Ampeg and Hartke to lighten the load?

[Fletz]

I am thinking about replacing my SVT3 pro and Ampeg 410HLF setup with something lighter and more portable - I ain't as young as I used to be.

I still need to move some air and not rely on PA to get my sound across. I am considering pairing a new PF500 head with a Hartke 410 hydrive cab. Thoughts?

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by Fletz

I am thinking about replacing my SVT3 pro and Ampeg 410HLF setup with something lighter and more portable - I ain't as young as I used to be.

I still need to move some air and not rely on PA to get my sound across. I am considering pairing a new PF500 head with a Hartke 410 hydrive cab. Thoughts?

Not quite a year ago I did the same, (replaced big heavy with light gear), but still wanted to have atleast 4-10's.
My solution...
GK MB2-500 head.
350 watts at 8 ohms.
500 watts at 4 ohms.
580 total watts.
3.8 lbs.
$499.00

"Two", Avatar Neo 210 cabinets.
500 watts cap. each.
Two, 10" Eminenice Neo cast frame speakers.
Foster horn.
44 lbs. each.
$319.00 each.

I stack the two 210's as a vertical 410.
I'm using one cab for rehearsals/small gigs, both cabs when more volume and coverage is needed.

Both Avatar 210 cabinets and the GK head all together weighs less than the Ampeg SVT tube head I had all by it's self!

[Groovin_Joe]

+1 to the above. I have the avatar 410 neo in 4ohms and a eden micro head. Less weight than my last 210 and rack setup. Way louder and powerful too.

[crustychef]

I went light and small too.
GK MB Fusion
• 500 watts @ 4 ohms, 350 watts
@ 8 ohms
• All tube preamp (Three 12AX7's)
• Dual input gain and master
• Four band active EQ
• Variable contour with mid frequency select
• Deep and bright switch
• Effects loop and tuner out with mute
• XLR out with pre/post EQ and ground lift
• Two Speakon outputs
• 4.5 lbs.
$699

TC Electronics RS 210 cab
Weight: 19 kg / 38 pounds
$499

Power handling: 400 Watt

TC Electronics RS 212 cab
Weight: 22 kg / 44 pounds

Power handling: 400 Watt
$599

This combo stacked vertical is punchy and thick. The 212 really brings the bottom end without any mud. I use it by itself for small-medium rock clubs. By itself I can feel the air pushing from my cab. Stacked it's insanely loud for such a small rig.
This set up is a little pricier but it'll get you closer to that Ampeg tone. With a VT bass pedal in front it will probably almost nail it.
Total price new = about $1800
Total weight = 92.5 pounds
Shop around you can find the cabs used quite often. I got my 212 used for $299.

[JimmyM]

it's such a personal question that only you can answer it. i've not played the pf500, but i like the hydrive cabs and i used to own a 3 pro that i liked quite well. however, the 410hlf stands alone because of its insanely low response. the hydrives get low but not quite that low imho. so if that's important to you, i'd stick with what you have for a cab. but both ampeg and hartke are great companies so my advice would be to try for yourself and see what you think.