Ampeg 2x15 vs Mesa 2x15

[AltraSound]

hey guys wuts up? still out looking for my tone and i got another question for all of you.

Right now im trying to decide between a Mesa 400+ or a Ampeg SVT Cl (American) for my head and its looking like i want an ampeg (also the only one of the two available to me at the moment). I want to pair the tube head with a 2x15 cabinet to give me that low mid response and extra thick and creamy sound =}.

Which would you guys recomend? THe mesa 2x15 powerhouse or an american made 2x15 ampeg svt?

check my band out here for the tone that im trying to go for. remember, i want to sound better then i do on this recording..
www.myspace.com/mindtheband

[KramerBassFan]

I'd take the Mesa PH2x15 over the SVT215E cabinet, honestly.

If those are the right prefixes for the one i'm thinking of....

[AltraSound]

yes those are the right ones, any reason why?

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by AltraSound

yes those are the right ones, any reason why?

The Mesa 215 is a better built cab than the Ampeg, and it's drivers will typically take more abuse, too... Also, the Mesa 215 will typicaly hold a higher resale value, if that means anything to you...


- georgestrings

[RickenBoogie]

Yes, Mesa is generally better quality all around, but the 2 will sound quite different from each other, with the Ampeg being more old school, if that matters to you. Honestly, with an SVT CL head, either cab will rock, but the mesa will likely be louder, and more mid present.

[KramerBassFan]

Originally Posted by georgestrings

The Mesa 215 is a better built cab than the Ampeg, and it's drivers will typically take more abuse, too... Also, the Mesa 215 will typicaly hold a higher resale value, if that means anything to you...


- georgestrings

Most SLM 215E's were Particle board, and i do believe that the Mesa's are birch plywood.

But if i'm wrong, somebody let me know...

[Sartori]

Either one. You can't go wrong on this, really.

I think the Mesa might get a bit more high end than the Ampeg.

[gastric]

I have a Mesa PowerHouse 600W 2x12. I can't say enough about the excellent build quality. Super rugged, and SUPER easy to move thanks to the nice round handles and the enormous 3" removable casters. Even my 5 year old daughter could easily push the cab over carpet. It's like butter! In contrast I cursed my Accugroove's dinky baby casters every time I tried to roll it anywhere.

Only potential flaw in the design I see is the front grill is only held on with 4 screws and no center posts. Leaves it a tiny bit floppy if you press on it. Not that it'd hit a speaker, but most other cabs have 1 or 2 center posts to keep the grill rock solid.

Note the Mesa cabs don't use locking corners. They use traditional flat corners. You'd take off the casters and use the rubber feet if you stack them.

[rodl2005]

+1 on the MESA. Just all round well made stuff!!

See IF U can find a 2nd hand BERGANTINO NV215 IMO this is THE 2x15" cab. Pity Berg stopped making 'em.

But this cab with my SVTII running it is pure clarity & punch as well as being deep & Lush.

Old school sounding but ABLE to sound more modern via it's 6" mid driver which has a level control-so can be turned off.

I USUALLY run it about 1/4 on.

[Mojo-Man]

I second the Bergentino NV215.
The best 2x15 I've ever heard.
Hay Jim, please make these again.

[AltraSound]

I see a Bergantino HT-212 on the local criaiglist how would that compare to either of the mesas or ampegs?

[svp]

Curious as to why the SVT and not the Mesa 400+, I've had both, still have the 400+ and a Berg NV412 complete's my rig. I don't know what else to say but OMG

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by svp

Curious as to why the SVT and not the Mesa 400+, I've had both, still have the 400+ and a Berg NV412 complete's my rig. I don't know what else to say but OMG

+1

Ditch the SVT head. Get the Mesa 400+ instead. Then get the Powerhouse 2x15 cab...

MM

[NKBassman]

I believe the Mesa 2x15 is ported with a tweater, and I would be surprised if that was the case with the Ampeg, so you'll really get two very different tones from those two cabs. Best to try them both if you can and find out for certain which one you like better.

[Sartori]

The Ampeg is ported, but has no tweeter.

[Classickbass]

I have to wonder why not the Mesa 400+ also. I have the Mesa 400+ and still have an Ampeg tube head sitting here. The Mesa is unbeatable in my opinion. As for the cabinets, I say play both and see which one you like. The Mesa cabs are definitely better built. Heavier too so bear that in mind when you have to lug it up stairs to a stage. If weight is not an issue for you, I'd get the Mesa cab.

[AltraSound]

I was informed that an ampeg would have a better low mid response and a warmer tube sound then the 400+, which is what i am going for. You dont think this is true?

[AltraSound]

do any of you know some recorded examples of the mesa 400+? idk anyone that i listen to that plays one

[GregC]

I'd recommend the Berg NV215 as well. I'm a fan of Mesa and certain Ampeg gear (I own a Walkabout Scout as well as an old Ampeg V-4B). But the NV215 is possibly the best-sounding cab I've ever tried. And if you get one with the attenuator for the 6" mid driver (there's no tweeter), you can go from really old school to a somewhat modern sound.

Plus, the Bergantino's about 25 lbs lighter than the Mesa (not sure about the Ampeg, it's probably heavier still) and its 15" depth should make it an easier fit in a car. The Mesa's almost 20" deep.

Although the NV215 isn't made anymore, they come up for sale around here regularly enough.

[AltraSound]

how does the bergantino 2x12 compare to the 2x15?