better tones<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can mix and match it with multiple cabinets (speakers) to get varying sounds, which would not be possible with a pre-fitted combo amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amp heads are capable of more volume due to better power capacity and the ability to pair them with large cabinets<\/strong> or speakers or connect extra speakers for more volume. This is useful for large venues such as arenas, big clubs, or amphitheaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\nA head + cab setup is versatile. It is easier to upgrade or add components as your needs evolve. There are various options available that are uniquely voiced with iconic tonal characteristics that may suit particular genres and styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For instance, the Diezel VH4 100W amp head is famous for its hi-gain tone while Bergantino bass cabinets are famous for their \u2018glassy-sheen-tone-color\u2019. You can also mix and match different brands, like a Fender head with an Ampeg cabinet, to come up with a unique sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such tone sculpting possibilities and the power output of amp heads makes them more desirable for recording and gigging, especially in medium-to-large venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Difference between amp and speaker<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAn amp or amplifier is an electrical device with an integrated power amp and preamplifier that cannot produce audible sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A speaker or loudspeaker is a mechanical output device that creates the audio output by converting electromagnetic waves (from the amp) into sound waves \u2013 audio. The amp \u2018drives\u2019 the speaker i.e. makes the speaker make the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Amp head vs cabinet vs speaker<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe amp head and the cabinet are two parts of a rig<\/strong> or stack<\/strong> (see next section). Each has a distinct purpose: the head creates the audio signal<\/strong> and the cabinet projects it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAn amp head consists of an integrated preamp and power amp on the inside with tone-shaping controls like the EQ control panel (bass, mid, treble) and other knobs on the front panel. Amp heads are primarily of three types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solid-state heads<\/li> Tube amp heads<\/li> Hybrid (tube preamp + solid-state power amp)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nA cabinet<\/strong> is a wooden housing aka the loudspeaker enclosure in which the drivers sit. Drivers include speakers and tweeters<\/strong>. The amp creates the load (signal), and the cabinet takes the load and converts it into sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe cabinet is described by the number of speakers and their size. The number of speakers<\/strong> in a cabinet <\/strong>typically range from 1 to 4. Speakers also vary in size i.e. 10″, 12″, or 15″ speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\nFor instance, the Ampeg 810 cabinet = 8 speakers of size 10\u2033. A 115 cabinet = 1 speaker of size 15\u2033. You may also have different sized speakers in the same cabinet such as the Peavey PVH 1516, which has 1 x 15\u2033 and 2 \u00d7 8\u2033 speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Difference between combo amp and head & cab<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA combo amp<\/strong> is a combination of two components built into each other and sold as an all-in-one unit. In most cases, you cannot isolate these two components or change them individually.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe amp head and cabinet setup are commonly called a stack. It can be a full stack <\/strong>or a half stack<\/strong>. A full stack is an amp head + two speaker cabinets, whereas a half stack is an amp head + 1 speaker cabinet. That said, people often colloquially refer to both of these as \u2018stack\u2019 or \u2018rig\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSome bassists and guitarists prefer the simplicity of combo amps, which are typically compact and affordable. Others are willing to put up with the added cost<\/strong>, weight<\/strong>, and inconvenience<\/strong> of stacks (head + cabinet) because of the superior sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor most musicians, especially beginners, combo amps can deliver sufficient tone and volume. While they can be loud enough for rehearsals, practice, jams, and even recording, they cannot compete with the loudness of a full stack with a powerful head and multiple speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Head & cab rigs are also a lot more versatile because they are not fixed to one another. Musicians own multiple cabinets and heads and mix and match<\/strong> according to their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis can be useful to experiment and find your tone. Combo amps do not allow for such customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What is a tube amp head?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nA tube head aka valve amp is the predecessor of the solid-state amp and uses vacuum tubes<\/strong> to power the signal. Tube amp heads can range from 1-100W in power and sound very different from other types.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTube heads are famous for their \u2018break up<\/strong>\u2018, which is the saturated overdrive that occurs when you crank up a low-wattage tube amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs you play through a tube amp head, the audio signal travels to a vacuum-tube preamp that boosts your signal to a decent level. You can manipulate the frequency components of the original signal via the control panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once past the preamp, the signal goes to the power amp that amplifies it even further so that it is ready (loud enough) to generate the energy required to \u2018sound the speaker\u2019 i.e. transduced into a speaker that can project it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n