their bikes throughout Mexico....so lighter is definitely better.....

thanks for all and any productive input, ds1919

[billfitzmaurice]

You can do this, but don't waste a Carver amp on the project, there are plenty of small lightweight low power class D amps that make more sense for the application. You could use an autosound amp and 12v battery or capacitive storage, with the pedal power used to charge the battery/capacitor bank as required.

[ds1919]

Hey Bill, thanks! Just bought your autotuba plans last week, will be doing another project with it for,,,,,,,me!! hehe.

I just had the Carver amp laying around and sold it to the pedal powered folks. They do want good quality sound (normally they use the Crown class D amps,but this particular client cannot afford the cost of the Crowns).

I'll check out the autosound amps, know of a good place to get them? Are they sold at PE?

thanks.