An amp head is the amplifier section of a guitar amplifier in a separate enclosure from the speaker. It is typically connected to a speaker cabinet, which houses the speaker. Amp heads are often used by professional musicians because they offer more flexibility and power than combo amps.
Amp heads
Amp heads offer a number of advantages over combo amps, including:
- More flexibility: Amp heads can be used with any speaker cabinet of your choice, which allows you to create a custom sound that meets your specific needs. For example, you can use a high-power head with a high-wattage cabinet for a loud, powerful sound, or you can use a low-power head with a low-wattage cabinet for a more mellow, vintage sound.
- More power: Amp heads are typically more powerful than combo amps. This makes them a good choice for gigging musicians or players who need a lot of volume. For example, a high-wattage amp head with a 4×12 cabinet can easily produce enough volume to fill a large venue.
- Better tone: Some guitarists believe that amp heads produce better tone than combo amps. This is because amp heads and cabs have separate power and speaker sections, which can reduce noise and interference. Additionally, heads often have more features and controls than combos, which gives you more flexibility in shaping your sound.
However, amp heads also have some disadvantages over combo amps. First, they are more expensive. Second, they are less portable. This is because they are two separate components that need to be transported together. Third, amp heads can be more difficult to set up than combo amps. This is because you need to match the power output of the amp head to the impedance of the speaker cabinet.
Speaker cabinets
Speaker cabinets are the enclosures that house the speakers in a guitar amplifier. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they can have a significant impact on the sound of your amp.
When choosing a speaker cabinet, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Size: The size of the speaker cabinet will affect the volume and frequency response of your amp. Larger cabinets will produce more volume and lower frequencies, while smaller cabinets will produce less volume and higher frequencies.
- Number of speakers: The number of speakers in a speaker cabinet will also affect the volume and frequency response of your amp. More speakers will produce more volume and lower frequencies, while fewer speakers will produce less volume and higher frequencies.
- Impedance: The impedance of the speaker cabinet must match the power output of the amp head. If the impedance of the speaker cabinet does not match the power output of the amp head, it can damage the amp.
Which is right for you?
Whether an amp head or a speaker cabinet is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for more flexibility, power, and better tone, then an amp head and speaker cabinet setup may be a good choice for you. However, if you are on a budget, need a more portable amp, or are not comfortable setting up an amp rig, then a combo amp may be a better choice.
Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding whether to use an amp head and speaker cabinet setup or a combo amp:
- Genre of music: If you play music that requires a lot of clean headroom, such as jazz or classical, a head and cab setup may be a good choice. If you play music that requires a lot of distortion, such as metal or hard rock, a combo amp may be sufficient.
- Size and weight: Combo amps are typically smaller and lighter than heads and cabs. This makes them more portable, but it also means that they may not be as loud.
- Budget: Head and cab setups are typically more expensive than combo amps. However, you can save money by buying a used head and cab.
- Upgrade potential: If you want to be able to upgrade your amp in the future, a head and cab setup is a better choice. Combo amps are more difficult to upgrade.
- Your personal preferences: Some people prefer the sound and feel of a head and cab setup, while others prefer the convenience of a combo amp.
It is important to try out both amp heads and combo amps before making a purchase. This will help you to find the amp that best suits your needs and preferences.
