Berg HT322 paired w/ SS vs. Tube head?

[AMp'D.2play]

Might be having a mild case of buyer's remorse, so I'd like some input from some more experienced "ears" than mine.

This past weekend, I purchased a used Bergantino HT322 (2x10, 1x12) cab. Out of all the cabs I've tried with a variety of heads over the past few months, I kept coming back to the Berg.

The heads that made the final cut were a TecAmp Puma 500 & Traynor YBA200-2, w/ and an SWR 350x in 3rd, but the least expensive.

Since the price on the Puma floor model was good, I jumped on it. The tone, to me, was very clean. My initial 1st choice, and the head I've spent the most time with, was the Traynor tube. A totally different sound than the Puma.

I've read that Bergs "like" tube heads in particular, and that cabs have different voicings that pair better w/ certain heads, etc.

Other than the fact that I'd be lugging a 41-ish lb tube head around vs. the Puma (hey, the Berg weighs ~ 95# so I guess weight isn't really an issue), can anyone w/ more experience than I offer any input, +/-, on which would (should?) sound better than the other? Fingerstyle, no slap/pop, mostly classic rock. I'm sure I can be happy w/ either!

In either head case , the Berg stays!

[KJung]

There are many different Berg voicings. The NV line, especially the NV610 is voiced nicely for the big, bloomy, low end of a tube head. IMO, the super wide, super modern, super smooth HT322... not so much.

I didn't have my Puma500 when I had my 'modular HT322' (called the 's' stack.. same components and basic tone), but every bone in my body says that should sound GREAT. There is a LOT of deep low end and super hi fi top end voiced into both that cab and the Puma, so a bit so cut in the bass and treble (just a touch), and a bit of boost to the wonderful low mid control should sound killer.

Of course, you have the Puma, so you either dig it or not. If you want more mid punch and a bit less sizzle and deep bass, the Genz Shuttle 9 would most likely KILL with that cab.

[57pbass]

A good friend of mine had the HT 322 with an Aguilar DB 359....

I was very impressed with this set up.. too big and loud for my needs but really made my P Bass and J Bass sing....

[babebambi]

+1
exactly what Ken said.

[tombowlus]

The NV series cabs love tube heads.
The SA series cabs (Sadowsky brand, but made by Jim) love tube heads.
The HS series heads definitely like tube heads.
The HT series is hit or miss, IME, with tube heads. Some cabs with some tube heads sound great, but other matchups do not fair as well.

The HT322 is very nice with tube heads that don't get too sloppy in the low end, but it can get a bit uncontrolled with some tube heads.

Some of my favorite heads with the HT322 have been the Aguilar DB750, Carvin B1500, Markbass LMII, Mesa/Boogie M6, Fender 800 Pro, pretty much any GK head (including the MB500 and MB Fusion), Eden WT550, and Ampeg SVT-8Pro. I'm sure that I am forgetting lots of other great options. If I were going to drive this cab with a tube head, I'd likely look to the Sadowsky SA200, Trace Elliot (Valve series, VA350/400, or V4/6/8), or Mesa/Boogie Bass 400/400+. When I get my V-4B back, I'll give it a whirl, but my '74 SVT gets a bit too heavy handed with the HT322.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

The NV series cabs love tube heads.
The SA series cabs (Sadowsky brand, but made by Jim) love tube heads.
The HS series heads definitely like tube heads.
The HT series is hit or miss, IME, with tube heads. Some cabs with some tube heads sound great, but other matchups do not fair as well.

The HT322 is very nice with tube heads that don't get too sloppy in the low end, but it can get a bit uncontrolled with some tube heads.

Some of my favorite heads with the HT322 have been the Aguilar DB750, Carvin B1500, Markbass LMII, Mesa/Boogie M6, Fender 800 Pro, pretty much any GK head (including the MB500 and MB Fusion), Eden WT550, and Ampeg SVT-8Pro. I'm sure that I am forgetting lots of other great options. If I were going to drive this cab with a tube head, I'd likely look to the Sadowsky SA200, Trace Elliot (Valve series, VA350/400, or V4/6/8), or Mesa/Boogie Bass 400/400+. When I get my V-4B back, I'll give it a whirl, but my '74 SVT gets a bit too heavy handed with the HT322.

I had VERY good luck with my F1 also.... tightened and punched that cab up a bit.

[bucephylus]

Just to be a little contrarian.... I am having EXCELLENT results using a GB Shuttle 9 on top of a Berg NV610. In fact, that rig may be the most transportable take on an SVT possible, at the moment, IMO.

There is certainly a lot of wisdom here on TB, but don't be afraid to use your own ears. There are some very interesting synergies to be had that one might not predict. This S9/NV610 combo was never any intended pairing for me; more of a "what the heck, let's try this." And, glad I did.

So, I don't think you can get more than guidance for the HT322; and don't be afraid to try things. Great cab; will probably work well with a variety of heads. GL

[KJung]

Originally Posted by bucephylus

Just to be a little contrarian.... I am having EXCELLENT results using a GB Shuttle 9 on top of a Berg NV610. In fact, that rig may be the most transportable take on an SVT possible, at the moment, IMO.

There is certainly a lot of wisdom here on TB, but don't be afraid to use your own ears. There are some very interesting synergies to be had that one might not predict. This S9/NV610 combo was never any intended pairing for me; more of a "what the heck, let's try this." And, glad I did.

So, I don't think you can get more than guidance for the HT322; and don't be afraid to try things. Great cab; will probably work well with a variety of heads. GL

Not contrarian at all. We weren't talking about certain cabs ONLY working with tube heads, only that the HT322 is not optimum for most of the tube heads I've familiar with, due to the very deeply voiced low end, and that 'hi fi to end all hi fi' top end of that particular box, with a pretty large does of upper mids coming from that horn.

[bucephylus]

Originally Posted by KJung

Not contrarian at all. We weren't talking about certain cabs ONLY working with tube heads, only that the HT322 is not optimum for most of the tube heads I've familiar with, due to the very deeply voiced low end, and that 'hi fi to end all hi fi' top end of that particular box, with a pretty large does of upper mids coming from that horn.

Sure, Ken; and you and Tom offer a lot of great information on here. My main point is that the guidance is a good starting point, but the player ultimately has to use their own ears/experience. This is particularly true because there can often be some unexpected synergies in the parings. Of course, things can also head the other direction in a hurry....

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by bucephylus

Sure, Ken; and you and Tom offer a lot of great information on here. My main point is that the guidance is a good starting point, but the player ultimately has to use their own ears/experience. This is particularly true because there can often be some unexpected synergies in the parings. Of course, things can also head the other direction in a hurry....

True story.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by bucephylus

Sure, Ken; and you and Tom offer a lot of great information on here. My main point is that the guidance is a good starting point, but the player ultimately has to use their own ears/experience. This is particularly true because there can often be some unexpected synergies in the parings. Of course, things can also head the other direction in a hurry....

+1 all the way, and that HT322 is quite the fussy cab with pairings... much more risk of going ugly than getting lucky with that one.

[Lorenzini]

I have a lot of experience with an HT-322, which I used to own, and completely regret selling.

I used to love it with my Gallien-Krueger 1001rb-II. Absolutely sweet tone, tight low end and beautiful up top. Even with this head, the low end bloomed a little too much at 60hz (for my taste).

It was even better with my current Aguilar AG500SC. The low end was voiced perfectly, extremely tight and smooth low and with glassy but also cutting highs. The amp and cab crossfaded together beautifully!

I can imagine an Aguilar DB750/DB751 sounding goooood!

Eden gear, I'm sure it would sound great.

It would probably be pretty sterile but still satisfying with SWR gear, and would tame the sterility of the SWR stuff.

In the end, that's my favorite cab ever! Currently playing Aguilar and Eden cabs currently for reference.

[Jim C]

My experience with the 322 are a bit different
I've had an HT322 in my living room with an Ampeg speaker selector switch and a variety of amps that include:
SM400, Ampeg 3Pro, SVP/power amp, V4B, SVT-CL, & LMII
My other reference cabinet was a TL606.
I found that I never preferred the SM400 or the 3Pro over any of the others
My 2 favorite amps with the Berg are the SVT-CL or LMII (using either a J bass or SR, funk, R&B and rock) and use these live
IME, the low end out of this cab can be a problem (especially out front in a small room) but just love the authority of the SVT and have not had a huge problem with control

Ironically the SVP/power amp was more of a handful the only time I tried it live and the V4B does not have enough guts to support the low notes to my liking

I did call Jim Bergantino before I bought it and he said that he liked the sound of either an SVT or a good pre and a CA9; he speculated that the LMII would work well and had heard good reports from customers. He also said that his dealers had told him that this was the best cab he ever built although this conversation was approx 2 years ago. For me, this box needs a bunch of power behind it to work well at even moderate volume

[chadds]

The mention of the 322 needing a bunch of power would send me away from the SWR 350. If you want SWR than the SM-500 or SM400 bridged or best the Bass 750. Yet I'd
heed Tom and KJung's suggestions.

[Modulator]

Originally Posted by KJung

If you want more mid punch and a bit less sizzle and deep bass, the Genz Shuttle 9 would most likely KILL with that cab.

I use the Shuttle 9.0 and Berg HT322 as my regular rig. It indeed kills. Haven't noticed a loss of sizzle or deep bass.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Modulator

I use the Shuttle 9.0 and Berg HT322 as my regular rig. It indeed kills. Haven't noticed a loss of sizzle or deep bass.

That 'deep bass and sizzle' comment was based on a comparison of the Genz (or almost any other head!) and the extremely wide voiced, pure and smooth TecAmp Puma that the OP currently owns. The Shuttle 9 would have a tighter low end, and more presence in the upper mids and lower treble, which IMO with that cab would be a good thing for many. Similar thing with the F500/F1.

[LarryR]

Reviving this thread in hopes it hits your guys inbox and I can get some cogent responses. Your help is appreciated...

Current setup
Fender P or P/J (4 bangers) > Ashdown ABM500 > HT/EX112 stack.
I play 95% Fingerstyle. Gigs/Bands: R&B, Blues, Rock, Funk, Pop

I had an SA410 for my loud gigs. Used it for years. No complaints. Decided to go modular with the stack. Love the stack, but, wish they were a bit fatter in the low end. I have a chance to trade my HT112 +cash for an HT322. Aside from a hefty 95lbs (tolerable) I'd have all situations covered. HT322 & EX112. Still the question begs, do i stay with what I have, or make yet another change in my rig. My embarrassing amount of feedback is proof that I'm a moving target re: gear.

I researched TB and it seems the ABM will drive the HT322 proper. I read Ken's comment that the HT322 wasn't a good rock cab. Love to hear more comments about this.

Anyone wanna chime in on this complete thread takeover?