Hi,
would like to settle this once and for all.
A few years ago now, I posted on usenet about testing the Mackie SW1501 amp module on the bench with a sine wave at 8 ohms. They blow up. Well mine did and I had to mend them again.
I'm pretty sure it was Phil Allison who pointed out that the amp circuit is not capable of full sinewave power at 8 ohms without exceeding the transistor specs.
Here is the schematic, it specifies a 12 ohm driver.
Googling for replacement drivers brings up recommendations by Eminence that you use one of their 8 ohm drivers.
It also brings up that originally, (apparently), Mackie used an RCF driver, and later went on to use a modified P-audio C15-300MB. I don't know if these were 16 ohm or 8 ohm drivers.
So I have another customer with one of a pair of these subs that needs a new driver. In the past I have instructed my local reconer to put a 16 ohm coil in these (he rolls his own).
I suspect this is by far the best plan, but would like some confirmation or further info if anyone has any.
Cheers,
Gareth.