A-B Comparison of the Bergantino NV610 vs. the Ampeg 810AV

PolkaHero · #1 07-26-2011, 12:39 PM

I finally got the chance today to try both of these side by side with the same amp/bass. I played my '82 Fender Precision Special through my Markbass LMII amp. I do not have a recorder so I am unable to post sound clips.

The Bergantino is a stock 2008 model I purchased new. The Ampeg is a 2006 AV model (USA) I recently "upgraded" by taking the speakers out of a used 810e that I purchased that I thought sounded better. It had the "muddy" speakers before the switch.

There is a definite audible difference between the two. The difference is mainly in the low mids I believe. Seems like the Ampeg has more of them which "kicks you in the chest" whereas the Berg's mids seem more pronounced at a higher frequency. The Berg seems to have more low end but it's at a frequency that actually makes it a little muddy sounding. The Ampeg seemed louder, not sure if that's due to the additional speakers because the Berg is rated at a higher efficiency (103 db vs. 100 db). Standing close next to both, I could hear myself much better through the Ampeg because of the higher placed speakers.

I am definitely switching back to my "fridge". They are both great sounding cabinets, but the Ampeg has an "it" factor that has won me over despite the extra weight and size to carry around. I think these differences will be magnified when I get my SVT-VR back from the shop this week. Plus it will look better on stage when paired with the SVT. I can't wait to play through this rig this coming weekend!

JackTheRipper · #2 07-26-2011, 06:46 PM

Thanks for that review. I have Ampeg 810s and have been wanting to try out the Berg 610 cab myself.

--jack

PolkaHero · #3 07-26-2011, 09:12 PM

Wow, all of the Bergantino supporters must be offline today! Where is the rebuttal, guys?

lookiel · #4 07-26-2011, 10:10 PM

I loved my NV610 but I think the Berg gained so much popularity partly because it came out during the years Ampeg arguably made their worst cabs and also due to it's smaller size and weight.

bucephylus · #5 07-26-2011, 11:10 PM

The 'peg is fine. I'm all good playing them on supplied backlines.

The Berg is something special. I could honestly care less what anyone else thinks. Fantastic cab IMO.

JimmyM · #6 07-26-2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lookiel

I loved my NV610 but I think the Berg gained so much popularity partly because it came out during the years Ampeg arguably made their worst cabs and also due to it's smaller size and weight.

I'm sure it's a killer cab but I can't get past the look. The Ampeg looks better to me. Doesn't hurt that their newer 810e's are the shizz soundwise, too.

GregC · #7 07-26-2011, 11:21 PM

I'm sure there have been A/Bs posted before for these two cabs, but it's been a while. Thanks for doing one. I think this is the first one I've seen where the player ended up favoring the Ampeg (at least a modern one, the squarebacks tend to fare better). It would be interesting to put all those reviews together.

WhoDidTheElf · #8 07-26-2011, 11:51 PM

Thanks for doing the A/B!

I think in a perfect would not many of us would pass at the opportunity to own both and have a couple of people to lug them around for us, but alas...we're all stuck in this reality thing...

One thing I'd like to see is a more a few more amps and a few more basses used for comparison sake.

rodl2005 · #9 07-27-2011, 12:04 AM

Yep, great review. I did one a while back, but it WAS with a 'muddy' -late SLM era 810, & I favoured the NV610 by far. Interesting!

Tim1 · #10 07-27-2011, 12:11 AM

As someone who currently owns an LM2, an SVT VR and a Berg 610 and 215 I can sort of understand this. I am not a great fan of the LM2 into the NV610,much preferring it into the 215. The warmth of the LM2 seems better suited to the openness of the 215 with its 6" driver and may well be better suited to the 'fridge also. Now, put the VR on top of the 610 and it is a different story, and I think that is the comparison which will need to be made.
Having owned a fridge, I do agree with Polkahero that there is a difference beteween the two and certainly the fridge has it in the looks department. However, soundwise I think I still prefer the NV610. Now, for a match made in heaven the VR into both the NV610 and NV215 combination is simply the best I have ever experienced.

JimmyM · #11 07-27-2011, 12:34 AM

Ya, the 215 Berg interests me way more than the 610. But I'm pretty well set for cabs so I guess it's more of a passing interest.

johnk_10 · #12 07-27-2011, 12:38 AM

i thought that my 810E was an okay sounding cab when i got it. (it's one of the dark sounding era ones), but i bought it cheap for $300. after re-tolexing it, regrilling it with genuine ampeg silver blue cloth, and installing four 32 ohm mod50's in the upper four slots, i like as much as any straightback or early angleback that i've owned in the past, maybe more.

JimmyM · #13 07-27-2011, 01:12 AM

One of these days, I will do a facelift on my flatback like that. Mine looks like a bomb hit it.

Derek Kiernan · #14 07-27-2011, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolkaHero

There is a definite audible difference between the two. The difference is mainly in the low mids I believe. Seems like the Ampeg has more of them which "kicks you in the chest" whereas the Berg's mids seem more pronounced at a higher frequency. The Berg seems to have more low end but it's at a frequency that actually makes it a little muddy sounding. The Ampeg seemed louder, not sure if that's due to the additional speakers because the Berg is rated at a higher efficiency (103 db vs. 100 db). Standing close next to both, I could hear myself much better through the Ampeg because of the higher placed speakers.

Curious - did you adjust EQ when making comparisons? I find many people try to keep all other things constant when A/Bing, which may not capture the capabilities of each cab here.

Glad the speaker swap worked out for you!

side note: I'd be interested in finding out how Bergantino comes up with frequency response specs. The NV610 is detailed as 48 Hz - 4.5 kHz, but I wonder how honest that is. They credit the AE210 with 40 Hz - 15 kHz. I just sold mine and I can't imagine it's doing much at 40 Hz.

One Drop · #15 07-27-2011, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PolkaHero

Wow, all of the Bergantino supporters must be offline today! Where is the rebuttal, guys?

No need for a rebuttal, but I will give some context to my love for the Bergantino.

For me the advantages of size and weight are important, if they aren't an issue for someone else more power to them!

I had a fridge from the 'bad' period as well, so the difference was massive to me when i A/Bed them, and I had no hesitation selling mine right after I got the NV cab.

I had played the various Ampeg 810s before but never directly compared one beside the one I owned, and I've still never played a straightback in good condition myself, FWIW. This winter a friend is bringing his so I can finally put them side by side and compare to satisfy my curiosity.

rodl2005 · #16 07-27-2011, 05:10 AM

No, I've never played a flatback either, but have played a more modern MIV 810 & that was pretty good.
I agree that the extra height, & the 2 extra 10"s make a big difference, but the size, portability & sound of the NV made it a no-brainer for me.

staindbass · #17 07-27-2011, 05:23 AM

hmmmm- on bass gear direct website it says the bergatino "blows away" an 8x10 fridge lol. WELCOME TO BASS GEAR DIRECT-BERGANTINO NV610

Mark Reccord · #18 07-27-2011, 05:29 AM

This definitely the first time I've ever heard anyone say that the NV610 was a bit muddy sounding.

At any rate, the newer 810s are sounding much better than the ones from a few years ago. I still wouldn't trade my NV610 for one though.

I did a comparo of an NV610, an original squareback and and SLM-era 810 a few years back and for my money the NV and squareback were indistinguishable and both far better sounding than the 810e.

**cheezewiz** · #19 07-27-2011, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staindbass

hmmmm- on bass gear direct website it says the bergatino "blows away" an 8x10 fridge lol. WELCOME TO BASS GEAR DIRECT-BERGANTINO NV610

"Blows away" may be an exaggeration, but given the choice between the two, I 'd take the NV, and I like fridges.

chadds · #20 07-27-2011, 06:21 AM

What it is, is this.
We know what the fridge is and what it can do. We know that there are years of fridges we prefer. Seems Jim took the squareback's sound and duplicated it in a smaller and more portable package. He didn't copy a 2011 fridge. If you need the extra height, actual grill cloth etc. for your stage presence why would you be looking at any other cabinet? Those who love that fridge sound but want to use it where a true fridge is imposing find the NV a good choice. Some of us play house concerts, church/temple gigs, wedding receptions, garden or pool or patio parties as well as small to medium bars. Some of these gigs any amount of gear scares the patrons or guests. Once you're playing and they are dancing their fannies off and they realize your not exceedingly loud, all is well. I find that black grills fit in better in society gigs. I love getting asked back and hired at that gig by a guest for their party. All that to say different strokes. Neither company is putting the other out of business.