Bass head for TB

[Rickyvt]

I'm looking for a bass head that suits an Omni 15 TB 2x12 as well as a (pair of) Jack112 (still in doubt, might just build both options, but starting anyway with the Omni 15TB).
My TallBoy plan mentions an amplifier up to 300 Watts when fitted with one 15" driver, but would that be the same for the 2x12" (Delta 12LF)?
I just had a small Hartke combo and heads and cabinets are a mystery to me. So what do I look for when shopping for a bass head? I'm open to suggestions, as long as it will not cost me an arm and a leg...
Eric

[DJPhatman]

Why are you using 2 Delta 12LFA instead of 1 Kappalite 3015LF? You do not need a 4 Ohm load to make a lot of noise with Bill's designs. 2 D12LFA = 486cc (243cc x 2) of Vd, where a single Kappalite 3015LF = 846cc of Vd. All this, with a weight reduction of 15 pounds. Price wise, you are only saving US$40 with the pair of Delta12lfa, but half that will get eaten up in shipping charges.

[Rickyvt]

Mostly it's because I'm all new to this Should have done some more research before ordering the drivers...
I guess the 12LFA's are not ideal for the Jack 112s either If they were, I could order a Kappalite for the Tallboy.
My order is still being processed, so I asked them if they can still swap the two 12" for the Kappalite.

[wallywally]

Any head will work as long as it provides 300+ watts and will drive a 4 ohm load. I prefer tube preamp heads, but that is just a matter of preference. If you don't have a preference look at offerings by Ampeg, GK, Markbass etc... I would advise you to go to a local music store and demo as many heads as you can.

[Rickyvt]

Thanks, I read a whole bunch of forum posts, also on the Talkbass forum, and that's the standard way to go. But local stores here don't seem to have much in stock for bass players, just a few combos and if lucky a Markbass head. Not much to compare anyway...
I was also thinking about hybrid amps, and BFM already posted somewhere on this forum to get an amp with a 7 (or more) band equalizer for the Omni 15. Things starting to get into shape...

[Rickyvt]

So for instance a Bugera BVP 5500 delivering 550 Watts at 4 Ohm or an Ashdown 550 would be OK or should I look for something closer to 300W to be safe. Having read different posts on clipping, melting coils, Ohms and so on, I'm nothing but confused

[SirNickity]

IMO, you pick a head based on its sound first, features second, and power is a distant third. If it doesn't have the huevos rancheros, you tap into the pre-out and stack a plain old power amp underneath, or mic it (if that's your sound) and run through the PA.

What are your gigs like? Having mad volume on stage is usually more detrimental than helpful, unless stage volume IS the PA.

[wallywally]

So for instance a Bugera BVP 5500 delivering 550 Watts at 4 Ohm or an Ashdown 550 would be OK or should I look for something closer to 300W to be safe. Having read different posts on clipping, melting coils, Ohms and so on, I'm nothing but confused

Any would be fine if you like the tone they produce. Don't worry about overpowering it...you will hear it distort before you damage a driver. Also with the dual D12lfa you will be able to handle 500+ watts.

I use an Ampeg SVT3pro and an original omni12 (tweeterless) that uses a D12lfa. I have maxed out the amp many times and never was concerned about damage to the omni12. Search my user ID under youtube links and you can hear this combo live. I use only the 3 band EQ on the SVT and have no problem getting a tone that I'm happy with. Although I have to admit I'm not a tone snob, I run the main mix also and I'm more concerned how my bass sounds in the mix than how badass my tone is.

[Rickyvt]

I can hear the bass very clearly in the recordings, nice. Not a bad singing voice either!
I will have to take the time to visit some bigger music stores that have more heads in stock and compare those!
Thanks to all!

[Rickyvt]

And I got a message from Lean Business UK that they will swap the 12" drivers for the Kappalite, price is almost the same anyway...
Thanks DJPhatman!

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

Why are you using 2 Delta 12LFA instead of 1 Kappalite 3015LF?.

It's in the plans. With a low power head you should use two twelves for a 4 ohm load, to get higher sensitivity from a given voltage swing. With a high power head that makes voltage swing a non-issue you choose drivers based on total displacement.

[Rickyvt]

Since I'm getting a head for the TB, I did not really need the 12" drivers and I appreciate a few pounds less. The drivers will be here next week, need to find decent plywood by then...