GK NEO vs MBX and a few other "new rig" questions

[Tbac]

Hi, been getting ahead on $$ for the last few paychecks, so I figure it's time to upgrade the crappy Behringer combo I have. I've been mainly looking at GK gear, hoping to pick up a used 700RB-II and some type of 4x10.

I live in southern Oregon, so not a lot of chances to go out and try stuff, but I ran a 700RB-II through a 410MBX last week at the local GC and it sounded great. However, I was wondering if you guys had any opinions on an MBX 410 vs something like a 210 or 212 Neo cab (whatever brand, GK or otherwise). I used the search tool, but all I really found was that Neodymium cabs "go deeper". If anyone wants to elaborate on this it would be great, because if I buy anything besides one of the 3 or so cabs that aren't 8x10s at the local GC it will be untested by me.

I'd be using this rig for bar/party/small function type gigs, at the moment no plans on exceeding a few hundred people in outdoor settings. Typically do classic rock/"modern" rock type music with the random jazz, funk, metal song thrown in for live stuff. Running a EBMM Sterling (that I bought from a fellow TBer a few years ago) through it.

If you have any thoughts on a good cab to pair with the 700RB-II for around $350-400 (or higher depending on the deal I find on a head) or a good rig with the GK type of sound for a total of 850 to 1k let me know. This is the type of upgrade I only get to once every few years though (bass 5 years ago, 'new' used car 2, now it's the rig's turn) so I'm looking for something that could grow with me a little.

Mainly looking for thoughts, opinions and validation (did I mention I used the search tool?)

[JimmyM]

neo cabs don't necessarily go lower than ceramic magnet speaker cabs. it's all in the design of the cab and speaker and how they're made to interact with each other. and going lower isn't always a good thing. some cabs go too low, imho.

the one thing you don't want to do with the cab is cheap out. everything hinges on the cab. the amp can be just ok and sound great if you have a great cab, but not vice versa. so for that reason i'd say forget the mbx. if you want gk, get the rbh or neo. both blow away the mbx. buy cheap, buy twice.

[lowendblues]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

neo cabs don't necessarily go lower than ceramic magnet speaker cabs. it's all in the design of the cab and speaker and how they're made to interact with each other. and going lower isn't always a good thing. some cabs go too low, imho.

the one thing you don't want to do with the cab is cheap out. everything hinges on the cab. the amp can be just ok and sound great if you have a great cab, but not vice versa. so for that reason i'd say forget the mbx. if you want gk, get the rbh or neo. both blow away the mbx. buy cheap, buy twice.

+1 Jimmy speaks the truth.

[RickenBoogie]

Yes, NEVER skimp on your speakers.

[Tbac]

So you all think I should go for a GK NEO 210 if I can't afford the 410 and then just add another cab later if I need to push more air? Also are there any good 410s that you'd rate above the 410MBX that might be a little cheaper than the NEO 410? I see that the avatar B410 is only 500 shipped (vs the 600 I see for the GK neo, but I sent a price request to RMC audio to see what they have it at), any other suggestions? As usual I'll be keeping an eye on the TB classifieds.

Thanks for the advice =)

[JimmyM]

not sure about the 210, but with speakers, the more, the merrier. i've played some nice 210's before but none of them have the kick in the pants of a 410. however, two 210's would be pretty nice.

not sure about avatar either, but they have their fans. if it were me in your shoes, i'd probably look to the used market.

[chiplexic]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

some cabs go too low, imho.
.

I've developed more of a taste for tight controlled lows. As opposed to huge deep low end. I've found a big, deep box...ahh...cab...isn't usually quite to my liking since it usually means lower and looser bottom. Not always. But in my experience. Definately keep an eye to the TB and your local used gear.

[Jaco who?]

Originally Posted by Tbac

So you all think I should go for a GK NEO 210 if I can't afford the 410 and then just add another cab later if

I'm not sure what the seemingly natural aversion to 2x12 cabs is all about, and if you've tried the 212 neo and hated it, ignore my post, but IMO a single 2x12 is much more likely to be "enough" than a 2x10. Two of them are the perfect modular setup for what I do.

[B-string]

212s are just relatively new, but I couldn't agree with you more that they are a very viable option to the dated 410 (with some reduction in beaming as a plus).

[Tbac]

There are no 2x12s in stores near me, and even in LA and Portland during the school year (college student, athletic training) I've never seen or heard a 2x12 live. I have heard and played through various arrays of 10" speakers, so I guess it was just a natural gravitation towards what I knew. You could call it an omission due to inexperience. I'll try to find out a little more on 2x12s, might be a new cab coming into the GC soon I could try.

At the moment though I think I'm leaning towards the 700RB-II with a NEO 210, and hope for some good luck in the overtime hours department to maybe try and supplement with a second 210 later. I'm really liking the modular-ness of having the two cabs that I can run at 4ohms and break into a smaller rig for smaller things (plus stacking in a column of four speakers). 2x12 could do the same thing, but it's less likely I'd be able to afford two in a similar time period, so I'd be stuck with just one cab.

Thanks for all the advice (and keep it coming if you have more to add). You guys have definitely given me some options I didn't even consider!

[RickenBoogie]

Being "stuck" with a single 212 is not the same as being stuck with a single 210. It's like a 210 by itself is only half of a cab, while a 212 is a full cab all by itself. While you'd most likely NEED a second 210, it's not so much with a 212.