610, 810... What Cab should I get and whats the difference?

jessemutz · #1 09-18-2010, 11:07 PM

Hey all. I have a really old SVT-VR head and was wondering about which cab to get. My friend is wanting to sell me his 610HLF (along with his ampeg B2RE head) for a total of $650.
I'm not quite sure what the difference is between the 610HLF and the 810 models ampeg makes (aside from the 2 extra 10" speakers). The price is the same on all of them it seems.
I am a session player but mainly play blues, pop, and contemporary worship so that warm, creamy low end is a must for my sound.
Any advice is helpful. Thanks!

Sartori · #2 09-19-2010, 02:02 AM

The Ampeg 810e is a sealed cabinet. The 610HLF is a ported cab. Ported cabs generally get deeper low end extension than sealed ones. That isn't to say that they're better, though, just different. A lot of people describe the 810's as being "tight" and "punchy." A big generalization would be to say that with the same amp and same EQ settings, the 610HLF might sound more "modern" and the 810 more "vintage." I'm not sure if the same is true of the 610HLF, but the frequency response chart I saw on here a few months back of the 410HLF showed it to be fairly mid-scooped.

Ultimately, it's up to you which you like better. If you have the opportunity to do so, try both of them. While they may cost similar amounts new, one advantage with the 810 is that you can find them fairly cheaply used, as they've been quite popular.

Also, the SVT-VR is a fairly recent model. Hence, not sure I'd describe any of them as "really old." Are you sure it's a VR model and not an older SVT-CL or even a 70's SVT?

rpsands · #3 09-19-2010, 02:39 AM

Neither one of those cabinets is a worthwhile option at the price you're discussing. 500 would be my limit for a usex 8x10, about 350 for a 610HLF, and buying the B2RE is silly unless you need a backup.

As a live working musician in a lot of different genres, I would recommend the 8x10. It's recognized and an industry standard and it will make you look really professional to people who don't know any better. The 6x10 is close enough, but it's going to have more low end and is easy to get out of hand on the bottom in my opinion. The smoother rolloff of the 8x10 will be easier to get a working sound in most mixes.

But, don't pay 650 for a used 8x10.

Sartori · #4 09-19-2010, 02:45 AM

Indeed, you can find a 810 used for quite a bit cheaper than $650.

rpsands · #5 09-19-2010, 02:48 AM

Here's just a random one:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...950352454.html

Sartori · #6 09-19-2010, 02:58 AM

That's a flatback, too.

Kraken · #7 09-19-2010, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

That's a flatback, too.

meaning that at the end of every night after moving it you will be flat on your back

I kid

I tend to find the 610HLF has a nice frequency range, with lots of lows and quite a decent midrange and the Horn which has it's own level 'volume' if you like on the back of the cab to let you dial in how much sparkle it adds.

I would describe the 610HLF as a 410HLF with 2 more speakers than like the 810 with two less.

that said (and no disrespect meant to Sartori) I don't tend to find that the 610HLF loses midrange, but I am not going to argue with a frequency chart

I have used the 810's in the past and they are great cabs, but their strength is definitley that low-mid punch and growl.

any of them will be good cabs, second hand prices will vary and I would, if you can, take your head and bass and try them before you buy.

Have fun!

Gearhead17 · #8 09-19-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessemutz

I am a session player but mainly play blues, pop, and contemporary worship so that warm, creamy low end is a must for my sound.
Any advice is helpful. Thanks!

I suggest the 810e. It will get that tone right away! The 610hlf is a nice cab with a tweeter and a looser sounding low end compared to the 810e. The 810 is a solid and massive tone - very warm sounding too. No tweeter on the 810e.

DBTOYS · #9 09-19-2010, 04:23 PM

i have had both and i like my 610 hlf better it has a different sound play both then decide for your self

if you are getting the head + the cab for 650 i would jump!!!!

I too am a Blues player and it sets well in the MIX!!

**jlepre** · #10 09-19-2010, 05:30 PM

200?

jessemutz · #11 09-19-2010, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sartori

Indeed, you can find a 810 used for quite a bit cheaper than $650.

Actually the price of $650 is for the 610HLF and the B2RE. I don't have a gig cab, just a 1x12 practice amp. And the head I play through now stays with the church I play with, but I gig and travel with it when I need to. So my thought was to get the 610 and the B2RE and trade them for the 70s SVT (easier for them to move around).

D Bopp · #12 09-19-2010, 10:13 PM

I play an SVT-VR through a 610HLF. The 610 sounds great and it is definitely right up your alley tone-wise. I like the 810's and have owned one in the past. But the 610 fits sideways in the back of my Honda Element.

Sartori · #13 09-19-2010, 10:41 PM

Psshh, my friend puts his 810 in his Hyundai.

Sartori · #14 09-19-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessemutz

Actually the price of $650 is for the 610HLF and the B2RE. I don't have a gig cab, just a 1x12 practice amp. And the head I play through now stays with the church I play with, but I gig and travel with it when I need to. So my thought was to get the 610 and the B2RE and trade them for the 70s SVT (easier for them to move around).

Trade them both the 610 and the B2RE for the 70's SVT? Unless you mean trading just the B2RE for it? The church would make such an unfair trade?

svtb15 · #15 09-19-2010, 10:59 PM

I just got a late 80s SVT 810 for $200 on craiglist... Guess I got a killer deal... .. Speakers are in perfect condition.. there are deals out there