The Best 2-10 Cab Discussion

Precisionb87 · #1 04-20-2011, 11:53 AM

Hello everyone,
I want to get a smaller cab that is easy to move around in the city, and I have settled on a 2-10 configuration. I wanted to get some opinions on what type to get and hopefully this will also serve as a guide to anybody else who is wondering the same thing.

So, pretty much every bass company under the sun makes one, and they all seem a tiny bit different from one another. (cab dimensions, weight, wattage capacity, tweeters, and price)

Ideally I would just simply go with the one that is the smallest, was the highest wattage, weighs the least, has the best (b)ass

and is the most affordable. But this is the real world, and one must make decisions.

So what have you used and owned? What type of amps and basses are you running with them? (I like what I see from Avatar) If there has already been a discussion page SPECIFICALLY about this please supply a link. Thanks!

dhomer · #2 04-20-2011, 12:03 PM

Generally price and performance/size weight have an inverse relationship. I tout building it yourself as a cost-effective solution. I've already done the modeling on this.. I'm configuring as a wedge, but its just as easy making a box. Pair of Beyma 10MW/ND's in a 4000 cu.in box, tune to 53 HZ. Can build it up w/1/2" auraco. Slot port 23-1/2" wide 1-7/16" high 11-1/2 deep.. this will handle B strings, and it can take well over 300 watts w/out farting.. Yes the drivers are pricey, but you get what you pay for..

waleross · #3 04-20-2011, 12:38 PM

Currently I only have (1) Ampeg210 AV left but it does fit the bill. This weighs in at 24lbs. I know there are others that will be mentioned. I had a 210Basoon cab that I sold off ( regrets) , it was 500watts and was 90 lbs. Maybe that is why they are now out of business but it was the best 210 cab. If I were in the market for another one I would look at Genz benz products...................

impactwrench · #4 04-20-2011, 12:43 PM

I like my avatar but its a bit heavy since I have the older ceramic speakers. Id recommend it (the newer neo cab) based on price, weight, and tone. I also tried the Peavey tour 210 and it was fine but was used and had a rattle so I returned it. I didnt really care for the 210MBE even though I really wanted it to be great. I think its built a bit flimsy too, but mostly the tone wasnt what I wanted (too boomy). Im also interested in the little ampeg 210, and have tried it in the store a few times. It doesnt seem all that loud. not sure how else to put it.

thejazzman · #5 04-20-2011, 02:09 PM

I have a MarkBass 102P Traveler and it sounds real nice and it only weights 33 lbs. I know that it is kind of pricey but it is a nice cab.

lomo · #6 04-20-2011, 02:47 PM

IMHO the best 210 is a fEarful or nEarful 112 (12/6). I have an Audiokinesis TC112. It's louder, handles more power, goes lower and is clearer than most 210s, and weighs less than any 210 (31 lbs). These cabs may cost more than a good 210, but IMO they are better on all fronts. They can be had through speakerhardware.com or LDS as well.

shoot-r · #7 04-23-2011, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Precisionb87

Hello everyone,
I want to get a smaller cab that is easy to move around in the city, and I have settled on a 2-10 configuration. I wanted to get some opinions on what type to get and hopefully this will also serve as a guide to anybody else who is wondering the same thing.

So, pretty much every bass company under the sun makes one, and they all seem a tiny bit different from one another. (cab dimensions, weight, wattage capacity, tweeters, and price)

Ideally I would just simply go with the one that is the smallest, was the highest wattage, weighs the least, has the best (b)ass

and is the most affordable. But this is the real world, and one must make decisions.

So what have you used and owned? What type of amps and basses are you running with them? (I like what I see from Avatar) If there has already been a discussion page SPECIFICALLY about this please supply a link. Thanks!

Went through this same search roughfully a year ago when I was choosing 210 cabinets for my vertical 410 rig.
I was able to locate and audition 14 different 210 cabinets in my area. I used a GK MB2-500 head and a passive 4 string Fender Jazz to try out the cabinets.
#1 priority...sound.
#2...componet quality.
#3...cabinet build quality.
#4...quality/value compaired to price.

To my ears the top 3 turned out to be...

#1...Bergantino AE 210. $850.00 each.

#2...Avatar Neo 210. $319.00 each

#3...Ampeg 210 AV. $299.00 each.

The Berg cabinets had a sweeter/less harsh high end than the other cabs I tried, but in a live, loud band setting this became a moot point and couldn't be distingished.
The Berg's were the highest priced cabinets I looked at.

The Ampeg was the easiest to move 210 cabinet I encountered, sounded very good and captured the old flat back SVT 810 sound very well. Plus, IMHO, this is the cutest 210 cabinet on the market!
It's draw-back was, it was one of the quieter 210 cabinets I auditioned.

When sound, componet quality, cabinet build quality, ect. was considered, Avatar's inexpensive price made my decision for me.

I've been gigging my GK/Avatar vertical 410 rig in a loud, 6 pcs., country/rock group without any problems of not being heard, not enough low end, ect., ect.
I'm "very" pleased with the Avatars.

Laurent · #8 04-23-2011, 10:30 PM

+1 on the Ampeg AV210. Great one, sits well in the mix, easy to carry.
If you need to be louder just add a second one.

Derek Kiernan · #9 04-24-2011, 12:15 AM

I've had the Berg AE 210 for a couple years. It's my favorite 2x10. I've recently received the acoustic-friendly version of the Thunderchild, which has been mentioned already, and will be replacing my Berg for my uses. I'd recommend either if they're not out of your price range. The AE line is being discontinued, so you might not be able to get it in stores anymore, but you can certainly find them used at good prices. I don't think there's been more than one or two people selling their Thunderchild used so don't expect to find those in the classifieds or on craigslist

GregC · #10 04-24-2011, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurent

+1 on the Ampeg AV210. Great one, sits well in the mix, easy to carry.
If you need to be louder just add a second one.

Yep! I just bought a second one today and stacked'em in practice tonight. Sounds great with my Walkabout and I'm sure it will with my V-4B as well. Now, if you need a really clean sound and have the ducats, the Berg is a great choice.

**JxBass** · #11 04-24-2011, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

IMHO the best 210 is a fEarful or nEarful 112 (12/6). I have an Audiokinesis TC112. It's louder, handles more power, goes lower and is clearer than most 210s, and weighs less than any 210 (31 lbs). These cabs may cost more than a good 210, but IMO they are better on all fronts. They can be had through speakerhardware.com or LDS as well.

+1 on the AudioKinesis TC12. As loud or louder than any 210 and smaller and easier to schlep than a 12/6.

wcriley · #12 04-24-2011, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Precisionb87

I want to get a smaller cab that is easy to move around in the city, and I have settled on a 2-10 configuration...(clip)
Ideally I would just simply go with the one that is the smallest, was the highest wattage, weighs the least, has the best (b)ass

and is the most affordable....

Most here will tell you to ignore the wattage ratings (within reason). They mean very little in the real world.

Best bass from a 210? Probably an Amce B2. But...they're heavy and awkward to carry. (I replaced my Acme B2 with a fEARful 12/6.)

With the recent increase in the cost of Neo drivers, I doubt that "weighs the least" and "most affordable" are compatible goals.

Laurent · #13 04-24-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregC

Yep! I just bought a second one today and stacked'em in practice tonight. Sounds great with my Walkabout and I'm sure it will with my V-4B as well. Now, if you need a really clean sound and have the ducats, the Berg is a great choice.

I often run my Traynor YBA 200-2 (all tube head) with an Ampeg AV210 and it sounds really great. It might be a gross over simplification but closed cabs seem to work well with tube heads.

Ncognito · #14 04-24-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

IMHO the best 210 is a fEarful or nEarful 112 (12/6). I have an Audiokinesis TC112. It's louder, handles more power, goes lower and is clearer than most 210s, and weighs less than any 210 (31 lbs). These cabs may cost more than a good 210, but IMO they are better on all fronts. They can be had through speakerhardware.com or LDS as well.

lomo is dead right!!!

I've owned and gigged with an Eden 210XLT, SWR Golaith Jr., Bergantino AE210, Avatar 210 Neo and I used them as stand alone boxes. My fEARful 12/6/1 absolutely will DESTROY any 210 out there, hands down and it's smaller and lighter than any 210 I know of. I comes damn close to competing with most 410's you can buy.

Try a fEARful - you'll be amazed. I was skeptical but not anymore!

Daveydude · #15 04-24-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

Currently I only have (1) Ampeg210 AV left but it does fit the bill. This weighs in at 24lbs. I know there are others that will be mentioned. I had a 210Basoon cab that I sold off ( regrets) , it was 500watts and was 90 lbs. Maybe that is why they are now out of business but it was the best 210 cab. If I were in the market for another one I would look at Genz benz products...................

I am the lucky recipient of the above mentioned Basson B210b. If you dont mind the size and weight, it is a real nice sounding 210. The tweeter is switchable and is quite useable. The lows are amazing. I run a LMII with it and it fills in nicely.
Again, the size and weight wont work for some people.....its a real pig of a 210.

Arjank · #16 04-24-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ncognito

My fEARful 12/6/1 absolutely will DESTROY any 210 out there, hands down and it's smaller and lighter than any 210 I know of.

It might be a bit lighter then the 210 I'm building, but it will definitely not be better.

lomo · #17 04-24-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arjank

It might be a bit lighter then the 210 I'm building, but it will definitely not be better.

"Better" is a matter of taste. It certainly goes lower (and more clearly) and is at least as loud as any 210 I've ever heard (and that includes some top shelf boxes). I couldn't make an educated comment on how it'll compare to the 210 you're building, unless I heard them both.....and neither could you. However, if you post the specs of the 210 you are building, those in the engineering know CAN comment on how the 2 cabs are tuned, etc.

BigOldHarry · #18 04-24-2011, 05:16 PM

I've been using Epifani 2x10's for years. LOVE THEM - but they are heavy and expensive.

arthur31686 · #19 04-24-2011, 06:28 PM

I'm probably going to bite the bullet on an svt210av so I can have a small practice cab and those 10 inch speakers to compliment my 215 cab live.

Arjank · #20 04-25-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

"Better" is a matter of taste. I couldn't make an educated comment on how it'll compare to the 210 you're building, unless I heard them both.....and neither could you. However, if you post the specs of the 210 you are building, those in the engineering know CAN comment on how the 2 cabs are tuned, etc.

In this case lets say that "better" means reproducing the tone of the bassguitar+(pre-)amp. So, not coloring the sound.

I have some reasons why I assume that my 210 will be on par or sound better. Let's also talk about a single cab solution here, not stacking multiple ones. I allready simulated the 3012lf including it's crossover so I know what it does. I use boxsim to simulate, it takes more variables into it's calculation than most other programs. So it gives me a pretty accurate picture.
I have all the measuring equipment to make my 210 a "studio-monitor-on-stage". It will sound totally neutral, so the (pre-)amp and bass are responsible for the "sound".
I hope to get my 210 ready in about a month.