How can the answer be improved? Carvin does not keep an accurate database of serial numbers, and cannot provide any information based solely on a serial number. Because many of the guitars they produce are custom orders, the serial numbers flow as the orders are received, therefore, sequential serial numbers could represent any model guitar or bass.

1. Why are there 3 power ratings for speakers and what do they mean?

THE WHY:
Speakers are rated differently than power amplifiers. This is because the small wire inside the speaker making up the voice coil is only capable of clean non-clipped power levels. This is were the 'under powering a speaker' myth has been so twisted in it's understanding. You can't under power a speaker and damage it, but you can under power a performance or show. If the system is not large enough for the performance and the amplifiers are clipping, it will damage the speaker even though the wattage of the speaker is rated higher than the amplifier. Also, sine wave bench test signals, used to measure the RMS power of an amplifier, are too constant and can heat a speaker voice coil up prematurely not representing a speakers 'real world' rated output.

THE WHAT:
OK, now to the root of continuous, program and peak speaker ratings. A speaker is tested using pink noise limited to (or crossed over at) the lowest frequency the cabinet was designed to work. In many cases this is around 30-40Hz for mains speakers. The continuous rating is the RMS value of the pink noise. The peak rating is 6 DB higher than the continuous rating where most of the peaks generated in the pink noise reach. I say most, because there are some higher peaks. The program rating is an in between value of 3 DB over the continuous rating suggesting a nominal power with heavy music. If the speaker is need for rated power usage, the program rating is a good target to use to determining the needed amplifier power for the speaker. If you are going to use a speaker at its rated program power levels, be sure not to clip the amplifiers - at least not consistently. An occasional clip is hard to prevent, but continuous clipping is a mater of time before the speakers are damaged. In these cases the system needs to be either increased in size by adding more amplifiers and speakers, or limiters should to be used to hold the system to within it's rated capacity.

2. I need to replace my HF Driver / Diaphragm, which do I use?

Click link,
Diaphragm replacement list.PDF
This file includes Woofer and Mid Range Speakers too.

A diaphragm is the part of a High Frequency Driver that is replaced when it goes bad. It's the part that vibrate and makes the noise inside the driver. The rest of the driver is just a big magnet. Sometimes if you get really bad feedback and your 'HIGHS' go out, usually it's the diaphragm that went bad.

Click on link for correct replacements:Diaphragms.PDF
Click on 'Parts' to buy one, Select category: 'Speaker Hardware'.

4. How do I replace the Diaphragm? Driver Model: D-7652E

File includes detailed instructions with pictures.

Note how the color is black and brown, when the voice coil gets really hot it starts to burn and it turns black. If you are over driving your speakers that is what happens to the speaker internally. Over time the coating that the voice coil has starts to fall off because it's burnt and the wire becomes exposed, that is when the speaker shorts and fails.

Click on link for full detailed instructions with pictures.

7. How do I replace the Diaphragm? Driver Model: HT151-16

File includes detailed instructions with pictures.

Click on link for full detailed instructions with pictures.

Click on link for full detailed instruction with pictures.

Click this link to get the Carvin Thiele specs, for most Speaker Drivers.

Thiele Small Parameters and Speaker Specifications

We only sell the crossovers, speakers, cables individually.

With an Ohm meter connect the two leads from the meter to the two terminals in the speaker, if it measure 0.00 ohms the speaker is bad. If it measure 4.0 to 8.0 ohms DC it's probably good. If the reading is Open or open load, the speaker is bad too. Look at the speaker and you will find a label indicating the impedance.

Note: In 'AC Resistance' the reading would be more like 3.2 for 4 ohms and 6.2 for the 8 ohm speaker.

For a replacement Speaker click here:Carvin Speakers

If the cone in your speaker is not moving when you press on it, it's because something is wrong with the speaker. The speaker should have deflection when you press on it. When the coil of the speaker is burned it will melt and it will weld the cone that is why it doesn't move up or down. If you plug the speaker into an amp it can damage it. If you overdrive the speaker it will go bad.

The cone is the inside part of a speaker that moves forward and backwards as the speaker is producing sound. For a replacement speaker click here: Carvin Speakers

15. What is the speaker wiring of the S400/S400D?

Click below for picture. Ground is White.

16. With all the power amp classifications, there may be terms you are unfamiliar with, so this document contains a brief description of Carvin's professional power amplifier designs and terminology.

Click this link for a Description of the most common terms.

17. How should I box my amp to send it in for repair?

The amp should be boxed up in its original packaging. If that is not possible, then box it up as best you can. Make sure to leave a protective cushion between the amp and the box. During shipping the amp will be exposed to rough handling. If improperly boxed, the unit will be damaged. Carvin is not responsible for shipping damage due to improper boxing. Remember to fill out your RMA form.

18. What is the AC Cord wire gauge I should use with my amp?

Click on link,
AC Cord Wire Gauge.PDF
AC Cord Wire Gauge Rev B.PDF
AC Cord Wire Gauge Rev C.PDF

19. How to open the Guitar Tweed Case, or Black case.

Slide the lock (round circular part of the lock) to the left to open case. Like indicated in the picture, and the lever will pop out.

Carvin 5 String Fretless Bass

The case will not be locked, the key is inside the case. On the right hand lock slide to the right.

Click on link, to see video: How to open guitar case.

20. What does a bad tube look like? How do I know if my tubes are good or not?

Look at this picture above, the two tubes on the left are bad. The two on the right are good.

Note the red glow on the two tubes on the Left side. It's best to replace all 4 tubes when this happens, you will have to Bias the amp. We have instructions on how to Bias your amp, on the 'How to Bias' tab.

If your amp is under warranty, call customer service at (800) 854-2235 for a new set.

21. Does Carvin offer a trade in for the wireless that will not work after June, 2010 because of the frequency used?

Carvin offers a 100 Dollar credit towards a replacement system, which are in the 638-698Mhz range(NEW), older is (700-800Mhz). You don't have to send in your old wireless. The credit applies to any owner not just the original owner. A serial number must be provided. Valid until Jan, 2013. Please call Carvin Sales at 800-854-2235

22. What is the availability of the AG100D Chassis replacement.

AG100D Replacement Chassis:
Availability: Please call a head of time, before going to the Carvin Store to pick it up. Units upon request will be available on Thursdays if requested with sufficient time of notice.
San Diego Store: (858)487-8700 -1 week availability-

Bring the original amp with you; you don't need to bring the cabinet. It is important that you call a head of time because the amp may not be in stock.

Installation Procedures:
Unplug the Speaker cabinet from the back of the amp. Unplug the power Cord from the Amp. Take out the 4 screws on the top, and then slide the amp out through the front of the cabinet. Reverse for installation.

Carvin Service - 1(800) 854 2235

23. What is the availability of the SX300 Chassis.

SX300 Replacement Chassis:
Avail

Carvin Guitar Serial Numbers