My 6x10 or 8x10 conundrum....

[TheFantod]

....I play a Fender P-bass in a punk band. I'm currently using a GK1001RB through an Ampeg 4x10 SVT HLF.

I want to move up to a larger cab, but I'm torn between the Ampeg 6x10 & 8x10.

I had the opportunity to play through both of them this past weekend. I was really surprised how much more I preferred the 6x10 over the 8x10. The big difference for me was the horn in the 6x10. To me, it really kept the crazy growly tone that my 4x10 has. The 8x10 seemed to be "missing something" without the horn.

I don't use a lot of effects. I will occasionally use overdrive, either a Badder Monkey or EHX BBF, but I mostly use a clean tone.

Eventually, I want to get either the Ampeg SVT CL or VR.

I'm really leaning toward the 6x10, but the guys in my band are pushing for the 8x10.

We play hard edged pop-punk, kind of like NOFX, Bad Religion, & Minor Threat. I have noticed at most of the shows I've seen, the bass player is usually using an 8x10.

I'm really not concerned about size or portability. It's not like I'm taking it hiking on the Appalachian Trail after all. What I care most about is sound/tone.

I guess what I'm asking is are there any disadvantage to choosing the 6x10 over the 8x10? Will the 6x10 be able to handle the SVT CL down the road?

I've also seen the new GK 8x10 has a horn as well, but it's so new, I've yet to find any reviews.

Yes, I'm aware of the Bergantino, but not interested.

Any advice welcomed.

[stingraysvt]

I've talked to several folks that said it is easier to hear the 610 onstage at moderate volumes, I'd have to concur, I was mixing FOH the other night and the guy with the Ampeg 610 could have stood to turn up.

I have the 810 and have considered buying the 610 to use on smaller - med gigs....

You can never be too prepared

Still one of the greatest rigs of all time to me was the SWR 750 with the matching 610 Goliath cab. Totally killer!

My vote BTW would be 610 since you already dig it, I think it'll be a rewarding cab.

If your buddies want you to get the 810, tell them they have to haul it around for you!!!

[Mike Shevlin]

So the only thing pushing you towards the 8x10 is that your buddies want you to buy it??? Sounds like the 6x10 is the lucky winner.

[johnk_10]

i'd get what YOU like. having said that, i've owned a 410HLF, 610HLF, and still own an 810. to me, the 810 is the best sounding cab with my '69 SVT and my '07 SVT-VR.

my take on them.
the 410HLF was nice, but a bit too boom/sizzley for me.
the 610HLF was closer to the 810's sound (less boomy), but i didn't care for the tweeter.
for me, the 810 has the more classic SVT sound and without the tweeter sounds better to my ears with distortion (and clean). IMO, it's also nice having the two top 10's closer to ear level on stage.

[Marginal Tom]

Get one of each and stack them. Give your bandmates an inferiority complex about their tiny Marshall stacks.

[TheFantod]

Originally Posted by Marginal Tom

Get one of each and stack them. Give your bandmates an inferiority complex about their tiny Marshall stacks.

LOL! Brilliant!

The Ampeg 14x10 Monolith!

[Alex1984]

I didn't particularly dig the 410 HLF I tried and preferred my early 70s flatback. But if you like the 610, go for it, it'll handle the SVT-CL just fine.

[chubrocker]

I'm in the same boat overall. I bounce back and forth on which I want...each day having a new victor. LOL I have a Peavey 810TX (ported) currently and have been wanting an Ampeg 810E cab to match my SVT3 Pro. After a gig this weekend, I'm not sure a sealed 810 is the way I want to go for me. The 610 is ported and will still give me some punch but a bit more low end. Of course, the main 610 people want is the Berg NV610--which is sealed. I'm leaning Ampeg vs. SWR just due to matching cab/head, altho that's not a big thing for me overall.

[Stumbo]

Two stackable 6x10's.

Then you'll be able to choose your WMD for each gig depending on the venue.

Here's another take:
I had a 610 before the 810. The 610 hits all frequency's but isn't really great at any of them.

Aside from massive low end, the new 810 has the option of running as 2 - 410's so you can run a bi-amped or stereo rig with two heads or just use half the cab if it's too loud for the room.

If you play rock or metal and normally mic your cab, the 810 without a horn is better because you get your highs sounding good through the PA or on a recording(which is what matters, right?).

If the 810 is too big, check out the pro series 410. A buddy of mine has one and it sounds great, better than the 610. And if you get classic series cab and you gig a lot, I would recommend a road case because the grills are cloth and the vinyl stuff tears. I put my 810 in a road case the week I got it and it looks brand new after 3 years and is easier to move when laid down and rolled on 4 wheels.

From: MF website

[JimmyM]

810e for me, but I don't think you can go wrong with either.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by TheFantod

LOL! Brilliant!

The Ampeg 14x10 Monolith!

I know a guy who used to run his SVT-IV with an 810E and a 410HLF for cover work. Up against a guitarist with two 1x12 guitar combos. Totally unnecessary. But it looked impressive.

To the OP - if you like the 410HLF and the sound you get from it, you may be more partial to the 610HLF (considering it is also ported/has a tweeter). IMO the 8x10 is where it's at, but that's my kind of sound. I like the natural high and low roll-off of the sealed 10s.

[Sartori]

With an SVT, I'd prefer the 810 over the HLF cab.