THE BASICS
1. POWER HANDLING
Speakers must be capable of taking at least as much power as the amp puts out, or you risk damaging them. So, for a single speaker, pick one with a power rating the same or higher than the amp itself. For a twin speaker combo the minimum speaker power rating is half that of the amp and for a cabinet with four speakers it will be a quarter of the amp's max. power output.
2. IMPEDANCE
Just as important as power rating is impedance - given in ohms (written - Ω). If you use the wrong value, then the amp may be damaged. Ensure that your new speaker has the same impedance as the speaker it is replacing. So, if you’re taking out an 8Ω speaker, make sure the replacement is also rated 8Ω.
(Note - some vintage speakers are rated at 15Ω, you can use these to replace a 16Ω without fear of damage.)
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Here's what you'll need:
- The combo amplifier/cabinet you’ll be working on and the Celestion speakers you’re going to load into it.
- A screwdriver to remove the back panel of the combo/cabinet.
- The appropriate tool for the speaker bolts, for example a multi-wrench, allen key or screwdriver. Note that this will vary depending on the make of your combo/cabinet so be sure to check first.
- Pen and paper for making a note of the existing wiring connections.
- Pliers and electrical tape.
- Wire cutters/strippers and soldering equipment (required for speakers with a ‘solder only’ tag panel).