Emperor 2x15 opinions

Gonzo476 · #1 10-07-2011, 10:14 AM

I am going to buy a new 2x15 and I've always felt curious about Emperor cabs, although I read sometime ago in another thread that they were not properly braced, or something to that effect. I have no idea how this would affect the sound or if it's even true. I'm just looking for a new sealed 2x15 for different genres, from electronica to rock, so please chime in if you have heard or tried one of these

bassgod0dmw · #2 10-07-2011, 10:17 AM

I've heard good things about them, plus I like how they are just stained wood.

I never played one or heard one though...

NKBassman · #3 10-07-2011, 01:40 PM

I've tried responding twice but my work firewall keeps getting in the way.

Whether or not it will work for your particular tonal situations is tough to say, by I have a vertically oriented 2x15 and I am very happy with the way it sounds. It's got a nice old school vibe to the tone that is capable of taking a pretty nasty amout if drive and distortion in stride. The cab is light weight, looks awesome, and was quite affordable even with shipping to Canada. the guys at Emperor were pretty easy to deal with and helpful when I asked questions.

However, I encourage you to do some digging through old threads. The vibration issues people talk about are very real. I had a SVT 3PRO in a Gator road case that was skating around the top of the cab like it was made of ice. I ended up having to take the amp out of the case and put the rubber feet back on just to get it to stay put.

The cab is very light, which is awesome, but it's because there is pretty much no bracing inside. There's also no batting inside either, which isn't great.

When I ordered mine I was going through a honeymoon phase with several bands I had just discovered that all used Emperor. Since then I've taken some time to try and wrap my head around good/proper cab design, and this is not it.

Design issues aside, the joinery and finishing are absolutely top notch, and at the end of the day I really do like the tone I'm getting from the cab. I don't want to dissuade anyone from getting an Emperor, just saying do your homework and figure out exactly what it is you want before you start throwing your money around. If you're looking for clear and accurate sound reproduction of whatever signal you're putting in to your cab, I'd look elsewhere. If you're more of a plug-in-and-rock kind of guy and don't mind a bit of tonal coloration from your cabs, the Emperor should do you just fine.

Also deserving a mention is Monolith Loudspeakers. Wade pokes his head in here from time to time and seems like a pretty stand up guy. A Monolith BLKARM is high on my want list for sure.

NKBassman · #4 10-07-2011, 01:41 PM

Also, Emperor's 2x15 is ported, not sealed.

Gonzo476 · #5 10-07-2011, 01:55 PM

Thanks for the lengthy explanation NKBassman. To be honest, I don't mind a bit of coloration and I'm definitely not looking for a hi-fi modern sound. I've seen that Emperor uses Eminence speakers, and after doing some research on the Eminence website I think I've found out the ideal driver for me. If I could load a cab with a pair of those (Eminence Legend CA154) I think I'd be set, but I'm still worried about the vibration issues. Do they affect the sound?

Gonzo476 · #6 10-07-2011, 01:57 PM

Oh, I forgot about one thing. I said sealed because I like my bottom end to be rich, but keeping things tight. Are you getting that kind of low end from your cab?

NKBassman · #7 10-07-2011, 02:21 PM

Can't really say, since I've never really played through a comparable sealed cab. It's got plenty of bottom if you want it, and I can dial in a real nice punchy tone, but that's all I can really tell you.

Think of excessive vibration as potential sound energy being wasted. All that energy is potential sound/volume that could be coming from your cab, but instead it's being absorbed and turned mechanically into waste heat by shaking the wood around instead.

Not to mention all that vibration can't be good for delicate amp components. And forget about putting a beer on top of your rig either.

billfitzmaurice · #8 10-07-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo476

I'm still worried about the vibration issues. Do they affect the sound?

They do. Well braced cabs with totally inert panels sound better and go louder.

Tractorr · #9 10-07-2011, 05:07 PM

I have only heard 4X12 and a 4X12/1X15 cabs from Emperor and they all sound amazing especially if you really want the audience to feel the sound. I can't speak to the 2X15 though.