Question about Hartke 2x10's

[ObeyGiant]

I am selling a couple of basses to fund some new cabs. Currently I am using a 410 Transporter with an LH500. All I ever hear about these cabs is how crappy they sound, but I can't complain. I like the way it sounds and our new violin player (older, more experienced musician than I am - by a long shot) complimented me on my sound and Hartke in general.

I was wondering if a couple of 210XL's would sound similar to/be an improvement over the TP. Like I said I like my sound and don't want to change it too much, but any improvement would be nice of course. I definitely don't want it to sound worse.

I know better and worse are all subjective, but if someone could tell me how this setup will sound in comparison to mine, I could make my own decision on better/worse. I will not have a chance to play before I buy.

The main reason I am wanting these cabs is for modularity and so I can stack them vertically. Our band has no drummer and is pretty quiet (in comparison to rock/metal bands I've played in in the past), so I think 410's will do it for me and I love the idea of carrying in two smaller cabs/one smaller cab for smaller venues/having my 4 10's in 2 cabs in case one shuts down on stage.

What do you guys think? Of course I will be browsing the classifieds hoping I can find a sweet deal on some sweet used 2x10's/1x12's, but like I said I am digging my Hartke stuff so far, and I wouldn't be crushed if I didn't find anything used (especially with the price of these 210XL's being what they are). What do you guys think?

Edit: I forgot to add, I am also considering the 410XL as well. Since the volume of the one I have right now is fine, I figure the "higher end" XL version would be fine as well. Having the option of adding another one later on down the road as well as being cheaper than buying two 210XL's now are some other positives I can think of. I don't have enough experience with different cabs to really know if I prefer ported or sealed cabs, but opinions on how a standalone 410XL will sound in comparison to two vertically stacked 210XL's as well as how it would sound in comparison to my 410TP would be really helpful.

[craig.p]

The 210 will sound thin and "middy" compared to either 410. Adding a second with the cabs stacked vertically will heighten the effect because now you've got a cab closer to ear height.

You could try to eq in some bass with those 210s, but at some point it's going to be a losing game because there's only so much you can get out of a small (relative to driver count/size) sealed box. And the LH tone controls aren't really suited to that type of eq job anyway.

The 410XL might have slightly better bass response than your existing cab. But in a live sound environment, I'd bet a beer that no one would know the difference.

I don't envision any 410 ever "shutting down" on you. That's not how drivers bail when they're in trouble. Besides, you said there's no drummer, and you also said the 410 you have is fine.

Sounds like you want to experiment. Or you've got a case of GAS. Whichever it is, you're in good company here, lol. From a purely logical standpoint, though, there's no reason not to keep what you have, if you're restricting yourself to Hartke kit.

[RickenBoogie]

I disagree. The Transporter series is entry level, where moving up to the 2x 210 XL series would be a major step UP. Also, having the 2x 210 vertically stacked means better sound "out in the room". More even response, less beaming. Even going with the 410XL is a step up, and I think you'll notice the improved sound quality from the lower end spkr cabs.

[murphy]

You say you are happy with your sound.
You play with a violinist and have no drummer.
your cab sounds perfect for your application and no need to change anything.


If you were in a rock band with a heavy drummer and guitarist, then you would probably want to look and different cabs .