New amp time: which 410 to go with an Ampeg PF500?

[Down_Low]

Gday guys,

Decided it's time for a new amp. My Ashdown has down the job for a few years but was never 100% sold on it. I'm heavily leaning towards an Ampeg PF500, but am undecided on which cab. I am a fan of 410's, so looking at the Svt410HLF (or the heritage version seeing it looks a little lighter), the Ampeg B410HLF, or possibly 2x PF210's. I could also be open to other suggestions.

So my question is does anyone have any experience with the PF500 with any 410's? I do plan on trying out a few cabs when I get the chance but our local stores don't carry a huge range here. Is there much of a difference between the classic and b series 410? Is the heritage worth the extra cash (the lighter weight is the biggest draw for me but is the sound any different?)? I currently play in a covers band that does a huge range of genres, but have been asked to join a disco/motown band, is the Ampeg range what I should be looking at, or should I look at something not to bottom end heavy?

I guess I'm leaning towards the b series for the price, but I also want something decent that will last a good long time, so I don't want something I'll only want to upgrade again in a couple of years.

Many thanks in advance guys,
Ryan.

[bassguy72]

The ampeg pro neo series 410..........60lbs/850 watts at 8 ohms

[JimmyM]

It never pays to skimp on the cab. The B series is pretty good but if you can spring for the SVT or Pro Neo series you'll be better off in the long run. Haven't tried the Pro Neos, but the 410HE and 410HLF kick much ass, and so do the PF cabs. The 410HLF goes too low for my tastes, but a lot of folks dig it. I like the sealed 410HE and the PF cabs better, though.

[jkleban]

I love the FULL sound of the 410 HLF - great in the studio with a 47 about 5 inches from the speaker (tracked with an 1176). Actually, it is unbelievable that such a small cabinet can sound SO BIG.

Jim

[carl h.]

I have a pair of the classic SVT410HE cabs and find having the 2 of them gives me great flexibility to tailor my sound to the needs of the venue. Good and more good - the same only more.

The HLF, being only 4ohm, can't be paired up with anything else on the PF-500.

[Down_Low]

I hadn't been looking at the HE cabs cause my understanding is they don't sound any good on their own. Not true? At this point im looking to stick to a single 410, hence why I'm looking at 4 ohm cabs.

The PN series are out of my price range for now too, I'd be saving for a while for the classic or heritage as it is. Are they less bottom heavy tho? I it'd be worth saving for one then so be it. I also thought they were designed for higher wattage heads. Will they still be worth it with a 500w 4 ohm amp?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Down_Low

I hadn't been looking at the HE cabs cause my understanding is they don't sound any good on their own. Not true? At this point im looking to stick to a single 410, hence why I'm looking at 4 ohm cabs.

Not true for me. The 410HE is my favorite 410 they make. It's got the same low end response of an 810e and that's what I like. You might feel different, though. Your own taste is what counts.

The PN series are out of my price range for now too, I'd be saving for a while for the classic or heritage as it is. Are they less bottom heavy tho? I it'd be worth saving for one then so be it. I also thought they were designed for higher wattage heads. Will they still be worth it with a 500w 4 ohm amp?

Don't know. They're all good, they just do different things. And believe it or not, there once was a time when 500w was considered a lot of wattage.

[grendle]

Sorry to be off topic, but am I the only one that sees Jimmy's profile pic and when I read his posts hear Samuel L Jackson in my head? Just throw a "MF" in there every few lines and your there. Lol, makes me smile every time... . Just sayin.. always good info too!

[JimmyM]

Thanks grendle...that's Devo James Brown, but he would like Samuel L. Jackson to play him in a movie

[Down_Low]

Cheers Jimmy. Guess I'm going to have to try and find someone with a 410HE in my area to try out as well.

Anyone else have any experience comparing the PN/Heritage/Classic/B Series 410's?

[Down_Low]

While I'm at it, anyone have any input into what type of cab (HLF vs HE) would be better for disco/Motown covers? I'm talking Bee Gees, Blondie, Blues Brothers, Jackson 5, etc. I'm to young to have been around then, but I'm guessing the bass sound was Ampeg more than anything?

[JimmyM]

Neither is "better." One goes super low and the other doesn't. Personally I think that the sealed cab would be better for it, but someone else could turn around and say that the lower freq response is better. In the end, we're all going to die