should I switch?

trueno87 · #1 07-04-2011, 11:23 PM

I currently have a Markbass 4x10HF using it with a GK800rb, I am thinking into switching over to Hartke hydrive 4x10 with the lh500 or lh1000, what do you guys think?

onosson · #2 07-04-2011, 11:31 PM

All I can tell you is that my GK 700RBII has not seen more than a couple of gigs since I got my LH500 a couple of years ago ... and I regretted not bringing the Hartke every time. Can't speak to the cabinets as I've never used either of those.

trueno87 · #3 07-05-2011, 06:26 AM

thanks onosson for your reply. anyone else??

James_E · #4 07-05-2011, 06:41 AM

What is the gk rig not doing for you that makes you want to switch?

trueno87 · #5 07-05-2011, 06:50 AM

well my main reason for wanting to switch from markbass to hartke cab is because the cab is smaller and it fits well in my trunk, but not sure if its a good enough reason to switch, i guess i just want an opinion from you tb'ers to see what you think

James_E · #6 07-05-2011, 07:14 AM

That's a valid reason. (Heck... even a "just want to try something new" is reason enough)I got rid of a powerhouse cab for that reason (really hard to fit in my car)

I'd get the hartke cab and try it with the 800rb. The 800rb is a GREAT head.

trueno87 · #7 07-05-2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James_E

That's a valid reason. (Heck... even a "just want to try something new" is reason enough)I got rid of a powerhouse cab for that reason (really hard to fit in my car)

I'd get the hartke cab and try it with the 800rb. The 800rb is a GREAT head.

i actually tried 4x10 hydrive with GK800 and the LH and i liked the LH better, plus not as heavy. so much gear to choose from, i just had bad experiences with the hartke vx series and was hesitant to get another hartke

THORRR · #8 07-05-2011, 07:44 AM

Personally I like the Markbass cab but I understand portability.

That's why I use 2 Avatar B410neo cabs with my Markbass 800w head all of which fits neatly in the back seat of my Toyota Avalon.

If the Hartke rig does the job for you, why not switch?
I'd put the sound first though. Then the portability.

Rebmo · #9 07-05-2011, 07:48 AM

I run a 700RBII through a 115 and 410 Hydrive and love it. It works great for me but it really depends on what type of sound you are looking for. I can picture someone looking for a tubie sound not wanting this setup. I use this rig with a G&L L-1000, Pbass, or Stingray to get a punchy clear and deep sound. We play 80s 90s Alt Pop rock with some early 60s and some X-over Country and I'm very happy. The Hartke cabs are super light for hauling and roll and stack nice. I can bring one too (410 ) and stil have lots of coverage.

The only thing I would say to watch, is it takes a lot of power to drive these cabinets. I have my 700rbII up as far as I like to go and would probably be able to do fine with a 1000RBII and not be overpowered or overly loud (which would be the case with my old 410 bottom). When I ran through Hartke XL cabs I ran at a much lower amp overall volume setting on the 700RB. I used to use a 800rb and really loved it but it was just below the power I needed, which is why I went to the 700rbII (love it more for the power and extended bottom end, less for the lack of a boost switch).

As far as the 2 Hartke heads, I would probably go with the LH1000 (instead of the LH500) to drive the HD 410 bottom. I have never tried the LH heads. My friend has one, and I prefer the GK sound, he plays classic rock and prefers the LH-500 through and Hartke XL410. So I guess it depends again on your preference for sound and what type of music you play. Maybe tell us more about the sound you are after which is something to consider as part of the package. Try before you buy, although, my setup outside the band setting does not reveal in any way how good it cuts and sounds in the mix. Also, the Hartke HD bottoms seem to take a few hours too loosen up, or maybe it's my imagination. When I first tried them they seemed lifeless and tight, after about 3-4 hours I was really surprised at how they openned up IMO.

Let us know what you come up with.

bassben12 · #10 07-05-2011, 05:15 PM

I have a lh500 and I love it. I wanted to pair it with two 210th cabinets instead of a 410. After some reaearch i found that carving has really good deals. Cheaper just as powerful and smaller than a competitor 410 of course. You should check them out. I only paid about 500 for both my cabs. All in all it was vey affordable rig for a poor college student, not to mention itr sounds bada**!!!

trueno87 · #11 07-06-2011, 06:29 AM

Thanks guys for your reply, being that portability is an issue and love the markbass sound, i was thinking of getting
(2)Markbass 2x10's standard HF, would that be the same as the 4'10?

BassmanPaul · #12 07-06-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueno87

I currently have a Markbass 4x10HF using it with a GK800rb, I am thinking into switching over to Hartke hydrive 4x10 with the lh500 or lh1000, what do you guys think?

What we think is immaterial. It's what YOU are looking for that matters.

slap5string · #13 07-06-2011, 10:25 AM

My 700rbII was powering (2) SBX410 GK cabs (400w) until recently when I bought a Mesa PH410. Now I am looking for another one! Match made in heaven!!