Ampeg 8x10, still bad?

[edgaroviz]

I head that some ampeg 8x10 aren't as good as before.
The new classic 8x10 is now made out of plywood, and are they still using the "made in china" speakers?
Are the Heritage, and Classic 8x10s different, and how?

By the way, in the store I'm planning to buy from, and because I live in Israel I'm pretty sure they didn't sell a lot of 8x10s... Is there a way to know by the serial number when it was made?

Thanks.

[JimmyM]

Ampeg 810, no still bad. Got way better.

So yeah, OSB made cabinets were from 1998-2005. But the darker speakers started in 2000 and went until SLM sold to LOUD in 2006. At that point, they used the Chinese speakers, and the sound came back. IMHO they are a vast improvement. The older SLM cabs are also great. Just that period from 1998-2006 with the USA cabs.

Dating cabs is easy...for cabs from 1988-2008, the 5th digit is a letter corresponding to a year:

1988=A
1989=B
1990=C, etc.

Then they moved it to the 12th digit:

2008=A
2009=B
2010=C, etc.

[edgaroviz]

So the speakers are not made in china, and it's better buy a 2007 and up cab?

[JimmyM]

The speakers in the 2007 and up cabs are made in China, and much improved. It's better to buy a 2007 and up cab or an earlier cab made until 1998.

[edgaroviz]

Thanks for the help Jimmy, planning on going to the store, and I'll buy one after the I'll get the next paycheck.
If not... I guess I'll have to wait another month.