Which amp for Audiokinesis TC112 or TC115

[g4string]

Im on the fence on whether or not to get a Mesa Walkabout Scout 112 combo with 112 ext cab -or- getting a TC112 (maybe TC115) plus head. I would prob hold off on getting a second ext cab for the TC rig, just to keep cost low. In the future, if needs dictate, I will get another TC cab. The possible need for another cab may influence what amp would be needed (due to running at 2ohms - I don't know if TC cabs are offered at 8ohms, I think they are only 4ohms).

With that being said, what amp is the best amp to run with TC cabs. FWIW, I am used to the MB LMII and Puma 500. Additionally, I play a Lakland 5594. I am looking for a micro under $1000 (used or new). The potential for running at 2ohms may be a factor if I ever need to run 2 TC cabs if TC cabs are not offered at 8ohms.

Thanks!!

[babebambi]

If you were considering the WAS combo, then I think the WA head should be on your list to pair with the TC.

Fellow forum member Lomo had the TC12 with the WA, I think he is switching to the TC15 for higher sensitivity.

The WA can go down to 2ohm if you need to drive two TC15. I do think all TC are 4 ohm only.

[KJung]

While your heads will only be able to run one Thunderchild, IMO, those are two of the best matches of the TC112 (and I assume the 115, which should sound very similar but be a bit louder).

You are SET with amps. Get either the TC112 or TC115 if you are doing bigger gigs, and be happy! If you eventually get another one, you can revisit your head options.

Both the Puma (big, wide, crystal clear) and the LMII (warm, even, accurate) sound WONDERFUL with the TC cabs IMO and IME!

[JimmyM]

SVT-VR.



Wait, I forget whether they run at 8 or 4 ohms. if 8, you'd need two to go in an SVT.

[g4string]

How do you suppose the Aguilar TH500 would sound w/t TC112/115

[Mike Arnopol]

There are a some amps that are happy at 2 ohms. Actually, the load will be a bit higher. I think that Duke said that his cabs drop to 4 ohms at one frequency but are over 5 ohms through most of the spectrum. The EA Micro sounds great with the TC and is happy down to 2 but I think that although it's rated at 550 watts it feels like less. Check out the other 2 ohm amps if you ever want to double up.

[JxBass]

I agree with Ken that your Markbass will sound great with either. I'll also be among the silent minority who profess how great Acoustic Image amps sound with the TC cabs. The Clarus models also have the 2 ohm thing covered if needed.

[g4string]

I think this thread might be in vein....just started reading into the Aguilar TH500 and their new SL cabs. Im thinking about a pair if SL112's and a TH500. I had a DB112 (x's 2) and AG500 rig.....I miss it dearly. I think the SL and TH rig would be its lighter/skinnier brother. I got some calls to make tomorrow. We'll leave this open for the "next guys" sake. Maybe save him/her a little time when researching amps for the TC112/15.

[Derek Kiernan]

I wish speaker cabinet manufacturers would be more forthcoming with information, but I think even without data, it's safe to speculate that the SL 112 is going to have a much different lowend response from the TC. The weight saving are also not too dramatic, and neither is the price difference. How do the dimensions of the SL and the DB cabs compare? It'd be helpful if you could know the difference in turning/response in the lowend if you want to get the feel of the DB. Either way, I hope you enjoy what you end up going with!

[g4string]

Man o' man.......now I just discovered Baer 112 cabs. I've been away from TB for too long!!! Im gonna go down the Baer road and see where that leads. I can always go back down the Aguilar road if need be. One thing I am realizing about the Audiokinesis cabs that disintrigue me, is the lack of 8ohm cabs. During my research, I realized the principle design characteristic of the TC112, and why its only offered at 4ohms. I really need a modular setup. The TC' will not offer me the unless I run at 2ohms. I feel safer at 4ohms. So I think (as of now), I will be passing on the TC cabs. I will prob end up with either the Baers or Aguilars. For amps, the Tone Hammer 500 or Mesa Walk About. Mods, feel free to close or leave open for the sake of discussion.

[lomo]

I have a TC12 and will add a 15. The WA can handle 2 Ohms if I want to run IT with both cabs, and a GK MB800 with the 15 alone will be loud enough for any of my little gigs without PA. If, however, I end up preferring my LDS 15/6 to the TC15, the TC15 may be short-lived. I'll only keep one 15 cab. So far, of all the cabs I have tried, the TC12 has been my fave WA match, by a wide margin.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by g4string

FWIW, I am used to the MB LMII and Puma 500. Additionally, I play a Lakland 5594. I am looking for a micro under $1000 (used or new). The potential for running at 2ohms may be a factor if I ever need to run 2 TC cabs if TC cabs are not offered at 8ohms.

Thanks!!

G4 String,
I think you should go to Ken Jung's You Tube Channel. He's got video's up for the Thunderchild TC112, the new Acme Full Range, and the Baer 112. Put on a good set of headphones and take a careful listen. He's using a Markbass F500 or his Streamliner 900 on the clips, so it's a good way to evaluate these new cabinets. As far as the 2 ohm thing goes, I'm really happy at 4ohms, since I have two Walter Woods Amplifiers. Personally, I'm not convinced that the drop to 2 ohms works that much better. Just my opinion though.
The Puma is an incredible amplifier and very lightweight, if I had the cash thats what I'd have, but since, I double I'd need a Tecamp Bonafied, and there out of my budget range for sometime to come. Markbass is incredible stuff, it's much more affordable and so is the EA Micro, but I've never played through the Micro so I can't comment on it.

http://www.youtube.com/Kjungbass

Ric

[g4string]

I have listen to some of the vids....but to me, it seems like Ken sounds like Ken on most of the vids. So its hard to really get a good idea about how the different amps/cabs sound together. Plus, in a band setting all bets are off. An amp's/cab's sound can appear to be different once in a band setting. Sometimes what sounds OK solo sounds awesome in band setting....vice-versa. I am kinda leaning towards a pair of Baer 112's with either a Mesa WA or Aguilar TH500

[Chef]

@Ric:
I don't think it's so much that 2 ohms sounds better, as "that's what you get if you want to run two TC cabs."

I ordered a TC112, and a TC115, and will be powering the pair with either a Walkabout or M9.
When used singly, MB-Fusion.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by Chef

@Ric:
I don't think it's so much that 2 ohms sounds better, as "that's what you get if you want to run two TC cabs."

I ordered a TC112, and a TC115, and will be powering the pair with either a Walkabout or M9.
When used singly, MB-Fusion.

Chef,
Wow, that's a spicy meatball sandwich Chief. As far as the 2 ohm option goes, it would be nice to have so I understand that others may like having it and being able to connect two 4 ohm cabs together. Personally, I'm a one cabinet guy. I tried various combinations of dual cabinet setups. Two EA VL 108's, Two Flite 2x8", Two Baby Blue 2X8's, Two Bag End 15's, two Double Baffle Portaflex cabinets (kinda liked that one), a GK 200MB with a matching powered extension cab, and even a small Music Man 15" with the larger Music Man 15" that featured that scooped port underneath. IME, IMHO, and with my amps, I always liked the bigger cabinet better than the combination of two smaller ones. Thus, I like a VL 208 better than two VL 108's.
The Thunderchild 112 is so incredible that it will virtually cover all the gigs I play, except outdoor venues, and then I'm usually going through the mains anyway. If I did use two, I'd have two matching ones, probably TC 112's, since I've never been comfortable with two different sized cabs paired together, could just by my OCD coming out though. Just my viewpoint, others may vary.

[Chef]

I agree with the "matched pairing" thing 99% of the time.
I discussed this with Duke, and he assured me they'd play well together, and that they're voiced "as close to exactly the same as he could get them." He's fairly discriminating

We also came to the conclusion that this nets me the most flexibility, and, the ability to use TC stuff for all my gigs:
TC112 for small
TC115 for medium and large
Stacked for big outdoor junk

I pretty well trust Duke's judgement, or, I'da gone with two 112's

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by g4string

I have listen to some of the vids....but to me, it seems like Ken sounds like Ken on most of the vids. So its hard to really get a good idea about how the different amps/cabs sound together. Plus, in a band setting all bets are off. An amp's/cab's sound can appear to be different once in a band setting. Sometimes what sounds OK solo sounds awesome in band setting....vice-versa. I am kinda leaning towards a pair of Baer 112's with either a Mesa WA or Aguilar TH500

G4 Sting,
Yes you're absolutely correct Ken does always sound like Ken. But, when I listen to those different cabinets through a pretty good pair of headphones (Fostex T50RP's) they sound different to me. You can hear the difference in the low end on the Acmes, the mid growl on the Baer, and the clarity of the TC 112. Just my take though, it could just be a ghost in the machine.

Ric

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by Chef

I agree with the "matched pairing" thing 99% of the time.
I discussed this with Duke, and he assured me they'd play well together, and that they're voiced "as close to exactly the same as he could get them." He's fairly discriminating

We also came to the conclusion that this nets me the most flexibility, and, the ability to use TC stuff for all my gigs:
TC112 for small
TC115 for medium and large
Stacked for big outdoor junk

I pretty well trust Duke's judgement, or, I'da gone with two 112's

Chief,
Dukes the man, if he says the TC 112 and TC 115 will match up, then who am I to question it. He built and designed the best doubling cabinet on the planet. Mine is traveling up to Idaho this Christmas for a Acoustic Child and bottom latch upgrade. I can't wait to hear the two together, so when you get them we need to have a TB get together in either St. Louis or Columbia.

Ric

[Chef]

Jah! We should totally do that!
I don't know when my stuff gets here.
I'm hoping "Christmas-ish."

[g4string]

Originally Posted by Ric Vice

G4 Sting,
Yes you're absolutely correct Ken does always sound like Ken. But, when I listen to those different cabinets through a pretty good pair of headphones (Fostex T50RP's) they sound different to me. You can hear the difference in the low end on the Acmes, the mid growl on the Baer, and the clarity of the TC 112. Just my take though, it could just be a ghost in the machine.

Ric

I don't have anything remotely capable for playback to pick out the subtle differences of ea cab. I wish I did though. Getting some good phones and a phone power amp is on my short list though. Nothing like a good headphone listen

I really like what I have read about the Baers. They are cheaper than the TC's, so getting a pair will be easier on the wallet. Plus, I would like to avoid running 2ohms if I can avoid it. I am still uncertain as to which I amp I will be getting. I am leaning towards the Aguilar TH500. I can get the TH500 for $630 right now. Surely, the TH500 will not be 2ohm safe. Thus, two TC112's are out of the question. My other choice is the Mesa Walkabout. This guy is $1100. Although a good number people on the board claim it's 2ohm safe, I have read nothing official from Mesa claiming so. Although I am sure it would be OK to run the WA at 2ohms occasionally, I would not want to do it all the time. Given the low wattage complaints on the Mesa WA I have read, I wonder if this head would require the use of two cabs to get the volume where it should be......with 2 TC's, you're running 2ohms, blah blah....you see where I am going with this