Has Anyone Tried the Ampeg PF-410HLF Portaflex Cabinet?

Slackerprince · #1 08-13-2012, 11:05 AM

I've done a search on this cab, but only found an older thread and quick mentions in other Portaflex threads.
I'm looking for reviews and tone descriptions.
If you have a link to a specific thread, I'd appreciate it.
I'd be using a 7 Pro head.
I've also tried Ampeg 810e, SVT 410HLF and SVT 610, and preferred the 610, so that's the tone I'm looking for and hoping the PF-410HLF is in the same tone range for 1/2 the price.
Thanks for any help.

S

Slackerprince · #2 08-13-2012, 04:36 PM

Anyone try this cab?

mpdd · #3 08-13-2012, 06:34 PM

yes, please, anyone?

Slackerprince · #4 08-13-2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpdd

yes, please, anyone?

Thanks, mpdd.
How about Tom Bowlus?

s

JimmyM · #5 08-14-2012, 07:30 AM

I haven't seen them in stores to try them out.

tombowlus · #6 08-14-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slackerprince

Thanks, mpdd.
How about Tom Bowlus?

s

Not yet.

Musicman20 · #7 08-14-2012, 12:24 PM

What I find odd, is that the power handling is BETTER on the cheaper Portaflex cabinet 410HLF....

Portaflex PF 410HLF - 800W, 73lbs (not bad at all!), £504 in the UK, (again, not bad!)

SVT 410HLF - 500W, 85lb, £619 in the UK!

Why would you get the SVT version over the PF version?! Weird.

In fact, that PF 410HLF is a very good value cabinet, considering the handling, weight, style, etc. Its 8 ohms, which is probably fine with a high powered amp like the Pro 7.

JimmyM · #8 08-14-2012, 12:34 PM

Ampeg seems to have started using thermal ratings for their new cabs rather than the displacement limited ratings they use on their older model cabs. So that 800w is when the voice coils will fry, but not necessarily when fartout occurs, which the SVT 410hlf is rated for. I'm not a fan of that since Ampeg's never needed it to sell cabs, but everyone else in the world does it so I can't really fault companies for not wanting to look behind the curve in power handling when they're not. At least they're not made up fantasy numbers like some companies I won't mention but their name rhymes with "Shmeeden."

Musicman20 · #9 08-14-2012, 01:02 PM

Could it be that the drivers are higher spec? With it being a new model....

I see what you mean though Jimmy. The Pro 7 and PF410HLF would make a nice pairing if it can handle the power.

JimmyM · #10 08-14-2012, 01:04 PM

If the drivers were higher spec'd, I think it would make the price go up, not down.

Musicman20 · #11 08-14-2012, 01:14 PM

The manual states:

800W RMS (1600W peak)

How would it compare to a Berg HD/HS410 which also states 800W power handling? Its also almost £400 more than the Ampeg PF410HLF!

JimmyM · #12 08-14-2012, 01:22 PM

I have not played the Berg, but I've yet to do better than 400-500w in any 410 I've ever plugged into before fartout happens. Maybe some of the neos out there might do a little better (and some don't), but not any ceramic speaker cab I've tried.

Slackerprince · #13 08-15-2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Not yet.

C'mon, Tom, we really need you to get one for the team.

S

**Bass 45** · #14 08-22-2012, 03:14 PM

I received one last week. A major online retailer let me use a 15% off coupon with no tax and free shipping. Awesome value @ $462.00!

I have a bunch of cabs here right now and I will be comparing them all before I decide which ones to sell - but I am going to let the new PF410 break in for a few gigs first. Cabs I will be comparing the PF to include - PF115HEx2, SVT410HLF (press board version), SVT 610HLF (plywood - awesome sounding 610 btw), Pro Neo 410HLF and my beloved odd duck Ampeg SVR215 (which seems to be getting heavier lately - hence my search for my next go to cab).

My initial impressions tone-wise (with no side by side comparisons) is that it sits somewhere between the SVT410HLF and the Pro Neo 410HLF - not quite as punchy as the Neo and not quite as deep as the SVT410HLF. And I don't think it can go louder than the SVT410HLF as the specs indicate (did anyone else notice the specs say the PF 410 can do 130db? - that's like 810e territory! - I don't know about that though).

I will be using it with my B15R head the next couple of weekends. I will let you all know how it goes.

**Bass 45** · #15 08-22-2012, 03:24 PM

I also want to add, the fit and finish is perfect - no discernible flaws at all.

Mastermold · #16 08-22-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass 45

I also want to add, the fit and finish is perfect - no discernible flaws at all.

Sure looks beautiful!

Slackerprince · #17 08-23-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass 45

I received one last week. A major online retailer let me use a 15% off coupon with no tax and free shipping. Awesome value @ $462.00!

I have a bunch of cabs here right now and I will be comparing them all before I decide which ones to sell - but I am going to let the new PF410 break in for a few gigs first. Cabs I will be comparing the PF to include - PF115HEx2, SVT410HLF (press board version), SVT 610HLF (plywood - awesome sounding 610 btw), Pro Neo 410HLF and my beloved odd duck Ampeg SVR215 (which seems to be getting heavier lately - hence my search for my next go to cab).

My initial impressions tone-wise (with no side by side comparisons) is that it sits somewhere between the SVT410HLF and the Pro Neo 410HLF - not quite as punchy as the Neo and not quite as deep as the SVT410HLF. And I don't think it can go louder than the SVT410HLF as the specs indicate (did anyone else notice the specs say the PF 410 can do 130db? - that's like 810e territory! - I don't know about that though).

I will be using it with my B15R head the next couple of weekends. I will let you all know how it goes.

.

That's great.
Look forward to the report.
Was going to pull the trigger myself for Labor Day.
I am hoping it is similar in tone to the Ampeg 610.
Thanks.

S

swsmusic · #18 08-23-2012, 11:22 AM

I am very interested in hearing the cab comparison. Thanks in advance!

BluesBass1 · #19 08-23-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swsmusic

I am very interested in hearing the cab comparison. Thanks in advance!

ME TOO

SIFJiggy · #20 08-30-2012, 03:48 PM

Exactly what I'm looking for!!! Looking to move out of my SVT410-HLF into this - it's about 25lbs lighter - looks smaller dimension-wise - and damn it's pretty (always been a sucker for blue diamonds)

I might have to pull the trigger.

Bass45 - which retailer if you don't mind my asking? Most of the coupons I get exclude Ampeg brand....

Thanks!