Reality Check:GK 410/115 for Peavey 810TX?

[chubrocker]

I'm not happy with my GK cabs right now. I'm actually moving away from GK amps since acquiring my WalkAbout. I just dont think the WA plays well with these cabs.

I've been needing an 810 for my current band situation. My cabs are the SBX Plus 410 and SBX II 115. Someone is interested in trading with me and I'm strongly considering it, but I haven't really found good feedback overall as for sound quality on the 810TX. Most threads are saying "solid," "bulky," etc. It's ported, not sealed. Couldn't I plug the ports as an option? "Punchy" is common remark but I feel it will handle my Low B due to its frequency range.

Just throwing this thread out there as a reality check if this would be a good trade idea.

[RickenBoogie]

No, you cannot seal the ports without completely changing the design of the cab, including the speakers. But yes, the 810, or ANY 810, will be much better than the old 410/15 combo, which is a popular, but completely mis-matched pairing.

[chubrocker]

There is also a chance of trading my 1001RB II for his SVT 3 Pro as well.

Things are just moving SO SLOW on selling gear now that trading is the best option financially, but not ideal in getting what I want (at least for the immediate time being).

[Gearhead17]

The 810 is going to be a huge upgrade from the 410 and 115 you have. The 810 overall will sound more uniform than your current rig and I have heard the Peavey 810TX before, it definitely can handle a B string without issue. It does not have the sealed vibe/punch of an Ampeg 810e though, but it does have that "low mid push" 810's are known for and will help cut through a mix fast. It sounds a little looser than the 810e, but it does have a tweeter and offers more clarity in the 2khz and 8khz range than most 810's I have heard.

I would trade your cabs for the Peavey 810TX. Try it out with the GK head - the headroom you get out of it might be super helpful on stage. The 3 PRO is a good head too, but much warmer sounding and can get a decent grindy/tube tone out of it. The GK has the ability to go much louder (in my experience), stay cleaner at higher volumes and growl when you want it too. I felt the 3 PRO sounded best at louder volumes with lots of tube growl. Both are good and you need to let your ears decide. See if you can play a few shows with the GK head and Peavey 810TX, then try it with the 3 PRO.

Definitely go with the trade and make the 810TX work for you in the mean time. Although it may not be ideal, you are getting a better cabinet setup. Speakers are the most important part of a rig. If you skimp on the cabinet, the rest of your gear is going to sound like garbage, not be loud enough, and generally annoy you... Good luck

[chubrocker]

I"m leaning toward the trade. Someday I'll have my Berg NV610......yes oh yes, it will be mine....