Ashdown ABM vs Warwick Pro cabs

fabiofromitaly · #1 10-11-2009, 06:55 AM

Hi everybody

It's difficult to find informations on these cabs, especially on the warwick

I need new cabs for my little mark 3 (playing with 5string bass)
and I'm thinking about 2 vertical 2x10 stack

for the price range I find Ashdown ABM 210 vs Warwick Pro 211

what do you suggest?

how can you describe the differences in sound/quality between them?

thanks

Ezbass · #2 10-11-2009, 07:53 AM

I don't have any experience of the Warwicks, but I had ABMs for a good while. Nice warm tone with a mid range scoop to my ears. Worked well stacked vertically.

fabiofromitaly · #3 10-11-2009, 10:45 AM

reading the description it seems that the Warwick has a wider freq response than the Abm ..is it audibly true?

scowboy · #4 10-11-2009, 11:22 AM

I have had two Warwick WCA211's and a whole bunch of other Warwick cabinets including a WCA115 and WCA411 (2 of those too). The WCA211 is the best sounding cabinet out of the WCA line by a mile. The Weight is good and they have a nice sturdy grill on them as well. You should be able to buy them for a song.

fabiofromitaly · #5 10-12-2009, 03:00 AM

Men, we're 50%-50%...

does anyone can compare the sound / power character between the 2 ?

still undecided

fabiofromitaly · #6 01-12-2010, 05:23 AM

I can't directly compare these cabs here... please help!

Sten · #7 01-12-2010, 07:00 AM

ABM has extending handles, are you 100% sure you can stack them vertically?

I have not tried the ABM 2x10", but have tried the Pro210 and Ashdowns MAG 210T. They were both good cabinets, but I ended up getting the MAG because it got it for almost half the price of the Warwick.

The sound difference is hard to describe, since I did not test them side-by-side, but I think the MAG was a bit warmer while the WCA is a little bit more transparent and clear. I might be wrong though, no A/B test and I've never played them in the same or similar room. I think both are good cabs.

If you decide, get one at first. If you like it, go for the second. That way, if you end up getting what you don't like, you lose less. Of course - if at all possible, buy second hand.

fabiofromitaly · #8 01-12-2010, 08:12 AM

ps. regarding the sound, the cabs will be powered by a little mark 3 (imho warm tone), so I need a cab that fits well with it

thank you

fabiofromitaly · #9 06-13-2010, 11:10 AM

bump

during this time I've read that someone is complaing about warwick cab reliability (blow horn or speakers)

but I have no chance of trying, I need a couple of cabinets and buy these from internet (bad situation, i know)
and I will stack 2 vertically (playing with little mark 3 at 500w)

I'm reading they have completely different specifications:

apart from same power rating 300 w and 8 ohm

- WARWICK WCA211 pro:
101dB - 2 x 10" speakers frequency range: 35Hz-3500Hz
HF horn with attenuator frequency range: 1,2kHz-20kHz
101dB - Bass reflex housing (front ports)
60,5 x 45 x 42,5 cm/19.69" x 17.72" x 16.54" Weight: 24 kg

- Ashdown ABM 210T:
2x10"Speaker + HF Tweeter, Frequency range: 75Hz - 20kHz - SPL: 102dB (1W @ 1 meter ), - Dim.(HxWxD): 474 x 610 x 335 mm - Weight: 28 kg

it seems that the W has more extended frequency range
but I don't know if it's only "on the paper" while the ABM is starting from only 75hz

I tend to like more front port instead of rear but maybe the ABM can sounds good equally or better

...what do you think?

Murph_Orpheus · #10 06-13-2010, 02:51 PM

I have a Warwick 411 Pro and it has loads of bottom end and is nice and punchy. I much prefer it to any Ashdown cab I've tried.

Sten · #11 06-13-2010, 11:54 PM

Both are great affordable cabinets, but you cannot stack the ABMs vertically due to extending handles. And they weigh more.

I have not heard of reliability issues with Warwick cabs. I have heard of drivers breaking on Ashdown, but mostly on the MAG range. Own a 2x10" MAG210T myself, and I think it's great for the price. I compared it with the Warwick, but since I do not mic my cabs and it cost about 70% more (Warwick was 347 EUR, got MAG for 199 EUR), I went for the Ashdown.

I think a Warwick 2*2x10" vertical rig would kill!

fabiofromitaly · #12 06-14-2010, 05:15 AM

I think that in the ABM I could invert the hadles inside so it should work also in vertical stack, correct me if I'm wrong

I'm interested in the low end response between these 2 cabs
can they have big differences in performance and sound??

hennessybass · #13 06-15-2010, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiofromitaly

I think that in the ABM I could invert the hadles inside so it should work also in vertical stack, correct me if I'm wrong

I did this with my Ashdown cabs. Installed rubber feet on the side so I can use it vertical or horizontal.

At the handle remove the metal plate that surrounds the handle, flip the handle and put the plate back on. Works just fine!

fabiofromitaly · #14 06-15-2010, 12:13 PM

...and how does it sound?

I've found a W dealer near my area, I will go for trying wca211 in the next days

unfortunately no abm comparison possible

rpsands · #15 06-15-2010, 12:15 PM

In Europe, neither: Barefaced is the bomb.

Sten · #16 06-15-2010, 02:50 PM

Barefaced does not have a 2x10", at least not on their website. And there no chance of trying one in Estonia for example.

EDIT: in addition, for the price of a single Barefaced you could get a 2*2x10" stack form either Warwick or Ashdown and still have money left.

fabiofromitaly · #17 06-30-2010, 01:40 PM

UPDATE:

just bought a pair of WCA211 !

I will let you know after band practice, but in the shop I was surprised by the clean and both low sound

(I think to turn off the tweeter..)

Makatak · #18 05-10-2011, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fabiofromitaly

UPDATE:

just bought a pair of WCA211 !

I will let you know after band practice, but in the shop I was surprised by the clean and both low sound

(I think to turn off the tweeter..)

How did you get on ? , Ive got 2 WCA 211s and quite happy , been offered 2 cheap Mag 210t deeps and was thinking it might be worth a change but dont want to go backwards ... probably be better with the ABM`s .

AshdownMad · #19 05-10-2011, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makatak

How did you get on ? , Ive got 2 WCA 211s and quite happy , been offered 2 cheap Mag 210t deeps and was thinking it might be worth a change but dont want to go backwards ... probably be better with the ABM`s .

Yeh the Mag 210t probs won't be any improvement over the WCA211. Don't get me wrong they still sound awesome but if ur upgrading the ABM is the way forward IMO

Electricblue · #20 05-10-2011, 03:17 AM

I have the Mag cabs, very pleased. I tried their ABM 410's and loved them.

The customer service is brilliant too. They sent me a complete set of buttons and a bulb for the VU meter on my head for free