Ready to Replace the Rig (at least the cab) - Need Suggestions!

[SlapHappy99]

I've been using my current rig, a fairly new TC Electronic Classic450 head and an older (10+ year) Acme B2 2x10 cab for a while now. I like the weight and portability of the cab, but it's starting to show it's age, and I've never been that happy with the sound - the high end is really lacking.

I play mostly jazz/gospel/broadway with occasional slapping; I'm basically looking for a fat, clean, smooth jazz kind of sound. I play a custom-made 5-string with active EMGs, and it sounds great when DI into a recording/live console. It also sounds good when I play (at low volumes) through the cheapo Ampeg BA-115 at the rehearsal space I use.

I don't need massive volume, just enough to compete with drums and a couple of guitars at medium volume. Also, it needs to fit in my car's trunk which has an opening about 16" high.

Any suggestions for a new cab? I think I'd like the sound of a 1x15, but finding one that fits in the car might be a challenge. There's also the TC Electronic RS210, which I'm sure would fit, but I've never been able to try one.

I could also get a combo (Ampeg BA300/115?) and sell the head I suppose.

Thanks!

[wcriley]

I replaced an Acme B2 with a fEARful 12/6 almost 2 years ago and haven't looked back.
Not much larger, at least 10 lbs lighter, less awkward to carry, capable of much more volume, and the sound better suits my tastes.

[DigitalMan]

I'm happy with the MarkBass 2x10. Highs are good. Lows are acceptable. Lightweight and pretty. A little pricey but should last the next 10.

[popgadget]

I'm using a fEARfull 1212/6/1 with a Shuttle 9.0. My other cabs are all Ampegs, 810e,410HLN & PR410HLF. The fEARfull has made them obsolete for me. My basses have never sounded better and it can get stupid loud.
The only problem is that there is no instant gratification, you have to build one or have it built, and either way they're not inexpensive.

Disclaimer- I just finished building it myself, there is probably some 'honeymoon effect", but I have gigged with it and the others in the band and audience shared my opinion.

[kraigo]

The Thunderchild would be a good choice, I'd think...

[DuShauh]

I rarely come across anyone else suggesting them. But for me the Hartke HyDrive 112 is pretty hard to beat. Considering the weight, price,flexibility offered, and of course the sound, I see this as the most "rewarding" addition that I have ever made to my gear. I currently run two of the HX112's with my TC Electronic BH500 and see it as the perfect combination. I have done lower volume gigs with just one cab. The ability to run at either 4 or 8 ohms comes is quite handy: 30 pounds, plenty of top end and low end, and not breaking-the-bank, I highly recommend giving the Hydrive a look.

[PDGood]

Any of the super 12's would be worth considering:
Audiokenisis Thunderchild
Baer ML112
Bergantino HD112
And I would suggest the Acme Series lll, but since you didn't care for the B2 it might not be the one for you.
There are good clips on almost all of these on youtube by Ken Jung

[SWRnut]

Genz Benz Uber Quad

[SteveHeissner]

Avatar NEO 15. If that won't fit in your trunk, Avatar NEO 210 or NEO 112.