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Post subject: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:55 pm
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Roadie
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Hello all... I have an old Passport I've had for probably ten years or close to it. It has served me well... it's the one with 4 mic input channels, two stereo channels, and all the EQ knobs go from blue to red, rather than low to high, LOL. I believe it is either 400 or 500 watts, all grey outer enclosure, latches on the top as opposed to the side like newer models. The speaker cabinets each house four speakers, probably 6" or 8", I'm not sure.

Recently, I've sterted getting some serious distortion out of the speakers, most likely a blown speaker issue. I was wondering if you can still get replacement speakers for this unit from Fender, or if I would be better off just getting a cheap pair of new full range speaker cabinets. I'd guess that 250 watt cabs would be sufficient, right? I'm not so much worried about the portability, I only use it for vocals at band practice. I'm just looking to get rid of the farty, blown speaker sound for as little cost as possible.

Sorry I don't have the model number handy, but the unit is at our practice space and no practice until monday... hopefully my description is enough for you guys to know what unit I'm talking about... if not I can answer more questions from memory as best as possible.

Thanks in advance!

- Jason


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:38 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Hi.

This forum doesn't get answered by Fender employees very often. It happens, but don't hold your breath.

I don't work for Fender. I just have two Passports and have used them for a variety of settings. I understand them well and read the manuals even for the ones I don't have. I have a 500 and a 300. Both are "Pro".

If I were you, I'd look at the unit to get the exact model name as the first step. Next, if you can't find the manual for it, look online at this Web site. They have manuals for all the Passport models.

Go to a music store where you might buy a Passport and ask them to look into what it would cost to replace the speaker. This is your first choice. You know the speaker is well matched to the amp. Other speakers might be, or might not be. Start with what you know is "standard" and then look at others for comparison.

Avoid using an home stereo speaker. They are not built to take these volume levels. They won't last. You want a PA speaker.

You want a "passive", not an "active" speaker. You do not want a "powered" speaker.

Note that for a Passport 500, you want a 250 watt speaker. The "system" is 500 watts, but that means two 250 watt speakers. Similarly, a Passport 300 needs two 150 watt speakers, and a Passport 250 needs two 125 watt speakers. Etc.

Look at prices. Favor the Fender over anything else, but if you get a great price and you test something else out that sounds okay for a lot less, enjoy your bargain. I hope it lasts as long as your Fender did.


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:52 am
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Roadie
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Yeah, I meant PA cabinets, not stereo system speakers, of course... I haven't done that since high school, LOL!

Good idea on searching the site for the manual, I figured they wouldn't have it up anmore with my model being so old. I'll start there... Assuming I can find the right model, then it's just a matter of how much the cost of the 8 individual speakers is versus just buying two new cheap PA speakers. A pair of 1x12 or 1x15 cabinets with horns would be fine, just something that can handle the amp so I don't end up blowing them again.

Thanks for the reply!


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:25 pm
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Roadie
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Got the model and serial no.:

MODEL: PASSPORT
P/N: 069-1002
SERIAL NO./DATE CODE: N053318H

And it does say "Max power 500 Watt" near the "UL Listed" stamp. I would guess that means that I would need speaker enclosures that can handle 250 watts each, correct?

Any info on direct replacement speakers for this, preferably individual drivers, or full cabinets if necessary, would be appreciated.


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:28 am
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Aspiring Musician
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Yes, 250 watts per speaker cabinet. You might try to contact Fender tech support, or go to any place that carries Fender PA systems and see about replacement parts.
If you have to go outside Fender, the things that MUST be remembered are:
1. Passive speakers, not active or powered speakers.
2. 1/4" TS ports to plug in, or you'll need new cables, because the ones that come with the Passport have 1/4" TS plugs at both ends.
3. PA speakers, not home stereo speakers. Home stereo speakers can be more sensitive in terms of quality of sound, but they can't handle the overload situations that PA systems dish out when you have feedback. The wiring fries.
4. 250 watts per cabinet. Two cabinets.
The Fenders would be first choice, because engineers who are supposed to know this stuff have matched the amp with the speakers. Other speakers haven't had that design criteria.

If you do wind up with "active" or "powered" speakers, given enough adapters, you can go from the 1/8" TRS "Stereo Out" port on the Fender to a pair of 1/4" TR or XLR plugs to go into the active speakers. If you do this, you are bypassing the power amp of the Fender and using the power amps built into the speakers instead. In essence, you'd use what's left of the Passport as a portable mixer with reverb.


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:34 am
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Roadie
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Thanks for the info! I did send Fender an email too, hopefully they respond with direct replacement info. If not, do you know what impedance I'd be looking for? I'd assume 4 ohms per cabinet, but I'd hate to be wrong and fry something...


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Post subject: Re: Old, possibly first gen Passport... speaker question
Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:10 pm
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Hobbyist
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We can all feel your pain at having speakers NOT produce the sound you want.

There are some points of clarification I would like to offer.

The speaker cabinets you need are long out of production. In fact, the Passport has undergone at least two overhauls since your unit was made.

The speaker cabinets should be rated at 125 watts, not 250. The 500 watts listed on the amplifier refers to the maximum momentary output of the amplifier and speakers. The original speakers are rated at 125 Watts each and the amp at 125 watts per channel. It is a P250 model.

Over the last couple of days I have been seeking information on cabinets for this unit. My internet research indicates that there are few in the marketplace. You can purchase a used unit that contains speaker cabinets. There are a few on the market. There are two sets of Extension Speakers, one comes with a P250 for $550.00 from someone in Seattle. I have the other set. I am currently holding them for someone until 3/2/13. Now, and after that date if I have them, they cost $250.00 plus shipping (45#).

You can give me a shout after 3/2 if you have an interest in replacing your cabinets with cabinets designed and manufactured by Fender for your amplifier.


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