Best "SWR sound" cab? Goliath, Golight, or Triad?

LowerBeef · #1 08-16-2010, 07:29 AM

I just got a nice pre-Fender SM-500 and I'm now looking for a cab to match with it. I thought I really wanted a Triad, but now that I'm about to go buy one I'm having second thoughts. Maybe a Goliath would have the most "SWR" sound? And what about a 4x10 Golight?

Help?!

Son of Bovril · #2 08-16-2010, 08:17 AM

The Goliath, Goliath sr & megoliath have a pretty trademark SWR sound to me, clean and modern, but the Goliath 410 in particular has been through quite a few variations over the years so some people might argue that earlier or later versions present a more SWR vibe for them, either way I think you probably can't go wrong with any of the above mentioned cabs.

I can't comment on the new Golight cabs as I have not tried them but have heard great reviews here on TB.

The Triad has a bit of a mixed response however, people seem to really like the sound of the cab but it seems to be a bit lacking on the volume side and there have been issues with blowing the 10" speaker due to the way the cab is crossed over or wired.

depending on how loud you need to play the triad may be perfect for you, but it is also a big and heavy cab and if you are willing to go that big you are probably better off with a 410 or even the Goliath Sr 610 IMO

57pbass · #3 08-16-2010, 09:26 AM

My rig for many years was a Goliath 4 x 10 and the SM 400..IMHO...thats the classic SWR sound. The Triad came along afterwards... I did own the Triad and did not like this cabinet ...I could never dial in a good tone..tried with several basses and it just did not deliver the booty I was used to getting from the 4 x 10. I quiclky sold it. I never had any service issues with SWR gear
The newer cabs are ported differently than the older versions. The older version had a rear port ..the new versions have a front port. IMHO the older version had a slightly more focused sound than the newer versions which seem to spread the sound due to the front porting. But this is a minor detail as far as I am concerned..
I dont know anything about the Golight series..never tried them so I cannot comment.
I am presently using a 4 ohm Goliath with a few different heads....it never lets me down..Its on casters so it's easy to move around. They are always on ebay and you can get one for a reasonable price..

LowerBeef · #4 08-16-2010, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to stick with the 4x10, now I just have to narrow it down between the Goliath and the Golight.

BigOldHarry · #5 08-16-2010, 01:49 PM

This seems like a puzzling question: You have an SWR head... and you want to know which cab will give you the best "SWR sound"?

Ummm... How about an SWR cab? I'd find a used Goliath II or II and you will have what you are looking for.

LowerBeef · #6 08-18-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

This seems like a puzzling question: You have an SWR head... and you want to know which cab will give you the best "SWR sound"?

Ummm... How about an SWR cab? I'd find a used Goliath II or II and you will have what you are looking for.

I was asking which of 3 different SWR cabs, the Goliath, Golight, or Triad, would give me the signature sound.

I found a Goliath III in great shape and now I know what all the hype is about; this combo created a breeze I could feel at 3 feet!
The punch is amazing.

Willy Franklin · #7 08-18-2010, 02:46 PM

I would say the 4x10...

WHICH I just happen to have an Eden D410T (rear port) for sale if you're interested...

I guess Eden used to make SWR cabs back in the day, then SWR started having "PAS" making them... (I think that's how it went...)

Pics of it here: http://picasaweb.google.com/wbfranklin/BassGearForSale#

Clank · #8 08-18-2010, 02:50 PM

Henry the 8x8 matches up nicely with that head.

LowerBeef · #9 08-18-2010, 05:32 PM

Here's my SM-500 with my Goliath III:

JTUK · #10 08-18-2010, 06:24 PM

If size and weight isn't the issue I would consider the Goliath ll.

Massive sound with a SM amp. Very focused but it will light up the whole room.

I used a Goli jnr lll with PAS speakers and it was great in such a small box. I had to replace the speakers and couldn't get PAS in the UK, so used deltalites.
These would need a different tune, maybe, but did ok and I had no problems. I preferred the PAS ones though even though the weight was more and watts were less.

For this reason, I would suggest you compare the Goliath and the Golights and see what YOU think. I don't think they are the same sound, personally, but....???

Talking about size...that 8x8 Henri has to be on your list, surely...and deffo the 6x10 if you are punching out a loud stage sound.

ThrashMaster · #11 08-18-2010, 07:44 PM

the goliath series are def what you think of when you think of the swr sound. Tonally, the jr really doesnt even sound that diff than the mega...just quieter. If you care about portability the easiest cabs to move are the senior, the henry, and whatever they call the 2x15. All tilt back with castors, without being quite a fridge. Also...just heard a henry the other week....gas attack!

Gizmot · #12 08-18-2010, 07:55 PM

I think all the SWR cabs sound good - I'm a fan. Of all the ones I've heard, the one that sounded the best to me is the Henry 8 x 8. Cone area - think cone area!!