8x10 vs. 2x15/2x6

[BoomHeadshot]

I currently have a Mesa boogie ph410. I want more headroom though. I could add a second ph410 or for the same price I could sell my current cab and build 2 fEarful 15/6 cabs. Which would you personally choose and why?

[GrowlerBox]

The fEarfuls.

Because they'll be louder.

[billfitzmaurice]

It depends on the amp. The fEarfuls are better if you're pushing them with 400 watts each, but if you don't have uber power the higher sensitivity of two 4x10s will probably be better.

[BoomHeadshot]

Since each cab is 8 ohms, they will each get about 300 watts.

[greenboy]

Sensitivity (1w/1m) of 15/6 translates like 310 with more extension. Once you start pumping real power it depends on what you listen for and what kind of mix you are in where the real corner is turned. Because the 15/6 doesn't hit power compression as much as most 410, and has a clear non-combed output. Definitely if you have more than 400 watts you'll have sailed past the 410 and will have more booty too, and with even more wattage you are in 610 territory.

That's for just o0ne 15/6. Two are crazy.

[Arjank]

When you would build a 15/6 with the 3015lf (like the fEarful) it will probably move as much air as a "regular" 410 because of the 3015lf's extended excursion.

Most 810's are closed enclosures, a vented 810 cab will going to be to big. Two 15/6 cabs equipped with the 3015lf will move way more air then a closed 810.

[JimmyM]

i like both styles of cab for different reasons. hard to beat a fearful style cab for around-the-stage clarity and big sound in a small package. but the 810 sounds like bass to me. so i like them both.

[ZachM]

Originally Posted by greenboy

Sensitivity (1w/1m) of 15/6 translates like 310 with more extension. Once you start pumping real power it depends on what you listen for and what kind of mix you are in where the real corner is turned. Because the 15/6 doesn't hit power compression as much as most 410, and has a clear non-combed output. Definitely if you have more than 400 watts you'll have sailed past the 410 and will have more booty too, and with even more wattage you are in 610 territory.

That's for just o0ne 15/6. Two are crazy.

So does that mean then that high wattage is a must for these cabs? I'm not totally sure what you mean when you say "power compression, but if high wattage are levels are ideal (or somewhat necessary) for fEarfuls then perhaps tube amps aren't ideal. I could be misunderstanding this though - just asking for a bit of clarification about this particular point.

Actually I'm thinking about building a 1515/66 and would be using it with my Reeves. Based on everything I've read about the fEarfuls I think that would be an outrageous setup. This comment just got me wondering. I would appreciate any advice or comments - thanks!

[cableguy]

Don't know if this will help but my 12/6 fEarful cab is almost as loud as my old SWR Goliath II 4X10. I still can believe how loud and clear it is. That's using about 400 watts of power. I still can't imagine how loud (2) 15/6 would be with enough power. I's sure it would rock though. I do like the sound of Mesa cabs though, sounds like a win/win whatever you choose. You might build one 15/6 play it for a while. If you like it and feel the need for another cab (you may not) sell off the Mesa 4X10. If it's not your thing you can always sell a fEarful for what you have into it. Do that and buy another 4X10. Like I said, win/win.