Ampeg cab that needs work vs Peavey 4x10 ready to go?

Aircooled · #1 06-27-2010, 02:50 PM

I'm having a dilemma.

Found a Ampeg SVT 410 HLF (not sure if US made) that has one working driver (new Eminence), two are missing, the fourth blown, just taking up space in the cab. The bottom of the cab's Tolex is torn but repaired. The party selling is the original owner. He stepped up to a 8x10. Being sold for $150 with the new driver, $100 for just the cabinet. This is, of course, another project.

Oh, and I have projects. But consider them fun.

Also found a Peavey 4x10 (not sure of model - horn tweeter, Sheffield speakers, 350w rms, 700w program) for about $200. Ready to go. Won't need anything. Looks pristine, no abuse.

I don't have a head yet, figuring on a Carvin BX500, or perhaps a component pre/power amp rig. Not sure if I am putting the cart before the horse with the cabinet selection first.

Anyway, I know the Ampeg cabinet in question has some unfavorable reviews on TB. But, for $150, plus another $225 for new drivers, I'll have a refurbished Ampeg cab. OR, I can go the Peavey route. My only knowledge of Peavey is in the PA arena.

The question is, what would you do? Ready to go Peavey for $200, or an Ampeg project?

birminghambass · #2 06-27-2010, 03:58 PM

PEAVEY!!!

craig.p · #3 06-27-2010, 04:28 PM

If the Ampeg's drivers got toasted, then I'd also be worried about the health of the crossover and the tweeter (if you plan on wiring them in, that is). Might be best if you go into it with an "I'm buying an empty box" frame of mind.

As for the Peavey, I'd just make sure it actually is a bass cab. That's the only other gotcha I can think of.

RickenBoogie · #4 06-27-2010, 04:28 PM

Especially if it's a peavey TVX cab, but either way, a working Peavey beats a busted Ampeg every time.

craig.p · #5 06-27-2010, 04:33 PM

Oh, almost forgot... better read up on BX500 experiences before you spring for one. They have some (ahem...) "history." Look around this forum, and the Carvin forums, too.

Aircooled · #6 06-27-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

If the Ampeg's drivers got toasted, then I'd also be worried about the health of the crossover and the tweeter (if you plan on wiring them in, that is). Might be best if you go into it with an "I'm buying an empty box" frame of mind.

True. I have no idea about the health of the xover or tweeter. Would make sense that there's a good chance of damage. That could add some $ to the equation. It's becoming a pricier "empty box" now ..

Quote:

As for the Peavey, I'd just make sure it actually is a bass cab. That's the only other gotcha I can think of.

Did Peavey make PA cabinets that were 4x10 with a horn tweeter in the center of the baffle? Hmm.

Thanks for the input everyone. Anyone else with something to add?

craig.p · #7 06-27-2010, 04:48 PM

> Did Peavey make PA cabinets that were 4x10 with a
> horn tweeter in the center of the baffle? Hmm.

Wow, I hope not. I was just wondering if it might be a guitar cab. I know it's not a PA cab. Any way of getting a part number off the back plate? Maybe I'm just being over-cautious & worrying for no reason.

Bass_Pounder · #8 06-27-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aircooled

Did Peavey make PA cabinets that were 4x10 with a horn tweeter in the center of the baffle? Hmm.

Thanks for the input everyone. Anyone else with something to add?

I don't believe they did.

The power rating you quote is correct for their bass cabs.

If i remember correctly, the TX series had a rear round port, and the TXF (TVX ?) had a front shelf port if that helps you.

And...........another vote for the Peavey over the Ampeg

rptrsn2 · #9 06-27-2010, 04:56 PM

ive owned an ampeg 410 and a tvx peavey 410 and i,d take the peavey over the ampeg even if both where in new condition. if that is a tvx as it sounds from the discription thats a damn good cab, only down side id the weight but both vre heavey enough that i wouldn,t carry.

joeydavidson · #10 06-27-2010, 05:20 PM

Peavey!

They are under-rated cabs.

Aircooled · #11 06-27-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig.p

Oh, almost forgot... better read up on BX500 experiences before you spring for one. They have some (ahem...) "history." Look around this forum, and the Carvin forums, too.

Not to deviate from the topic, but I did read the ... what is it now, five different incarnations of the TB BX500 thread? Well, I read the last one, anyway. Have yet to venture over to the Carvin forums.

The consensus seems to be that it's decent, bang-for-the-buck amplifier. True, some bad experiences, but for the price bracket I'm considering, not totally unexpected.

The Peavey is starting to look a lot better...

Floyd Eye · #12 06-27-2010, 06:07 PM

Neither.

KramerBassFan · #13 06-27-2010, 06:47 PM

Get the Peavey.

You can get one of those used ampeg cabs WORKING for much less than it would take you to get three new drivers, tolex, and a new crossover providing you needed one.

JimmyM · #14 06-27-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

Get the Peavey.

You can get one of those used ampeg cabs WORKING for much less than it would take you to get three new drivers, tolex, and a new crossover providing you needed one.

you could almost buy one new for what it would cost to fix that one up, but definitely you could find one used for cheaper than it costs. the speakers themselves are over $100 apiece from us speaker.

KramerBassFan · #15 06-27-2010, 08:05 PM

Well there you have it.

Aircooled · #16 07-17-2010, 06:01 PM

Rather than let this thread fall off the face of the earth with no followup ...

I went with a Peavey TVX 410, 8 ohm cabinet, front shelf port. And no casters.

Heavy mutha.

Before I even got it home, I stopped by Harbor Freight and got a furniture dolly. Wasn't sure how OEM casters attached, and my lower back insisted we not wait to find out.

So far, so good. Glad I went with this rather than the project Ampeg.