Aguilar DB112 vs. Gallien Krueger Neo 112-II

MysticMichael · #1 04-24-2010, 01:19 PM

I've been thinking about picking up a pair of rock-voiced 1x12 cabs for small-to-midsized club gigs. I'm looking for deep, warm, smooth lows; punchy, growly mids; and sweet, organic highs. (Note: Please don't suggest fEarful 12/6/1 cabs. They're already on my drawing board for a different application).

Two makes/models I'm considering right now are the Aguilar DB112 and the GK Neo 112-II. Am considering the Avatar SB112 as well, but for the purposes of this thread, let's just keep it to two models.

I intend to run them with an Eden Nemesis EN700 amp head - 400 watts @ 8 ohms, 550 watts @ 4 ohms, and 700 watts @ 2 ohms. Will be getting two 8-ohm cabs.

For anyone who has experience with either or both these cabs, how would you rate each one according to my ideal tone profile? Which one do you prefer - and for what specific reason(s)? Any other important ways in which they compare/contrast?

Thanks,

MM

livinglow · #2 04-24-2010, 01:24 PM

I'm going to vote on the GK Neo 112 for more "rock voiced."

KJung · #3 04-25-2010, 08:28 AM

I have not heard the newest release of the GK112's, but they get GREAT reviews around here.

I had a pair of DB112's and they were among my favorite 112's of all time... nice deep low end, VERY present but warm mid mids, and a pretty nice tweeter, although I found I needed to attenuate it to around 9 o'clock for it to sound 'balanced'.

Very nice cabs if you are looking for a more 'classic' tone... deep, but very warm and mid punchy. That's the good news. The bad news IMO is that they are a bit heavy, and the unusual format (deep, but low height), the single strap handle, and the somewhat fragile tolex/cloth grill made them a bit of a hassle to schlepp, which is why I eventually sold them.

Based on the reviews, and your tone goals, it would probably be pretty hard to beat the GK112's regarding aggressive tone, SPL, weight and especially price.

And +1... the 12/6/1 would be the last cab on earth I would want for the application you describe. Great cab for deep lows, smooth mids, and hi fi top end though.

nitsuj · #4 04-25-2010, 08:32 AM

I have 2 of the Neo112s that I run my GK 700RB through... the tone is great, and the cabs are very easily transported. I used to run my 1001RB through an Ampeg 810AV, and that tone was massive; but 200 lbs. can be quite the workout. Besides, tone wise, the NEO12 is close enough, while weighing only about 1/3 the weight of the Ampeg (that's factoring 2 of the Neos)!

MysticMichael · #5 04-25-2010, 09:55 AM

Y'know what? Scratch this. I'm gonna pick up a couple of Mesa Powerhouse 1x12 cabs, and call it good.

Mesa Powerhouse 1x12

MM

KJung · #6 04-25-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Y'know what? Scratch this. I'm gonna pick up a couple of Mesa Powerhouse 1x12 cabs, and call it good.

Mesa Powerhouse 1x12

MM

Nice cabs if you don't mind the weight (about 50 pounds each with cover... not much less than my 410

). Love the switchable crossover... really nice, high quality, nice and punchy.

MysticMichael · #7 04-25-2010, 10:21 AM

Actually, I do mind the weight. It's just that I'm persuaded the tone will be worth it.

Besides, I don't intend to schlep around these babies entirely by hand. I'm gonna get a heavy-duty dolly or cart, and let it do most of the work...

MM

Barcza · #8 08-17-2010, 03:35 PM

I had the GK NEO I. I much prefer my GS112. Much rounder tone, and go deeper. The GS112 is more power hungry cab. Maybe mid scooped slightly, but I think in a very nice way. My 74' jazz sounds better with the Aggie, I'm sure. I never tired the NEO II.

MysticMichael · #9 08-17-2010, 03:42 PM

As it turns out, I've changed my mind on getting the Mesa 1x12 anyway. I'm sure it's a dynamite cab, but upon further reflection, I think the GK Neo 112-II is probably going to give me all the "rawk" attitude I could ever need.

So that decision is a done deal. No, really!

MM