amp upgrade question

[kramj]

Hey guys

I'm looking to upgrade my bass rig... I'm using a hartke 200 watt head (I think it's 200, it looks like a 2500 but an older model) into a hartke 8 ohm VX410 cab. Basically (i think) I need more head room. I'm not picky on tone yet but this thing distorts in practise with my band.

I've read through alot of FAQs on here, but I still have 1 question:
In regards to power output (cost and tone aside), what's the difference between getting 1x410 cab, or 2x210 cabs? I would presume that the 2x210s would put out more power as it would result in a 4 ohm rig? correct or is there other factors?

cheers in advance... and I apologise if it's a dumb question but I did check FAQs

edit: turns out reading up on volume, rather than ohms/wattage answered my question

[spaz21387]

you should be fine for practice... If we practice at our guitarists house I use his peavey 35 watt combo. Its good enough to record and be heard over the drums. If we practice at the drummers house I tend to use his fender bassman combo. shows I bring my own gear a hartike ha2500 and an ampeg 1x15.

[D-Nut]

You can purchase 410 cabs that are 4 ohm too.
Your head will be running at 4 ohms with the 2 210's and on paper you will be getting more wattage.
Factors like the materials used in making the cabs, their dimensions and ported/not ported will also have effects on volume as well as the efficiency of your speakers.

[tjh]

you must have the 2000 head, there was one of those at one of the church's I played at ... I kind of liked the tube pre in it ... anyhow, the main advantages of two 210s, is the modularity, easier to carry (but more trips), and when you dont need a 410, you can get by with 210 you have it, and then the ability to create a 'verticle' stack for better sound dispersion and ability to hear yourself better ... verticle means two stacked the tall way, not laying on their side ...

[kosmicwizard]

If your head has a tube preamp and you are getting unwanted distortion, try turning the gain control down and see if you can get a louder cleaner sound that way. And I agree with the 4 Ohm statement and wonder if getting another hartke 8 ohm VX410 cab wouldn't work for you. Big agreement on the sensitivity of the cabs comment, however advertised ratings are often misleading as they only test at one frequency, and that is often unhelpful to know what the tonal qualities of said cab are. Cheers.

[Stumbo]

Originally Posted by tjh

...the main advantages of two 210s, is the modularity, easier to carry (but more trips), and when you dont need a 410, you can get by with 210 you have it, and then the ability to create a 'verticle' stack for better sound dispersion and ability to hear yourself better ... verticle means two stacked the tall way, not laying on their side ...

+100

As far as the distortion, have you tried another head with your cab? It might be worth it to take it to a music store and hook up a couple of different heads to it. Maybe the speakers need replacing?

Also, try your head with some different cabs.

Also, you may want to have the tube checked out to determine if it needs to be replaced.

Once you've investigated all the variables, I think you can make a more informed decision.

[kramj]

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

If your head has a tube preamp and you are getting unwanted distortion, try turning the gain control down and see if you can get a louder cleaner sound that way. And I agree with the 4 Ohm statement and wonder if getting another hartke 8 ohm VX410 cab wouldn't work for you. Big agreement on the sensitivity of the cabs comment, however advertised ratings are often misleading as they only test at one frequency, and that is often unhelpful to know what the tonal qualities of said cab are. Cheers.

thanks guys

kosmicwizard, how would i turn the gain down if I dont have a gain knob? do you mean the tube preamp knob?

[kramj]

also I forgot to mention that i'm having to turn right up in practise, and that's when it distorts, and sometimes even cuts out for a couple of seconds, which is why I think I'm over working the amp. and I checked, it's a HA2000

[kosmicwizard]

Gain and tube pre are one in the same. Cutting out and distorting in an unpleasant way means you have reached the max and are trying to go past it. Without spending a whole lot of money I recommend another cabinet that is the same as your first one. Cheers.