carvin vs swr opinions please!

[eyedrops]

Hey guys,
I've used these forums as a reference guide many times before and I've never registered until now! I tried searching the forums for info on here but I really am not good at navigating forums. Basically my question is simple. I want two 4x10s instead of my 8x10, I've picked two potential cabs. I was wondering if anyone has played either and if they could shed light on which would be the better of the two for the rig setup. The two cabs I am looking at are the:

Carvin BRX10.4neo
SWR WorkingPro 410

I've read reviews and descriptions on the web but I want REAL player's opinions that have owned or played out of either of the two. $400-600 is my price range and suggestions for other brands and cabs are taken wholly. Thanks guys, I love this forum and I'm glad to be apart of it finally.

[Gearhead17]

The Carvin BX series is probably the best bang for your buck. I already own the BX1200 head (now discontinued and replaced with the BX1500 head) and if the quality stays consistent, you are getting a good product.

I have no experience with the SWR Working PRO cabs. Off the top of my head though, I suggest staying away from budget line gear and going for the higher end cabs right away. Buy used from bass players on craigslist to get the best deals.

Make sure you try out the gear beforehand if possible - the cab is THE MOST IMPORTANT part of your sound. Skimping here is asking for trouble. Stick to two identical 410's and you will be just fine.

[dhaybass]

i'm looking at buying a new carvin amp/cab myself. ive had a carvin pro bass 500 and a 4-10 cab which i have been using for the past 20 years and though it still works and sounds fine i am looking for something more portable. only had one minor problem and i WORKED that rig. have a small swr and played some through a working man but in my opinion - carvin carvin carvin! (also have a sb4000 and a 90's fretless 6 so i guess you could call me a bit of a carvin freak)

[lfbassguy]

I've had both. The swr 4x10 is nice but doesn't have a good low freq response. They both have good mids. The swr has better highs. Up close I preffered the swr, but from a far I liked the carvin (10.4 neo) better. Both are decent cabs. As far as there amps. I really liked the bx500 over my swr workingpro 700. I also had a carvin b1500 but didn't like it.

Overall, I would prefer a carvin rig.

[tbirddad]

I've used Carvin stuff for decades - currently using a B2000 head - but using an Avatar cabinet -

The cab is incredible - I would suggest checking it out as a possible for you -

otherwise - stick to the Carvin!

BASS CABS

[jeff7bass]

I think SWR used to have the upper hand but they took a step back while Carvin took a BIG step forward with their new “B” series amps + cabs.
Lately it appears to me that SWR is rebounding with new models. The new combos are sharp and people seem to like them a lot. A big +1 to picking the cabs first though, then purchasing the ideal head to power your choice of cab(s). If you want a single cab to produce extreme volume (and low end) without fear of breaking, you really can’t get around buying an expensive cab.

[lfbassguy]

Yes on the cab. Check these out. Www.alienmfg.com

I have had one for 10 years. It is just awesome.

[jeff7bass]

Originally Posted by lfbassguy

Yes on the cab. Check these out. Home | Alien Alliance Audio Systems

I have had one for 10 years. It is just awesome.

Never heard of them but they look cool.

[eyedrops]

Awesome, thanks for all the feed back guys! I definitely love all the other suggestions. Those Avatar cabs seem to have a lot of awesome stuff on it that makes me want to consider buying them.

[jeff7bass]

Avatars are a great choice among the affordable cabs. I have an SB112 paired with an Ampeg PF-350 and it is plenty for rehearsals and small gigs all by itself.
The TB153 is their best cab. Get one with a 500w micro head and you'll be smoking for about a grand. Two of them with a Carvin BX1500 or B2000 would be lethal.

[Alex1984]

Avatar makes great cabs for low prices, as do Carvin. However, it may be harder should you ever decide to resell.

[lfbassguy]

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Never heard of them but they look cool.

If you call them they'll work on the price too. At least they used to.

[chadds]

Used SWR pro gear is the shiz. If this is for you get the pro used and don't look back. Steve Rabe's motivation was to give you great bass sound. Not meet a price point.