115 vs 210 combo amps

Tub Bass Scott · #1 12-09-2010, 09:42 AM

Greetings to all.

I'm in the process of an amp hunt. All I've ever personally owned have been small 15 watt practice amps for bass. I'm interested in moving into the realm of 115/210 combos. I'm very curious about the differences between these two versions of combo amps. Especially the TC Electronics.

Would any of you be willing to offer your impressions on 115 vs 210 combos? Why would you choose one over the other? Tonal characteristics?

I'm not looking to play large venues. My intended use would be mostly in the classroom. I'm a high school band director. Some small venue performance ability would be a serious plus for me.

As always, I thank you all for your wisdom and advice. I love talkbass.

Have a great day.

Scott

impactwrench · #2 12-09-2010, 10:25 AM

A price range would help narrow it down. I'm not familiar with the TC stuff but they have a $700 2x10 and a $1200 2x10.

Will you need portability? Will you need expandability?

I think the GK MB210 fits your bill. $600 new, 350-500 watts, 33 lbs, can add another 2x10 or 4x10. Ive played the 1x15 200 watt version, and it sounded good, but maybe a bit boxy, though I'm not accustomed to 15's. Personally I'm worried about blowing the speaker in a combo and not being able to run a back up cab. Also I think the type of bass you play might influence which speaker setup you might prefer. As always, its good to try out stuff in person.

Tub Bass Scott · #3 12-09-2010, 10:44 AM

Thanks for your response impactwrench. I'm sorry, I should have included a price range. I'm trying to keep it within the $700 range.

Portability really isn't an issue. I use carts for everything here at the school.

I guess what I'm asking about is the reason(s) one would choose a 115 over a 210, or vice versa.

Thank you for mentioning the GK MB210. I've been reading up on that model. The quest continues...

Scott

Sundogue · #4 12-09-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tub Bass Scott

Thanks for your response impactwrench. I'm sorry, I should have included a price range. I'm trying to keep it within the $700 range.

Portability really isn't an issue. I use carts for everything here at the school.

I guess what I'm asking about is the reason(s) one would choose a 115 over a 210, or vice versa.

Thank you for mentioning the GK MB210. I've been reading up on that model. The quest continues...

Scott

I can't give you any recommendations, but I can tell you that speaker size alone determines almost nothing. It depends on the speaker and the cabinet designed around it.

Some 210's go lower and deeper than 115's and visa versa. Is there a particular tonal profile you are after with it? Volume output?

Do a search here for Tom Bowlus (editor of Bass Gear magazine and a Talkbass member) 210, 115 and Combo shootouts where he's compared various brands.

Sundogue · #5 12-09-2010, 10:59 AM

Here's some various "shootouts" Tom did. Don't limit yourself to just combos as you are likely to find some great small head/cab configurations as well...

Combo Shootout (or, "the shootout no one asked for")

http://bowlusblog.blogspot.com/2006/...-shootout.html

Mini Cab Combo Shootout

http://bowlusblog.blogspot.com/2007/...-shootout.html

JimmyM · #6 12-09-2010, 11:26 AM

210: usually sounds a little more "complex" than a 115, often doesn't quite have as much bang on the lows because of the smaller box.

115: the opposite.

both are a tradeoff, but both can sound great. but if i had to pick only one, i'd go for the 115.

RickenBoogie · #7 12-09-2010, 12:42 PM

yup, 1x15 for me too, though either will work.

Tub Bass Scott · #8 12-10-2010, 10:11 AM

Thank you for the responses. I love reading up on this stuff.

Scott

dpbass66 · #9 12-10-2010, 10:49 AM

might be another (new) thread, but I'll ask here anyway, there a couple Bergs for sale on here (1x15) and (2x10), to be powered by my WW ultra with Fodera bass.....I have played 2-2x10 for the last 12 years or so (yes the SAME ones...SWR Goliath Jr....they are getting a bit cruddy).....

any opinions on which of the Bergs might suit my set-up better? or is it just purely 1x15 if I want more bottom/bang and 2x10 for more complexity? Ive heard that the HT115 with the tweeter does not behave like other 15's...much more , well, complex. i am torn....

BigOldHarry · #10 12-10-2010, 10:51 AM

I've had both. I didn't like either. From owning combo amps, I've learned that... I don't like combo amps.

That said, your results will vary wildly depending on brand. A cheap acoustic combo will sound... Cheap. A nice Epifani combo will sound - nice. Get it?

Bassdirty · #11 12-10-2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

That said, your results will vary wildly depending on brand. A cheap acoustic combo will sound... Cheap. A nice Epifani combo will sound - nice. Get it?

Wow, that FACT kinda hurts my feelings, and Is different than my experience.While a "Nice Epifani" does sound nice...

MY OPINION is that the "cheap acoustic" B200 (which was even cheaper, cuz I got it used

) Does not sound "cheap".. it actually sounds very nice. (a lil different than My Goliath 410) but it sounds great.(To the point that I've considered switchin my gig rig to some 15s alone..)

In fact I was blown away..Not that a combo with a 15 could sound good, BUT mainly from people on the internet insisting that they suck cuz they are inexpensive.

There are many combos that sound better..and many that sound worse.(I dont like the acoustic 210 combo) But this [Acoustic B200] was the best sounding combo that they had out of the 9+ combos that I played that day.

the only ones that sounded better (fuller/punchier/thicker) were by Markbass.(But for a practice amp, I just couldnt spend the $1100)

I will not mention the other brands that I tried that day.
IMO/IME
YMMV

I think the B200 is not only a good amp for the price, its just a good amp.
Maybe if they charged $1000 for it, it would sound better though?

End rant.

bass_snake · #12 12-10-2010, 11:39 AM

Try them both and see what you like best. Goodluck! I prefer 210s by the way.

Fred

BigOldHarry · #13 12-10-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassdirty

Wow, that FACT kinda hurts my feelings, and Is different than my experience.While a "Nice Epifani" does sound nice...

MY OPINION is that the "cheap acoustic" B200 (which was even cheaper, cuz I got it used

) Does not sound "cheap".. it actually sounds very nice. (a lil different than My Goliath 410) but it sounds great.(To the point that I've considered switchin my gig rig to some 15s alone..)

In fact I was blown away..Not that a combo with a 15 could sound good, BUT mainly from people on the internet insisting that they suck cuz they are inexpensive.

There are many combos that sound better..and many that sound worse.(I dont like the acoustic 210 combo) But this [Acoustic B200] was the best sounding combo that they had out of the 9+ combos that I played that day.

the only ones that sounded better (fuller/punchier/thicker) were by Markbass.(But for a practice amp, I just couldnt spend the $1100)

I will not mention the other brands that I tried that day.
IMO/IME
YMMV

I think the B200 is not only a good amp for the price, its just a good amp.
Maybe if they charged $1000 for it, it would sound better though?

End rant.

Ah, so the old, cheap Acoustic combo that I had for years and sold for squat didn't suck... I stand corrected.

It's odd to me that folks get defensive about their gear. I've bought *plenty* of gear that was not very good and at no point did I take it as a personal attack when someone said "dude, that kinda sucks...". Bad is bad, cheap is cheap. You get what you pay for - that's what it took me years to learn.

Bassdirty · #14 12-10-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Ah, so the old, cheap Acoustic combo that I had for years and sold for squat didn't suck... I stand corrected.

It's odd to me that folks get defensive about their gear. I've bought *plenty* of gear that was not very good and at no point did I take it as a personal attack when someone said "dude, that kinda sucks...". Bad is bad, cheap is cheap. You get what you pay for - that's what it took me years to learn.

I suppose yours did.
I dont know...and I dont know the model, or anything else about it.

Don't know why you would be surprised that I got defensive when you say my amp sounds "cheap".?.

You just Generalized.
I gave a little more detail about "MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE".
Sorry to offend.(Although I thought I spelled it out pret-ty clearly when I said "IN MY OPINION" and the like.)

So I guess to the OP..Just Find the most expensive combo you can find, that will sound the best?

I was just trying to help with an experience was all.
You even said you don't like combos at all..so...

Good Luck to OP.

Cycho · #15 12-10-2010, 04:01 PM

I had that decision to make just tonight! I wound up buying a 1x15 not because I have anything against a 2x10 -- it was just the best sounding small cab in the store.

Bring your bass to the store and do comparisons. Make the salesman set up whatever combination you want to hear. That's his job.

Don't forget to check in with your bass so there is no question about who owns it. That could get ugly quick.

Alex1984 · #16 12-10-2010, 05:58 PM

I would look into a Mesa Buster 210 combo or the SWR Redhead (Super or not). The B100R or B200R should both be great too.

Stilettoprefer · #17 12-10-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I've had both. I didn't like either. From owning combo amps, I've learned that... I don't like combo amps.

That said, your results will vary wildly depending on brand. A cheap acoustic combo will sound... Cheap. A nice Epifani combo will sound - nice. Get it?

Dude I could not disagree with you more on the acoustic combo. (unless you played the b100, then I understand) the b200 combo is simply amazing!!!! I'm a trombone and upright player along with electric bass so I know classy tone and acoustic has it!