My dilemma...advice needed (Modulus-->Eden-->Ampeg?)

[deadphish]

Kind of getting tired of Eden products (used and new) failing on the job. So far I've had 2 D112xlt's blow out, and a WT550B needing filter cap repairs (now performing well ...for the time being).

So the other day, after my 2nd D112xlt farted out on the gig I decided to check out some Ampeg cabs at GC. Ended up leaving with a lightly used, Vietnamese SVT410hlf for $450 +tax. So far I am liking it as it is the loudest cab I've ever owned, and the fact that I can move it around pretty well. My bandmates dig the increased bottom end a lot.

My main question is: If I am using "hi-fi" gear in front of the 410hlf (Modulus Q5>Eden Wt550B), am I choking the "hi-fi" sound I like with the very bassy Ampeg cab? Obviously my ears are the real judge and jury here, but i wanted some outside input from the community on this combination.

So far, I do feel like it is a little mis-matched and even with the tweeter opened all the way I am missing some crispiness. I could always just get an Eden D410xlt, but like I said, I have lost a lot of confidence in Eden.

I could add more and will, but let's start here...

Oh and I am new to Ampeg...could someone enlighten me on the quality of their overseas stuff?

Thanks, TB!

[kayakbass]

Your cab is taking away from some of the hi-fi qualities of your rig...BUT if you are getting what you like, it doesn't matter! FYI, I heard from an industry rep that the early Vietnamese Ampegs had a 70% failure rate. Hope you have a newer one....

[deadphish]

Ouch...70% !!

Thanks for confirming what me ears are hearing, kayak.

In one sense, to keep costs down I'd like to stick with the Eden head (750w @2ohms). I could see my self selling off all the Eden stuff and starting over. If I did keep the Eden...What is another hi-fi, non-Eden cab(s) that won't break the bank. Would like to keep it below $600-$700.

I'll keep searching threads for recs on hi-fi "gig rigs", but will gladly take any advice here. Style of music is kind of a variety format...everything from funk to rock to dance and jazz.

Sorry I'm kinda all over the map here. Just frustrated : /

[MK1]

Originally Posted by kayakbass

FYI, I heard from an industry rep that the early Vietnamese Ampegs had a 70% failure rate.

From what I've read that only pertains to the amp heads. The vietnamese cabs are actually much better than the US made SLM cabs. The SLM cabs were made of OSB, not plywood, and there was some trouble with the paper supplier for the speaker cones which resulted in some very muddy cabs. The Vietnamese cabs are plywood and eminence had sorted out their cone issues by then, resulting in a cab with much better top end than the SLM era cabs (but it still won't have the top end the Eden does, but it also not made to).

[IvanMike]

if you like it it's fine. Lots of cats use cabs that "warm up" the modulus tone. Sometimes with those axes you want a cab that isn't so "hi-fi".

[deadphish]

I hear ya IvanMike. I have both a 410XLT and a 410HLF for the next few weeks to try out. So I guess I'll see how it goes. Anyone else have an opinion on this matter? Thanks for the responses so far.