Epi PS112 x 2 or Berg HT112ER & EX112ER?

[Sparky Mark]

I recently made a couple of 12" cabs to see if I could gig with a smaller rig, and now I'm hooked on 12's! I built these cabs using Emi Basslite S2012 speakers and drive them with MB LM3 and they sound huge.

But GAS being what it is (insatiable), I'm thinking that if my DIY cabs sound this good, what would pro designed and built high end 12" cabs be like?

So I play in rock/pop covers bands and would like opinions on these Epi and Bergs please? The Epis are a lot cheaper, but if the Bergs are way better, then that's the way I'll go.

Thanks for your advice.

[Sparky Mark]

Help me bump

[anonymous02282011]

I've owned both, but it was a while ago

They both sound good but have some clear differences.

To my ears the Epifani had a more "modern" high end .. more sizzly or whatever.

The berg ERs will go a bit deeper. To me, they sounded a bit more even from top to bottom and had a bit more "grunt". They're also larger in size.

It's not really a clear choice as it will depend on your tastes.

[DWBass]

Depends on your pockets. Both cabs kill. The Epi is a bit more afforable. I have 2 of them (well 1 is on the way). Bergs will cost you! Epi PS112 has the rat fur.

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks adbass,
To be honest, I haven't heard a bad cab yet with the LM3. I see so few Berg ER's secondhand, that I'm thinking they may be the way to go, as I could spend a whole lot more gradually trading up thru cheaper cabs. People just don't seem to move them on.

[anonymous02282011]

Originally Posted by Sparky Mark

People just don't seem to move them on.

and for good reason.

but if you have the opportunity to check out the Epi's used you really should. They're nice.

[cripula]

Originally Posted by DWBass

Epi PS112 has the rat fur. Bergs are tolex.

The HT/EX are rat fur too. Sadly they are now discontinued, so if you want 'em better jump fast if you can find a pair, or watch the classifieds. They do come up.

You could also try the new Berg AE212 - it would be cheaper than a new HT/EX stack and it's the flavour of the month

[DWBass]

The reason you see PS112's up for sale is because users move up to the UL series cabs which are lighter. No reason to pass on them though. I agree, Bergs are really nice but again, it depends on your pocketbook! A new PS112 is $399 37lbs. Bergantino EX112ER $549.00 40lbs, Bergantino HT112ER $699.00 43lbs.

[DWBass]

Originally Posted by cripula

The HT/EX are rat fur too. Sadly they are now discontinued, so if you want 'em better jump fast if you can find a pair, or watch the classifieds. They do come up.

You could also try the new Berg AE212 - it would be cheaper than a new HT/EX stack and it's the flavour of the month

Bergantino AE-212 $1049.00 55lbs Ouch!

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks everyone,
I read a lot about how fragile the AE finish is. In the UK the Bergs are £450 ( x 1.6 for $) more than the Epi for the pair and I'm wondering if they're that much better?

[cripula]

Originally Posted by DWBass

Bergantino AE-212 $1049.00 55lbs Ouch!

HT/EX stack - 83 lbs, $1250

[RColie]

Originally Posted by Sparky Mark

Thanks everyone,
I read a lot about how fragile the AE finish is. In the UK the Bergs are £450 ( x 1.6 for $) more than the Epi for the pair and I'm wondering if they're that much better?

I've owned the UL112s, the PS112s, and now own the HT112ERs. They're all different, and it very much comes down to personal taste. For me, the UL112s were too mid-scooped and boomy, and didn't cut through the mix very well at all. I liked the PS112s better - they were punchier and had more going on in the mids.

Then I read about the HT112ERs. All the accolades about them are true IMO. They have a very strong but not boomy extended low end, a nice even mid range, and a great transition to a very musical tweeter. They get very loud, but stay even at a wide range of volume levels. They're heavy but have a great recessed side handle, and they're actually smaller than the Epi cabs. If you can afford it, and think you like their sound as described by lots of posts on TalkBass, they're the best 112 around (IMO and IME).

The AE112s get rave reviews as well, although their voicing is different to the HT112ERs. And with the AEs, you definitely need a padded cover to protect the fragile finish. Different flavors of great.

Good luck,

Bob

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks Bob,
Looks like I need to pull the trigger on the Bergs.

Cheers everybody.

[Flanker]

I have a pair of Berg ERs and they are great.

Near Milton Keynes if you want to try them.

[Sparky Mark]

Thanks for the offer Flanker. The reason I built a pair of twelves was because I find it's impossible to test speakers away from a band set up. My fear was either the 12's wouldn't be loud or deep enough. I've now proved to myself they are and that the Bergs are probably the best of the breed.
Don't suppose you want to sell/trade them for something????

[andertone]

I owned Epi T112s, and got a Berg Mini stack
HT112/EX112, for my four string Sadowsky all I really need, plenty of lows, and a nice carry in my Toyota Corolla

In fact, have to turn the thing down in the moderate volume bands I play in as it gets loud very fast

[Flanker]

I've tried everything else and these cabs are ideal so I couldn't replace them with anything better.

I'd like a Berg AE212 and a NV610 or 412 too though.

If you're near Coventry BassDirect is a Berg dealer and also stock Vanderkley cabs which are similar and seem very nice too.

[Sparky Mark]

This could be my last weekend using a 410......which is a bit scarey!!

[Sparky Mark]

Well GAS has won! (again!)

HT112ER and EX112ER on their way, this really has to be it now! Saying bye bye to the MB104HF is gonna be hard but I can't afford to keep her as well.