What should I get to match my HA2500?

[FallingUnknown]

The cabs in my current rig have to go because they can't handle the power from my Hartke HA2500. I won't be naming the brand but let's just say you get what you pay for. What I'm having trouble doing is finding a cab that can handle a simple 250W and still compete with two guitarists and a drummer.

My idea is to get an Avatar 410 cab with 4 Ohms and see how that goes with it. If I was to get a new amp head how many watts should I get if this works? (I would be shocked if a cab rated for 1000W couldn't take 250W).

I also saw in a thread that the HA3500 would do the job.

[ilovenofrets]

Used to have the 3500 head. While I'm now exclusive to GK, the Hartke was always a great, reliable amp with good tonal flexibility. Used it with a 4x10, and it was all I needed to contend with a two-guitar band. The cab was 8 ohms, which on the 3500, put out 265 watts. If you intend to get the 4 ohm 4x10 cab, you'll be getting the full 250 watts your head produces, and should easily hold it's own with the guitarists. And I will recommend the Avatar cab. I have the 210, used it with a few different heads, and it's always been an impressive cab. They're Eminence loaded, and built very tough. For value on a cab that will handle what you throw at it and always sound great, they're the s**t. Hope this all helps. Cheers!!!

[RickenBoogie]

Whatever else you do, don't buy a single 4 ohm cab and think you're better off for it. If you buy a 410, 212, etc, get an 8 ohm cab. The difference in volume will be negligable, but you'll be able to add another cab if you need. Only time you should consider a 4 ohm cab would be if it's an 810, 215, 412, etc.

[allexcosta]

As a stand alone, Avatar's 2x12 sounds fuller than their 4x10...

[FallingUnknown]

Originally Posted by allexcosta

As a stand alone, Avatar's 2x12 sounds fuller than their 4x10...

Hmm I will consider that route too (since the music I'm gonna be playing involves devistating lows). Thanks.

[Fine Cut]

Mmmmm, 8"s...

[FallingUnknown]

Should I be able to run a 250W HA2500 into a 1000W Avatar 410 or 212 8 ohm at full (10) volume without clipping or distorting?

[RickenBoogie]

That last question cannot be answered due to all the other variables besides your "volume" level, such as eqing, playing style, etc. Just know that cabs are rated at their thermal limits for the voice coil, which tells you nothing about how much actual power they can handle at any given frequency.

[FallingUnknown]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

That last question cannot be answered due to all the other variables besides your "volume" level, such as eqing, playing style, etc. Just know that cabs are rated at their thermal limits for the voice coil, which tells you nothing about how much actual power they can handle at any given frequency.

I play with lows mostly flat, some are boosted. Mids boosted the highest. Have had to attenuate my highs a lot lately because my current cab is noisy. I tend to attack my strings quite hard when I'm playing metal stuff (I like the effect of hitting strings hard to get a slap quality like Alex Webster)

I really hope Avatar's can handle how much I beat up my bass. It's impossible to play every note like I mean it on my current cabs.

[BillyIVbass]

I use my Hydrive 4x10. I have an LH1000, but keep in in a bulky SKB rack. I got the HA2500 as a backup and for smaller stuff.

For 200 watts this head can rip.