Aguilar DB112 -vs SL112.....help me spend my money!

[g4string]

I "think" I have narrowed down my new rig search. I am fairly certain I am going to get an Aguilar TH500 amp and either a pair of DB112's (one with tweet, one with out) or a pair of SL112's. I am wondering what pair of speakers will sound best with the TH500. FWIW, I play a Lakland 5594. My music styles are varied. I need these speakers to fit for a wide variety of styles; jazz, rock, country, blues, jam-band.

What I like about the SL's are the weight!! They seem like they would be a pretty easy load in/portable. You really can't beat a 25lb 112 package!! I have read couple of reviews on TB where the SL's were compared to the AE112. It seems that some guys prefer the SL's over the AE's.....and some guys prefer the AE's over the SL's. Either way, both the AE and SL cabs are prob more similar than different. The major caveat I face ordering the SL's is the neodym craze going on. I would really hate to order a set of speakers that may/may not end up on the discontinued side of Aguilars inventory. With the neodym madness going, and if the SL's end up discontinued; this may mean finding a replacement driver in the distant future could end up being a fruitless search or a real expensive endeavor. Aguilar claims they have no plans to discontinue the SL112 AND that they have plenty of drivers on hand. But, they aren't going to tell some guy (me) their business plan on the phone. So, I still have fears about the viability of the SL line. Additionally, I am sure the drivers they have on hand will eventually dwindle away with current production of the SL112. So who knows the availability of a replacement driver when I may need one (if I ever).

Regarding the DB112's. I have zero fears on getting replacement parts for this cab. The driver/tweet is the same as the GS series. If Aguilar were to ever go under (unlikely, but possible), finding a suitable after-market driver would be an easy task (assuming I kept the cabs that long). Of course, then there is the weight difference....20lb difference. Two SL's are only 5lbs heavier than one DB!! I guess what matters the most is how the DB's compare to the SL's tonally. I have read some comparisons between the AE's and DB's, but I can find nothing comparing the DB's to the SL's. So this is where you guys come in!! Again, I will be using the TH500 as amplification with a Lakland 5594.

FWIW, if I go the route of the DB's (one w/ tweet and one w/o tweet) + a TH500 = cost is $1725. If I go the SL pair with a TH500 = cost is $1975......difference if $250. I know it's not too much of a difference. But nonetheless, its $250 bucks!!! Also, if I ever were to need a driver; would the driver cost me the $250 I saved -vs- the $125 cost for a ceramic traditional replacement. Additionally, the weight savings....is the extra weight reduction worth $250?? Too much to think about?? HELP!!

[Low Class]

The SL112 are nice cabs, but if it were me I'd also consider the Baer ML112.

[Virgil]

I have done a comparison between the two, and the DB's are great cabs, but I bought 2 SL's. By the way, Amazon is selling them for $675. Maybe at extreme levels the DB's will perform better, but otherwise not. I hear ya on the issue of availability of neo speakers if one is blown. The best thing to do is to buy extra's now. The weight difference is huge. My SL's are a non-issue as far as weight is concerned, the DB's are very heavy, don't underestimate the difference. I used both SL's last week at a gig. Bass players who were in the audience told me that they felt the bass in their chest. As for the amp, I am not a fan of the TH500. It cannot give you all that the cabs can put out. I tried the TH500 and the cabs farted at low volume.....it wasn't the cabs. I use my SL's with an Epifani UL 902, which kicks out 900 watts a side, and the cabs love it, no farting. I know the cabs are rated at 250 watts RMS, but they can handle much more of clean power. Try other amps. IMHO.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Low Class

The SL112 are nice cabs, but if it were me I'd also consider the Baer ML112.

Thanks for the recommendation. I looked at their website....the only way to contact them is through email I don't like it when companies don't list an address, phone # etc. Me, I like to know that if I need to phone somebody, I can call and speak to someone. That's a poor CS issue on their behalf. I think I will stick with Aguilar.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Virgil

I have done a comparison between the two, and the DB's are great cabs, but I bought 2 SL's. By the way, Amazon is selling them for $675. Maybe at extreme levels the DB's will perform better, but otherwise not. I hear ya on the issue of availability of neo speakers if one is blown. The best thing to do is to buy extra's now. The weight difference is huge. My SL's are a non-issue as far as weight is concerned, the DB's are very heavy, don't underestimate the difference. I used both SL's last week at a gig. Bass players who were in the audience told me that they felt the bass in their chest. As for the amp, I am not a fan of the TH500. It cannot give you all that the cabs can put out. I tried the TH500 and the cabs farted at low volume.....it wasn't the cabs. I use my SL's with an Epifani UL 902, which kicks out 900 watts a side, and the cabs love it, no farting. I know the cabs are rated at 250 watts RMS, but they can handle much more of clean power. Try other amps. IMHO.

Virgil....yah, I thought about getting a couple spare drivers for future use "just in case". I suppose I should call Aguilar tomorrow to see what a driver or two would cost. Thanks for the heads up on the amp. I read through the TH500 thread last night, all 48 pages. I don't know if you posted this in that thread. I may or may not recall reading about your issue during my research....it was a lot to soak in on a single read. However, during all of my reading on the TH500, your experience seems to be unique. Do you think you had a bum amp or do you think all TH500's will respond the same way your's did. Aguilar does offer a 3 year warranty. Either way, I will read some more about the amp to see if others share the same experience as you have. Thanks for the reply!

[Low Class]

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the recommendation. I looked at their website....the only way to contact them is through email I don't like it when companies don't list an address, phone # etc. Me, I like to know that if I need to phone somebody, I can call and speak to someone. That's a poor CS issue on their behalf. I think I will stick with Aguilar.

Look again, the phone # is on the bottom of the purchase page.

http://www.baeramps.com/purchase.html

There is also a 10 day return policy.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Low Class

Look again, the phone # is on the bottom of the purchase page.

Purchase Baer Amplification Bass Amplifier and Cabinets

There is also a 10 day return policy.

Oh yah....missed it. Thanks.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Low Class

Look again, the phone # is on the bottom of the purchase page.

Purchase Baer Amplification Bass Amplifier and Cabinets

There is also a 10 day return policy.

Hmmm. Doing a little research on the Baer's. They look promising. I didn't realize they were built by a TB'r.

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the recommendation. I looked at their website....the only way to contact them is through email I don't like it when companies don't list an address, phone # etc. Me, I like to know that if I need to phone somebody, I can call and speak to someone. That's a poor CS issue on their behalf. I think I will stick with Aguilar.

For now, I am currently the company's, graphic designer, along with everything else. Any feedback on the site, as to what works and doesn't work is always appreciated. g4string makes a good point here and I agree that info is too difficult to find. I am going to add the contact info with address and phone number to the contact page as well (sometimes, the obvious just eludes me till somebody points it out). LOL

Thanks

[g4string]

Originally Posted by R Baer

For now, I am currently the companies, graphic designer, along with everything else. Any feedback on the site, as to what works and doesn't work is always appreciated. g4string makes a good point here and I agree that info is too difficult to find. I am going to add the contact info with address and phone number to the contact page as well (sometimes, the obvious just eludes me till somebody points it out). LOL

Thanks

An "about/history" section would be nice too. Your gonna get a call from me tomorrow regarding your 112 cabs. Got some ?'s.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Low Class

The SL112 are nice cabs, but if it were me I'd also consider the Baer ML112.

Thanks for the recommendation. I bought a pair of ML112's. I think the ML's will be miles ahead of the DB's and SL's.

[Low Class]

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the recommendation. I bought a pair of ML112's. I think the ML's will be miles ahead of the DB's and SL's.

Awesome!! Looking forward to a review.

[TomB]

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the recommendation. I bought a pair of ML112's. I think the ML's will be miles ahead of the DB's and SL's.

Why do you think so? I'm not meaning to challenge, just curious what you're thinking will make them miles ahead. Thanks.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by TomB

Why do you think so? I'm not meaning to challenge, just curious what you're thinking will make them miles ahead. Thanks.

Can't comment on the SL's, since I've never heard them.

I've very familiar with the DB's and the ML's. The ML's are lighter, and they are based on a custom version of the amazing Eminence 3012LF driver, which has mechanical specs that are far above most production bass cabs (it really is almost a subwoofer type PA driver). That means they go lower and get louder before compressing.

Also, the top end is covered by the VERY nice sounding Faital mid driver, which extend almost as high as a typical tweeter, but covers the upper midrange also, resulting in a nice bright tone that is 'distortion friendly' and also much more even between the mid mids through the lower treble.

There is also a bit better spread of the top end to the sides of the stage, due to the upper mids coming from a small, paper cone driver, but that is more of a 'small bonus' to me than a huge positive. Nice though.

[g4string]

Originally Posted by KJung

Can't comment on the SL's, since I've never heard them.

I've very familiar with the DB's and the ML's. The ML's are lighter, and they are based on a custom version of the amazing Eminence 3012LF driver, which has mechanical specs that are far above most production bass cabs (it really is almost a subwoofer type PA driver). That means they go lower and get louder before compressing.

Also, the top end is covered by the VERY nice sounding Faital mid driver, which extend almost as high as a typical tweeter, but covers the upper midrange also, resulting in a nice bright tone that is 'distortion friendly' and also much more even between the mid mids through the lower treble.

There is also a bit better spread of the top end to the sides of the stage, due to the upper mids coming from a small, paper cone driver, but that is more of a 'small bonus' to me than a huge positive. Nice though.

He couldn't have said it any better

[Alphaman]

Any updates?

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Alphaman

Any updates?

Are you referring to the ML112's? If so....so far 1 has been all I have needed. I am fairly certain 1 DB, SL, or GS would not be able to hang like my ML112 has. Of course, my generalization is being made from my history/past with the GS112's (applying what I know about the GS112 and tacking that onto what I think a DB or SL would be able to do). I do have a pair of ML112's. But again, 1 standalone has been more than enough so far. A jazz/fusion band I am putting together is audition drummers tomorrow night (4). I am bringing the pair of ML112's just for giggles, and incase a heavy handed drummer shows up. I can report back if needed....if in fact you were inquiring about the ML112 pair.

[Alphaman]

Originally Posted by g4string

Are you referring to the ML112's? If so....so far 1 has been all I have needed. I am fairly certain 1 DB, SL, or GS would not be able to hang like my ML112 has. Of course, my generalization is being made from my history/past with the GS112's (applying what I know about the GS112 and tacking that onto what I think a DB or SL would be able to do). I do have a pair of ML112's. But again, 1 standalone has been more than enough so far. A jazz/fusion band I am putting together is audition drummers tomorrow night (4). I am bringing the pair of ML112's just for giggles, and incase a heavy handed drummer shows up. I can report back if needed....if in fact you were inquiring about the ML112 pair.

Yes, I'm very interested in your thoughts on the ML112 versus the other cabs you've played with. Is it very articulate? Can you slap with it? Is it really punchy? Inquiring minds would like to know...

[pan1k]

OH no, I'm on the fences as to what cabs to buy. Through this thread, I have narrowed it down to the Baer MLS or the Aggie SLS. Part of me is interested in the 6" drivers of the Baers, the other half wants to keep with the Aggie brand since I have a TH500. I like the vintage look of the SLs a lil better, the MLs look to Hi Fi for my tastes. But the ML12s have a $100 cheaper price tag.. OH NO! I wonder if Roger would send me one to demo? Then again if he did that, I know I'd probably end up buying one... or 2

[B String]

Originally Posted by g4string

Thanks for the recommendation. I looked at their website....the only way to contact them is through email I don't like it when companies don't list an address, phone # etc. Me, I like to know that if I need to phone somebody, I can call and speak to someone. That's a poor CS issue on their behalf. I think I will stick with Aguilar.

Not to be argumentative but I just went on the site and found the number to call Roger. 661-947-5336 8-5m PST
He is definitely available by phone.
The ML112 is a very impressive box. Ask Ken Jung or Tom Bowlus. Of the two boxes you're asking about, I like the SL's.