Help! Trace Elliot 1153 vs. Mesa Boogie Diesel 15

[papa gnush]

Hey I need some help figuring out what cab I want to buy. I have found both the Trace Elliot 1153 and the Mesa Boogie Diel 15 used and am wondering what your experience with either has been. The size/weight/wattage differences aren't as important to me as the nuances in the sound of the cabinets. I play all types of music but lean towards a very tight bass tone. This gets particularly challenging on a low B string so -- which one would you pick -- and, of course, why?

Thanks!

[papa gnush]

I'm also looking at the Eden D115T as well if anyone has any input on that...

And, I should also add that this is meant to sit beneath my D410XLT cab.

[The Diaper Geni]

Well, I'm biased, but....

I prefer the 1153. It's got more of what I like: More "bite" and more upper mids/top end. Plus it's very full and punchy down low. And a little smaller, lighter and generally less expensive.

BUT, those TL606 cabs (like the old Mesa's) are great too. Maybe not as much high end as the 1153 but not muddy or flabby at all. Great bass tone.

IMO, either way you can't go wrong.

[Alex1984]

It's been many people's experience that mixing speakers (sizes and brands) isn't a good idea, but that's a long-time debate. Strictly speaking volume distribution-wise though, a 410 would be better matched with a 215, or another 410 as many would suggest.

If you do have to choose from a 115 though, I've only had experience with an Eden D-115XLT and a Mesa Diesel. The Eden is brighter and had more upper mids, while the Diesel had a darker tone over all and doesn't get as snappy, so it depends on your style.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 I agree, putting a single 15 under a 410 is NOT a very good match, even though it's popularity is still strong. The 410 can easily outperform the 15 in every way, making the 15 more of a liability than anything else.

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

+1 I agree, putting a single 15 under a 410 is NOT a very good match, even though it's popularity is still strong. The 410 can easily outperform the 15 in every way, making the 15 more of a liability than anything else.

OTOH, It does ramp up the power output of your amp.

To "see" what the "naysayers" are claiming, you can download WinISD and plot the 410 cab and a 115 cab, at say 300 watts, and see the difference in output (db) and freq range. Seeing is believing. However, no matter what the "naysayers" claim about this "mis-match," the 15 will still add some sound into the room. It just won't be as loud (usually) as the 410, and therefore not as noticed.

The biggest advantage of the 115 under the 410, of course, is raising the 410 up closer to ear level so YOU can hear it better!