Avatar B410 vs. Boutique - Worth the cost difference?

RockBoddham · #1 02-28-2013, 09:24 PM

I was just about to pull the trigger on a new Avatar B410, but for the heck of it, I started looking a little more upscale. I checked out EA, Epifani, Berg, Aguilar etc. and started to wonder if I should pay the $500 - 600 difference to get one of those cabs. I have an Epi PS210 4-Ohm (with Lecover) I can sell, which could cover most of the difference. I play many different styles: anything from Rockabilly to Jazz fusion. My main head is a Carvin BX1500, and I'm looking for an 8-Ohm Neo 4x10. I can't try every cab out there, so I'm looking for some input from you experienced guys who may be familiar with both ends of the spectrum. Thanks!

carvinbassplyr · #2 02-28-2013, 09:34 PM

Do you not like the sound of your current Epifani cab?

ezstep · #3 02-28-2013, 09:38 PM

Best Bang for the Buck: Peavey 4x10. About $300.

RockBoddham · #4 02-28-2013, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carvinbassplyr

Do you not like the sound of your current Epifani cab?

It's OK, but with my current setup, I can put my head into mono mode and push 900 W @ 8 Ohms or 1500 W @ 4 Ohms. I will be playing some larger venues, so an 8-Ohm 4x10 would be great, and then I could add another in the future, if needed.

RockBoddham · #5 02-28-2013, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezstep

Best Bang for the Buck: Peavey 4x10. About $300.

I like the the Peavey, but too heavy.

carvinbassplyr · #6 02-28-2013, 09:51 PM

If you like your current Epi cab but need more power, try finding an original PS410 (at 79 lbs it's pretty light for still having ceramic drivers) or try the UL3 410 (the "new" PS410)

og61pbass · #7 02-28-2013, 10:49 PM

I have an Avatar 410 cab( not the one with the neo speakers)it has the deltas and I like it alot,its a 4 ohm cab so if I had a more powerful amp I could really push it if I wanted to,I believe its rated at 1200 watts,I'm using a GK 400 RB but my plans are to get a GK 800 fusion in the near future,its a nice cab,tight and punchy and you can adjust the tweeter volume to your likes and it looks really cool too I have the blond tolex model,only set back is it weighs around 75 pounds but I really like it,I found it locally on craigslist for 350.00 and it was never gigged and only used for a couple of recording sessions,it looks brand new,I got lucky,cant go wrong with Avatar,but if you want a boutique cab go for it...play on..

RockBoddham · #8 03-01-2013, 06:14 AM

Thanks for the feedback. I have been trying to find an Avatar used, but they are rare on my local craigslist, and TB and Ebay are usually local-only sales. The Markbass 104HF can be had for $900 new (kind of in-between Avatar and boutique), and seems to get good reviews. However, I think it's made in China, and it's covered in rat fur. I like that Avatar is made in USA and available with Tolex. At this point, the leader in the clubhouse is the EA NL 410W:

4-10" Wizzy Kevlar Neodymium Woofers
1" Titanium Compression Driver
1000 Watts
8 Ohm
24.5H x 22W x 15D
57 Pounds
$1295.00

Or possibly two Avatar B410s.

CLMSHQ · #9 03-01-2013, 08:17 AM

I dont think I will get anything else BUT Avatars.

I have owned many..and should of just went with Avatars and saved the coin.

They sound great, well made, custom to your order, lighter than most and are a steal $$$!!!!!

I have a nice Avatar 410 that sounds excellent, but may be parting with it to get another Avatar sb112 to match my other one.

Their Customer Service is Excellent!

phillybass101 · #10 03-01-2013, 08:26 AM

I'd say it really depends on what your really WANT. As opposed to what you need. Do you want the prestige of having a boutique cab or more money in your pocket. IMO I too want a boutique cab and I'm going to invest in a Glasstone 2x10 stack. It's called a Slap G. Ea 8ohm cab weighs about 30 lbs and I'll end up with 2-2-10 cabs at 4 ohms. Portable, flexible and custom made. However if I play a large venue with excellent PA support I have nothing but an expensive stage monitor :-). Do what makes you happy! And don't look backwards!!!!

Handyman · #11 03-01-2013, 08:30 AM

Just keep in mind that the Avatar 410 has a MASSIVE hole in the 2.5kHz range. This may or may not be your thing. You can take a look at Bill Fitzmaurice's plots here:
http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/Jack.html

You can also get the Avatar TB153 loaded with the 3015LF for about the same price, if you want something sort of like the fEarful cabs. This thing's one heck of a deal.

VanillaThundah · #12 03-01-2013, 08:39 AM

I've had good luck with Avatar's cabs...I have a neo 2x10 by them that has been nothing short of phenomenal. For the price, you can't beat it IMO.

Their 3-way cabs are worth looking into as well...not your cup of tea? The 4x10s would still be a great set of cabs to get, they will be VERY loud lol

Nephilymbass · #13 03-01-2013, 08:43 AM

Depends on what your gig is. If your not going through a pa or going through very small PAs than some more expensive cabs are nice to have but for guys like me that always send an xlr signal to FOH they are a complete waste of money. If you don't normally mic your cab I'd get the avatar over a something that costs double the money because it will make absolutely no difference in your tone coming out of 18 inch subs and top boxes in a PA or in the studio if your using the signal straight from the preamp anyways.

Corevalay · #14 03-01-2013, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLMSHQ

I dont think I will get anything else BUT Avatars.

I have owned many..and should of just went with Avatars and saved the coin.

They sound great, well made, custom to your order, lighter than most and are a steal $$$!!!!!

I have a nice Avatar 410 that sounds excellent, but may be parting with it to get another Avatar sb112 to match my other one.

Their Customer Service is Excellent!

My exact sentiments. Have been very happy with all Avatar products. Essentially they ARE boutique, but at reasonable prices.

Frenchy-Lefty · #15 03-01-2013, 08:50 AM

I have a B410 that I got for $300 on CL. I use it with a Markbass LMII and I have been very happy with it. It is powerful, light and sound very deep and creamy. Partly due to the 2.5 khz dip mentioned above. It is a great value cab. It works great as a stand alone cab. Mine is 4 ohms. I appreciate the fact they are made in the USA.
Now if I had the dough I'd own an Acugroove ElWhappo.

carvinbassplyr · #16 03-01-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frenchy-Lefty

Now if I had the dough I'd own an Acugroove ElWhappo.

You'd have to pick it up on the used market

Ewo · #17 03-01-2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillybass101

I'd say it really depends on what your really WANT. As opposed to what you need. Do you want the prestige of having a boutique cab or more money in your pocket. IMO I too want a boutique cab and I'm going to invest in a Glasstone 2x10 stack. It's called a Slap G. Ea 8ohm cab weighs about 30 lbs and I'll end up with 2-2-10 cabs at 4 ohms. Portable, flexible and custom made. However if I play a large venue with excellent PA support I have nothing but an expensive stage monitor :-). Do what makes you happy! And don't look backwards!!!!

I have a Glasstone Li'l G 212 and a pair of Baer ML112s. They both have their distinctive tone personalities, and I enjoy (and use) them both. The Glasstone thread has some posts comparing them.

You might consider these "super twelves" (HT: KJung for the term!) as alternatives to 410 cabs. They're easy to transport, and they both put out a lot of volume.

Mike in Chicago · #18 03-01-2013, 09:48 AM

Avatar gets lots of great reviews on this site.

I'm trying to wiggle into a 4x12

ArtechnikA · #19 03-01-2013, 09:53 AM

I'm intrigued by the new Revsound stuff and will be giving them a good listen at this weekend's BassExpo. They are very light and 8-Ohm. Based only on the demo video they seem to have very even response.

I have no idea on pricing...

RockBoddham · #20 03-01-2013, 09:59 AM

Thanks everyone for the excellent input. If things work out, I will be playing at least two large, outdoor festival stages this summer, and I could probably get away with one 4x10, but if I had two, I would feel better. No disrespect to the sound guys, but I need to hear my bass at a good volume with quality tone to play my best, and my experience with stage monitor mixes has been, well...mixed. I'm not into the status of showing everyone I bought a boutique cab, so the Avatars sound like they would be an excellent value. As for the 2.5 KHz hole, I'm not the greatest sound physicist, but that's Hi-Mid on my EQ, and I'm set at about 3.5 KHz. Should be OK, I guess.