2x10 suggestions please

jlt5x · #1 08-27-2010, 08:34 AM

I am running a Shuttle 9. Currently running into a Ampeg 410hlf. Too heavy, pretty muddy. Want lighter, punchier, cleaner. Going the 2 2x10 route.

Want lighter weight, not too expensive. Definitely would try to get used, so price should factor that in (maybe 300-500 each), as well as availability.

Looking at around 40-45 pounds, maybe around 400 watts, 8 ohm cabs.

Bergantino AE210 – probably good but maybe a little pricey
Epifani UL210 – probably good, should be able to find used in my range? Whats up with the different series?
Uber 210 – too heavy, pricey. Aguilar heavy too.
Avatar B210 – good price. Too good? Look nice. Get pretty good reviews. Are these in same class as these other cabs? That is the question....

These are what I have been thinking about – open to other suggestions. Def looking at 210's though.

Thanks for your insight….

MysticMichael · #2 08-27-2010, 08:42 AM

The consensus wisdom around here is that Avatar delivers around 80% - 90% of the value of the boutique brands, at half the cost - or less. Relatively speaking, you pay dearly for that extra 10% - 20%.

The Bergantino will do what you want, no doubt. But can you afford them? Even used?

A lot of this boils down to your budget...

MM

Thunderthumbs73 · #3 08-27-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlt5x

I am running a Shuttle 9. Currently running into a Ampeg 410hlf. Too heavy, pretty muddy. Want lighter, punchier, cleaner. Going the 2 2x10 route.

Want lighter weight, not too expensive. Definitely would try to get used, so price should factor that in (maybe 300-500 each), as well as availability.

Looking at around 40-45 pounds, maybe around 400 watts, 8 ohm cabs.

Bergantino AE210 – probably good but maybe a little pricey
Epifani UL210 – probably good, should be able to find used in my range? Whats up with the different series?
Uber 210 – too heavy, pricey. Aguilar heavy too.
Avatar B210 – good price. Too good? Look nice. Get pretty good reviews. Are these in same class as these other cabs? That is the question....

These are what I have been thinking about – open to other suggestions. Def looking at 210's though.

Thanks for your insight….

Since you mention some sonic objectives as basis for your search, but in the cabs you mention as potential candidates, you do not mention these same objectives, I'd have to ask, what have you heard, and does it or does it not sound good to YOUR ear????

T. Alan Smith · #4 08-27-2010, 08:51 AM

No experience with what you've listed. Here's what I know(a bit dated since I've not been looking at 2x10's for some time)-
> SWR Goliath Jr III, my fave for hi fi, size/weight, definitely leaner punch than your 'Peg
> Eden, a touch warmer than the Goliath Jr III, I especially liked this with a GK RB series head
> Hartke's older series, clean n clear but meh on character
> GK's older series, a bit warmer than Hartke but again, meh on character
> ADA, just did not like all the way around
> Peavey TX210 blew away the Hartke, GK & ADA at the time

clubdude · #5 08-27-2010, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlt5x

I am running a Shuttle 9. Currently running into a Ampeg 410hlf. Too heavy, pretty muddy. Want lighter, punchier, cleaner. Going the 2 2x10 route.

Want lighter weight, not too expensive. Definitely would try to get used, so price should factor that in (maybe 300-500 each), as well as availability.

Looking at around 40-45 pounds, maybe around 400 watts, 8 ohm cabs.

Bergantino AE210 – probably good but maybe a little pricey
Epifani UL210 – probably good, should be able to find used in my range? Whats up with the different series?
Uber 210 – too heavy, pricey. Aguilar heavy too.
Avatar B210 – good price. Too good? Look nice. Get pretty good reviews. Are these in same class as these other cabs? That is the question....

These are what I have been thinking about – open to other suggestions. Def looking at 210's though.

Thanks for your insight….

I own an Avatar B210Neo. It will smoke a lot of 4x10's. In fact I used it with a 410 in a stack, (power by Hartke LH1000) and it held its' own very well. Weighs around 42 lbs. I can carry it with one hand (& I'm not a big guy). Dave at Avatar is a great guy, and will answer your questions in detail. Takes 500w, and has nice tweeter. I have the red Tolex one, just because he had one with a nick on it. Available in either 4 or 8 ohms, with several different cover possibilities. sales@avatarspeakers.com;

Another alternative is the new HX112 HyDrive 1x12 cab from Hartke. 30lbs/300w, with killer tone. Also is switchable from
4 ohms to 8ohm. Nice feature. You could even use two of them together at 8ohms each (2x12's), and a 2x10 at 4ohms, if your amp will survive 2ohms. Lot's of versatility. I just heard one, and was stunned. http://www.samsontech.com/products/p...2042&brandID=3

All the HyDrives are great. That's why I just bought two, so I'm biased, I admit. But I love Avatar's, also.

Good luck and have fun.
CD

jlt5x · #6 08-27-2010, 08:54 AM

Just starting the process, so haven't really played on any of them yet. Want to narrow it down to a couple and then try to find some to play. Obviously that will decide it for me. Just hoping to get some extra insights....

Thanks!

pstyle · #7 08-27-2010, 08:58 AM

I was looking for compact 2x10's and ended up getting a used Schroeder 1212L... it's a 800watt 2x12, 47lbs (i think) and smaller than a 2x10. Paid about $450 for it used mint. Definitely check it out if you want the loudest cab in the smallest package.

jgroh · #8 08-27-2010, 09:08 AM

I have a Markbass LMII that runs into my Ampeg 410HLF as my main rig, but found I needed something for some of the small gigs we play. So I bought an Ampeg SVT-210AV and love it! I still have the 410HLF and I like it but, the 210AV is definitely not muddy. There was a pretty lengthy thread about them here somewhere, search for more info. And, they are a great price too.

jokerjkny · #9 08-27-2010, 09:10 AM

a pair of aguilar db210's.

they're not neo-whatever, but they are rather small compared to other 2x10's, and surprisingly easy to carry. yet, they're loud, have alot of midrange content in its voicing, and pack an amazing punch. that extra heaping of midrange does make them incredibly voiced, compared to the other cabs in your list, but it'll help you stand out nice and stout in the mix.

another one to consider is the berg hs210.

its a bit heavier than the ae210 obviously, but i MUCH prefer its steelier tougher more pounding lower end than the softer sounds of the ae210 cab. it is a more balanced cab that has a bit more of a clearer midrange than the aguilar db210, and its top end is alot nicer. a pair would be devastating!

jlt5x · #10 08-27-2010, 09:14 AM

I was looking at the db210's. They seem a little heavier than the others (15 lbs or so). I would like to play through them though. If I love 'em, I might excuse the extra weight....

jlt5x · #11 08-27-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jokerjkny

another one to consider is the berg hs210.

I will check these - thanks!

RNV · #12 08-27-2010, 09:27 AM

I hear that Carvin will rewire a cab to be 8 Ohms. Try the BRX210NEO. On sale right now and weigh 46lbs. I have the 410 version and LOVE IT!!!!

http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamp...sscabinets.php

T. Alan Smith · #13 08-27-2010, 09:31 AM

I wouldn't mind reading some reviews(comparative, preferably) on the new Ampeg neo 2x10".

MysticMichael · #14 08-27-2010, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RNV

I hear that Carvin will rewire a cab to be 8 Ohms.

You sure about that? That's news to me...

MM

RNV · #15 08-27-2010, 09:43 AM

I read on here that if you ask nicely they will do it, but its yours. Their awesome return policy goes out the window. But I know some of the other Carvinites will chime in to clarify.

Jim Carr · #16 08-27-2010, 10:56 AM

I like my pair of Epifani 210 cabs very very much. You can count on these for focused but bountiful low end, clarity, and lots of volume. I have been a user of Epifani cabs for almost 4 years. The more I use them, the more I like them.

The UL (ultra-light) series 1 and series 2 are only slightly different. When I hear them, I don't have a strong impression of different inherent colors. In fact, my older and much heavier Epifani NYC t-210, while a bit wider in the low end, still sounds essentially like an epi 210 to me, and pairs happily with my UL1 210 or even with my 4 ohm UL1 410.

If you can find a pair of UL1 or UL2 8 ohm 210s, you will not regret the effort. I think you will probably pay between $400 and $500 each, picked-up. Mine are NOT for sale.

jlt5x · #17 08-27-2010, 11:00 AM

Great info on the Epi's

Thanks!

Jim Carr · #18 08-27-2010, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlt5x

Great info on the Epi's. Thanks!

You are most welcome. I forgot to add that the 10" drivers are different in the NYC, UL1, and UL2 series, and also the wood used varies, though the appearance is the same, save for a "UL series 2" designation on the badge of most series 2 cabs. I have read that the UL1 cabs are the lightest.

There will be those who say the NYC cabs have the most lows of the three, with UL1 the next most "booty-licious," and the UL2 the least. Honestly, I don't think their is much difference. IMHO, how you set the cross-over has a bigger impact on the color of the cab. In fact, Gruuv replaced the crossover at least once and maybe twice in my NYC t-210 before I bought it--so it probably has a later version of the crossover.

I might add I have never had any problems with any of the 3 Epifani cabs I own, and they were all purchased used. I don't drive them super hard, but I have used a Crest CA6, a Shuttle 6.0 and a Mesa Boogie Carbine M9. They are not afraid of power.

Tony G · #19 08-27-2010, 01:01 PM

The AE210 is the single best 2x10 cab I've ever used, for my situation of course.

BigOldHarry · #20 08-27-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

I like my pair of Epifani 210 cabs very very much. You can count on these for focused but bountiful low end, clarity, and lots of volume. I have been a user of Epifani cabs for almost 4 years. The more I use them, the more I like them.

The UL (ultra-light) series 1 and series 2 are only slightly different. When I hear them, I don't have a strong impression of different inherent colors. In fact, my older and much heavier Epifani NYC t-210, while a bit wider in the low end, still sounds essentially like an epi 210 to me, and pairs happily with my UL1 210 or even with my 4 ohm UL1 410.

If you can find a pair of UL1 or UL2 8 ohm 210s, you will not regret the effort. I think you will probably pay between $400 and $500 each, picked-up. Mine are NOT for sale.

^^ What he said. I *love* my Epi NYC 2x10s. LOVE THEM!