Pair of 2x10s or 1x15s? BagEnd, SWR, Avatar? Indecision strikes!

drdunwoody · #1 10-07-2010, 08:57 AM

Ok, I'm looking for advice hear and I'll admit to having major indecision issues. I'm playing a mix of classic rock and groove jazz with some hard funk thrown in for good measure. I'm playing a 5 string (fretted and fretless) through a Genz Benz GBE750 into an Aguilar GS212.
Alone, I really like the Aguilar sound but in the classic rock band I'm in, it just doesn't cut through the mix (2-3 guitarists and piano player). I brought this up in another thread when I was considering a 4x10.
GB Uber 410 or just a GAS problem...
The deal I was looking at is gone (too much indecision) but the issue remains.
So, here are my needs. I play out and about but can usually drive and park near where I'm playing so a large heavy cab could work though I would prefer two smaller cabs for portability. I often don't have PA support for the bass so I need to move some air but I don't want two large cabinets. A pair of small 15s or 2xs10s is as big as I can deal with (back of my Subaru Forest is only so big and the two kids are sometimes in the back seat).
I've read great things about the Bag End 15s and it seems like a pair of these would pump major volume and be very portable. Used it seems like I can get a pair around $600. I've also considered a pair of SWR Goliath Jrs or Avatar B210 Neos. Likewise, I can get a pair for $500-$600 bucks so the price seems about the same. Ideally, I get both, set them up next to each other and then decide but obviously I can't do that or I wouldn't be starting this thread. So, if you lacked PA support and had to choose between a pair of Bag End 15s or a pair of 2x10s which would you choose and why?
I have played through a 2x10 that I liked (SWR Goliath Jr) and a 1x15 that I liked (Ampeg SVT though it is too big for what I'm considering now). I also had a Carvin BR115 and found it WAY too boomy. Loud yes, but honky and boomy...not my thing. I like the roundness of the 15 but prefer a tight sound (hence the Bag Ends). Any other suggestions? I'm concerned that the pair of 2x10s might not have enough booty and might not move enough air. Thanks for tolerating my indecision and offering feedback! Phil

drdunwoody · #2 10-07-2010, 09:34 AM

No help? Is everyone working?

dmusic148 · #3 10-07-2010, 09:39 AM

Any and all of the above will work, but you have to live with it(like the sound). There are many devotees of the Bag End 15's here, many devotees of the SWR, or other 2x10's(me), etc.......The only correct answer is to try them yourself and see what you think. I recommend the SWR 2x10's, but that's just because I am familiar with them and like them.

brianbass · #4 10-07-2010, 09:39 AM

I'm using 2 Bag End s15dx with a GBE 750 and could not be happier no PA support and no volume problems ever! Nice tight sound - for me this rig is perfect!

drdunwoody · #5 10-07-2010, 09:56 AM

I'm playing through a friend's 2x15 cab now. It is sealed in a road ready case (custom job) and has great tone and punch. This is what starting me thinking about two 15s but I don't want a giant cab or stack to move around. The BagEnds seem much nicer this way. However, I know the current standard is the 4x10 so I want to make sure I'm open to that idea. I'll be visiting my local music store tomorrow where I can at least compare a Goliath 4x10 with a pair of Mesa 15". I know they don't have any Bag End but it should help my indecision some to at least play the 4x10 next to a pair of 15s. I've also noticed that you can pick up the Goliath III cabs used pretty cheap. Not sure I want to move around a 90 lb cab but the going rate seems to be about 400 on them. That is cheap! Oh, the tone quest...

drdunwoody · #6 10-07-2010, 02:22 PM

Brian, how does that amp sit on the Bag Ends? I know the Genz is a bit wider than the Bag Ends...is it well balanced on top?

okcrum · #7 10-07-2010, 02:34 PM

I use both 2x10 and 1x15 cabs. Generally I will take 1 or 2 1x15 cabs for the funk and classic gigs, and either 1 or 2 2x10s or possibly a 1x15 and a 2x10 for a more modern sound. I use the B series Ampeg 1x15s. They sound good, and are smaller and lighter than the SVT series.

It's hard to get a really deep B string sound out of most moderately priced 2x10s. Most of them are tuned to sound best for 4 string range.