Sealed 810 vs Ported 410/115

[alec]

I play 5 string and enjoy good, solid low end with my ported quad and 15".

I'm tempted to go to a sealed Ashdown ABM810 but haven't been able to try one out at full volume.
I know that sealed cabs don't generate as much low end as ported, but how would a fridge compare to a ported quad and 15?

I use solid state amps atm.
I'm in two bands: a loud, dreamy post-rock affair that I want powerful lows for, and a metal outfit that would benefit from articulation amidst the distortion (this one is still forming and I haven't tried my rig at volume with it).

I'm sure this has been answered before, but I couldn't find an answer.

[bassboysam]

My opinion would be to look at ported 810s. I don't think a sealed cab will get you the lows you are looking for.

[Fangry]

Ditch the 115 for a matching 410 - instant ported 810 with portability!

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Fangry

Ditch the 115 for a matching 410 - instant ported 810 with portability!

+1. The 115 is the weak link in the chain.

[scottfeldstein]

For sure. Get rid of that 15 and get a matching 410. That's what I'd do.

My experience with sealed 810s is that they hit hard in the low-mids and are very loud. But I wasn't able to get any crispy high end or any bowel-twisting bass out of the Ampeg one I used. It was definitely not a "hi-fi" cab.

[Joe Louvar]

Sealed 810 vs Ported 410/115

I’ve owned an Ampeg SVT/810 and 210s over 115s driven with GK800RB (bi-amped) - but not both at the same time. So going from memory I’d recommend the Ampeg 810 if you don’t mine hauling around a big 225lbs cab.

[alec]

Interesting advice here - keep it coming!

I do have another quad. Unmatched and ported. They sound great stacked, not quite as good side by side.

Aside from the tone, other reasons I'm considering the fridge are that I loved the thump of one I played instore (through an Ashdown tube head), it will look impressive on stage, and it will spend most of its time at our rehearsal space and won't require lugging. Currently I leave a quad up there and take the 15 or other quad. This would mean no lugging cabs. And though I've never used one, I'd consider a fridge with wheels to be easier to transport than two quads. No stairs at home, rehearsal or venues I can think of.

[scottfeldstein]

You have two 410 cabs and you're jonesing for an 810?

Dude. Leave the 410s stacked at your rehearsal space. Lug them to gigs. Take the 15 home for practice.

[Joe Louvar]

Originally Posted by alec

Interesting advice here - keep it coming!

I'd consider a fridge with wheels to be easier to transport than two quads. No stairs at home, rehearsal or venues I can think of.

Ampeg 810E w/wheels!!!

[NKBassman]

Dude. Leave the 410s stacked at your rehearsal space. Lug them to gigs. Take the 15 home for practice.

This.