Good, light or cheap: pick 2?

scottfeldstein · #1 08-01-2011, 02:55 PM

I'm in the market for a beefy cab, probably a 4x10, to go with the GK MB500 I just ordered. Is it possible to get one that a) sounds great, b) doesn't weigh 95 pounds and c) doesn't cost a fortune?

Yep, I sure have perused the reviews section but it's still pretty bewildering.

Right now I'm thinking maybe the 410MBE cab by GK. It's not too expensive and it's only like 51 pounds--but does it sound great? Who knows.

What's the best buy in this space? I may ultimately pick up a second one down the road, maybe not.

JimmyM · #2 08-01-2011, 03:13 PM

Great is in the ear of the beholder. I could say it's great and you could say it sucks, and vice versa. But generally, though there are a handful of exceptions, when it comes to cabs, more than any other part of the chain, you get what you pay for.

scottfeldstein · #3 08-01-2011, 04:05 PM

So if I go "cheap" I might not get "good"--whatever good is.

I'm leaning toward GKs MBE series, because I like the brand and I know they're light weight. I'm also intrigued by TC Electronics. If I went with a 2x12 cab instead of a 4x10... I sure like the way those TCE cabs stack!

Anyone want to chime in on how the TC Electronics cabs are to own, I'd sure appreciate it!

Marton · #4 08-01-2011, 04:10 PM

Used Epifani UL-410. I love mine with my GK head.

Morning Beer · #5 08-01-2011, 04:14 PM

I've turned into a bit of an avatar fan boy in the last year. I bought a used 4x10 to keep at my rehearsal space and have been pleasantly surprised how good it sounds, also bought a avatar 3 way. Great cabs, great price and light. Hurry if you want neos I heard they were going back to ceramics. BTW I've owned some great cabs (TE,Eden,Mesa, etc.) and don't plan on getting rid of my Avatars any time soon.

craig.p · #6 08-01-2011, 04:26 PM

Scott, I have no specific recommendations, but in your list of three, I'd say cheap is the one I'd never pick, after having been down that road too many times in forty years of playing and having seen it net out negative in the longer term almost every time.

After the initial cut heals, you'll never regret having paid more than you wanted for the kit you've always wanted.

scottfeldstein · #7 08-01-2011, 05:37 PM

That seems wise. Perhaps I will spring for one of those slim TC Electronics 2x12 cabs. Even if I eventually got two of them, I think I could still fit them in my car. I'd have the benefit of using just one or both of them. And both together would be a pretty formidable rig--considering I'm probably never going to really own an 8x10 or even two 4x10s. Carrying and transporting become major issues in those cases.

I know I've seen rig photos here using their cabs... I'm off to search for them so I can grill their owners, since none of them seem to be reading this thread...

Mcrelly · #8 08-01-2011, 09:56 PM

I like 12s. I recommend aguilar gs line or epifani ul if you have the $$$$

Simon Langley · #9 08-01-2011, 10:18 PM

GK NEO410 defines good, light and cheap.

**B-string** · #10 08-01-2011, 10:48 PM

G-K cabs maybe less expensive as they build their own drivers. Not sourced then marked up. Not one complaint with my NEO 412.

dannybuoy · #11 08-02-2011, 01:40 AM

It had been said that an inescapable law of speaker cab design if that you can only have two out of three from small, loud and deep lows. Sounds like you have just discovered the second law!

lomo · #12 08-02-2011, 04:33 AM

IME good means the cab can handle an appropriate input power without rattling or farting and will produce real low end. Some light cabs not only weigh less, but are significantly smaller/tuned higher, and that leaves my ears wanting. Some cheaper cabs are under-engineered (in terms of insulation, bracing, etc).

kosmicwizard · #13 08-02-2011, 09:23 AM

I am happy, I get to spout off the standard I have no experience in regards to this exact situation so I will repeat what I have read on here 100 times before. "The 410 is a crappy design. Just get a 8 Ohm 2x12 TC and stand it vertically ... adding another 2x12 on top for big shows is even better and the benefits of having a modular rig are plenty. If the G-K doesn't sound good with the TC cabs try a RH750 head, usually like sounds great with like brand wise." Cheers!

Ric5 · #14 08-02-2011, 09:31 AM

I go with 2 2x10 cabs. Both are 8 ohms and together they have the power of a 4 ohm 4x10 cabinet. But when it is time to haul equipment they are easier to move.

scottfeldstein · #15 08-02-2011, 09:38 AM

If I felt really, really flush I'd get the 2x12 TC and add a second identical one after. Things being what they are, though, I may go for the GK MBE line of 2x12s. They are kind of boxy compared to the TCs, but at least I know they're light and I trust the brand.

Those TCs are like $650 a crack, man. The GK 2x12s are $400.

Russell L · #16 08-02-2011, 09:44 AM

Have you looked at Markbass? Not cheap, though.

dhomer · #17 08-02-2011, 11:58 AM

fEARful.. Before I get jumped on the price thingy, lets look at this w/a businessman's eye.. Look at this as making an investment in your musician business for the present, and enhancing your musical opportunities in the future.. Trying to save a few hundred $$'s up front as it pertains to your sound is very likely a setup for disappointment.. then you have the hassle of either trying to sell it, modify it, and/or come to the realization I shoulda got the right stuff in the first place...lol..

In basscabland you truly get what you pay for... Invest once, enjoy great sound for life..

Fendr1320 · #18 08-02-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morning Beer

I've turned into a bit of an avatar fan boy in the last year. I bought a used 4x10 to keep at my rehearsal space and have been pleasantly surprised how good it sounds, also bought a avatar 3 way. Great cabs, great price and light. Hurry if you want neos I heard they were going back to ceramics. BTW I've owned some great cabs (TE,Eden,Mesa, etc.) and don't plan on getting rid of my Avatars any time soon.

I have an Avatar 410 neo, and it suits me just fine. Plenty of volume, sturdily built enough (I added casters). I've toured with it and for certain load-ins I've been VERY glad I didn't bring an Ampeg fridge.

Fits easy in the backseat of my Hyundai, I think I got it used for $250. The Avatar, not the Hyundai, although that's a good price on the car too.

I've also owned the Peavey 410 TVX, which also meets two of your criteria ("light" is not one of them). These can be had for VERY cheap though, and sound fantastic IMO.

scottfeldstein · #19 08-02-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhomer

fEARful.. Before I get jumped on the price thingy, lets look at this w/a businessman's eye.. Look at this as making an investment in your musician business for the present, and enhancing your musical opportunities in the future.. Trying to save a few hundred $$'s up front as it pertains to your sound is very likely a setup for disappointment.. then you have the hassle of either trying to sell it, modify it, and/or come to the realization I shoulda got the right stuff in the first place...lol..

In basscabland you truly get what you pay for... Invest once, enjoy great sound for life..

Dude, I dunno. For people who make good money from music maybe. My photography is like that. I can easily make $10k/year taking pictures part-time without even advertising. If I spend the money on $1000 cabs, it'll be simply because I love it, not as an investment.

the yeti · #20 08-02-2011, 01:09 PM

the last time i was cab shopping i wound up buying an old carvin redeye 410. it weighs maybe 60# i guess. it was really, really cheap. and i think it sounds good. i'd go so far as to say i'm satisfied with it. i have rum other cabs w/the same head (gk1001) and it sounds better than most, and close to the others. point is (i guess) it can be done.