Best 8x10 for metal?
 

Alright I know theres no "best" but Im thinking about emptying my wallet on a fridge. Which brand would you guys recommend and why? Im trying to find one that suits metal well (fast playing, 5 string, overdrive/distortion being used).

Thanks!

Ampeg

I use ampeg. But I'm thinking Mesa

If I wanted a large sized cab for my metal band I'd be getting a Mesa Boogie 412. 1200w of power handling. Total bone-crusher.

Ampeg.

You could get an Emperor 610 for cheaper than a new ampeg 810... just sayin'

got my 70s ampeg 810 for $600.

Got my '02 Ampeg 810 for $400.

If you play clean then Mesa or Aguilar. If you run distortion or fuzz then Ampeg.

If it was ampeg vs mesa, why would you choose one over the other for metal?

both are awesome for metal. it just depends what style and your preference.

The mesa in my opinion doesnt sound too good with a distorted bass tone. Too much high mids and highs. The ampeg is just right.

Even with the tweeter turned off?

For me, yes. Sounded like distortion through a DI, harsh and hollow.

I've owned a good number of both Mesa and Ampeg cabs (prog/tech metal player in bands since like '99). Ampeg if you are on budget (used fridge for $500 or less if you are lucky) or like traditional/tried & true in terms of tone preference. Mesa cabs are brighter, clearer, and more direct sounding IMO. The current PH line has an awesome crossover technology that allows another level of tone control. I find Mesa cabs to be a big improvement for Ampeg heads to get a more aggressive tone... takes the blanket of off 'em.

I owned a SWR 8x10 Megoliath for a while... it had a cool metal grill. Ultimate blues/reggae 8x10 if you ask me. I did not have the super burly low mids that I like but did whale-sized sub lows and general punch in the most epic manner.

I wouldnt risk it on Emperor bass cabs. I think they just pulled some dimensions/numbers out of the air when designing those cabs, many people have found them to be questionable. Bass cabs are science now. I f-ing love their guitar cabs (own one, just ordered another) and have had a few other top of the line guitar cabs for a point of reference.

Ya, not a fan of Emperor. The woodworking is pretty, but the workmanship leaves something to be desired, and after those guys trashed Jim Marshall when he died then offered a really lame apology that they didn't mean after all the bad press they got, I lost total interest.

I'm going to say the Mesa Powerhouse 8x10. Why? Clear, deep, will handle the power, should hold up well at high volume.

If I were in your shoes, I can't think of a make & model I'd prefer to it. :hmm:

MM

My favorite 8x10s were the ampeg and the old peavey (tvx or something like that) I had in the late 90s early 2000s. The ampeg has this great tight low end and the peavey was a little nastier with more mids. I got rid of the peavey for a swr 610 which I regretted. Tried a ampeg 810 at a club that provided back line and loved it. Bought one and played
it for years with no issues where the swr I had cone issues and the peavey constantly blew horns and the speaker jack had to be replaced because I'd hit a low b and the air the cab generated was actually pushing the speaker cable out. I've scaled down my rig now, but I don't regret owning either one of those 810s they were a pain in the butt to move around but they were a part of a lot of good times.

Mesa... what Chaos said. Just turn down the high end with the crossover.

Best 810 for metal? Two of them.

I like Ampeg 810s with GK amps for the metals personally.