Your favorite 8x10.

OkkultistBass · #1 09-18-2011, 04:05 AM

After being a 4x10/1x15 fan, I've been getting into the magical world of 8x10s. A lot of my friends in bands say 8x10s are easier to transport (if you have a truck or trailer). So I thought I'd get the forum's opinions. I've personally never owned an 8x10, so I'm curious as to what people like the most...help me with my decision on whether to get one or not.

Most people in San Diego play Ampeg, and I know there's other 8x10s out there. So it'd be nice to hear about something other than Ampeg for once.

mazdah · #2 09-18-2011, 04:07 AM

Ampeg for me, please

georgestrings · #3 09-18-2011, 07:11 AM

Mesa PH810 - louder, clearer, and deeper than any Ampeg 810 ever made - by a long ways, too... Another killer 810 is SWR's Megoliath - also much better than the SVT810e, IME/IMO...

Here's a pic of my Mesa:

- georgestrings

OkkultistBass · #4 09-18-2011, 07:23 AM

How much did that thing run you?
It's...handsome. Very handsome.

Rockmusician · #5 09-18-2011, 07:39 AM

I would go with Ampeg but would recommend two SVT 410 cabs. You move the same amount of air and they are easier to transport.

georgestrings · #6 09-18-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OkkultistBass

How much did that thing run you?
It's...handsome. Very handsome.

I bought it from Guitar Center's used gear pages - when it 1st popped up, it was listed for $1300... I watched it for a couple of weeks, then when they droppped it down to $800, I asked a bunch of questions about it, and put half down... A couple of weeks later, a friend and I made the 500 mile round trip to go get it, since shipping it would've added atleast $250 to the price... All told(gas, tolls, etc...) it cost me around $940 out of pocket - which wasn't bad considering it was less than a year old, still like new - and *would* cost nearly $2k brand new... As an additional bonus, I spent the whole day with a good friend that I haven't seen much of - and ended up with a killer cab for half cost... Mesa gear comes with a 5 year transferrable warranty - so, even after nearly a year of gigging it, I still have over 3 years of warranty left on it...

A bit of additional info: the PH810 is shorter than the SVT810e, but deeper - and around 25lbs heavier... It has tiltback casters, glide rails, recessed handles on the rear top, sides, and spring loaded recessed handles on the bottom - it's laid out in a way that makes moving a big heavy cab like this very manageable... I've probably got over 50 gigs on it since I picked it up last October, and it still looks and sounds like new - definitely worth the expense and effort to get it, IMO...

Lastly - the SWR Megoliath I mentioned can sometimes be had for $500-$600 on the used market, and is also a great cab...

To give you an idea of the actual size of the PH810, here's a pic of it next to the PH610 I was gigging when I got it:

georgestrings · #7 09-18-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

I would go with Ampeg but would recommend two SVT 410 cabs. You move the same amount of air and they are easier to transport.

My experience is different - IME, if you're always going to need both cabs, one large cab is less hassle than 2 separate smaller cabs... I used to use a 210 + 410 rig, but after getting a 610, I'll never go back to separates for frequent gigging needs...

- georgestrings

OkkultistBass · #8 09-18-2011, 08:58 AM

I think I'm more in love with your 6x10. One of the local bands out here, their bassist uses a very similar cab and it sound amazing, and just looks so nice on stage.

God, I wish some of this stuff didn't cost so much. I just got a new Marcus Miller Jazz so I don't have very many options. Someone's selling a Carvin 8x10 for $400, but I really haven't heard many good things about Carvin outside of San Diego.

Rockmusician · #9 09-18-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgestrings

My experience is different - IME, if you're always going to need both cabs, one large cab is less hassle than 2 separate smaller cabs... I used to use a 210 + 410 rig, but after getting a 610, I'll never go back to separates for frequent gigging needs...

- georgestrings

I find moving the two cabs easier than an 810. I had shoulder surgery earlier this year and was having a difficult moving the 810 by myself. The two 410s sound the same as the 810 and if I am playing in a smaller venue, I only have to bring one cab. Everybody is different, I guess that's why they make 410 and 810 cabs.

pgk · #10 09-18-2011, 09:06 AM

a bone stock original flatback svt cab. those who know, know. i'm a hardcore single/double 15 guy myself, and that cab is the only exception to my 15's only rule

a friend is getting a barefaced "69er" as soon as they're available. can't wait to drive that baby, what an insanely hip design

Barefaced Bass - '69er

Josh Pelican · #11 09-18-2011, 09:11 AM

I wouldn't trade my Ampeg for the world. Jimmy can back me up on that.

georgestrings · #12 09-18-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OkkultistBass

I think I'm more in love with your 6x10. One of the local bands out here, their bassist uses a very similar cab and it sound amazing, and just looks so nice on stage.

God, I wish some of this stuff didn't cost so much. I just got a new Marcus Miller Jazz so I don't have very many options. Someone's selling a Carvin 8x10 for $400, but I really haven't heard many good things about Carvin outside of San Diego.

Yeah, that 610 was a really nice cab, and even after I gigged the heck out of it for nearly 4 years, I sold it with little effort on Craigslist for $750... If I hadn't gotten such a great deal on the 810, I'd probably still be gigging that 610 - but since I play in a loud 2 guitar band, the 810 does make it easier to hear myself onstage... The 610 would definitely get more than loud enough for any gig that isn't totally rediculous - both my guitarists use Mesa Triple Rec halfstacks, and it kept up to them... I have resorted to threats of extreme bass volume to keep their volumes reasonable - and am definitely capable of making good on those threats with that 810 being pushed by an M-pulse 600... Here's the stage setup for an outdoor benefit we played yesterday:

Oh, and deals can be had on the SWR 610 - the Goliath Sr - and it's a great cab, too...

- georgestrings

OkkultistBass · #13 09-18-2011, 09:21 AM

There are definitely some good Ampegs out there. But that's all I see, it's all I hear (Unless I go to a music store, which is rare).

I think I try to look for an SWR. Maybe get the 750x head.

georgestrings · #14 09-18-2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockmusician

I find moving the two cabs easier than an 810. I had shoulder surgery earlier this year and was having a difficult moving the 810 by myself. The two 410s sound the same as the 810 and if I am playing in a smaller venue, I only have to bring one cab. Everybody is different, I guess that's why they make 410 and 810 cabs.

Yeah, different situations call for different approaches... I have a 115 and also a 115 combo, if a quieter gig presents itself - but in my current band, I really don't play any gigs that a 410 will work that well for... I'm kinda keeping an eye out for a deal on an SVT-410HLF, to replace one I sold last year - mainly because I really like those cabs, and would like to have one around...

What can I say, I'm a shameless gear whore - hahaha!!!

BTW - good luck with your shoulder...

- georgestrings

georgestrings · #15 09-18-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OkkultistBass

There are definitely some good Ampegs out there. But that's all I see, it's all I hear (Unless I go to a music store, which is rare).

I think I try to look for an SWR. Maybe get the 750x head.

Make sure you try anything out before buying - although I really like most SWR cabs, I really don't care much for their heads... Ironically, I like most G-K heads, but don't care for any of their cabs except their RBH series - go figure... IME, G-K heads typically work really well with Ampeg cabs, as well as cabs by Mesa, SWR, and Eden, though...

Anyways, keep cash on hand, shop patiently and carefully - and you can uncover some really good deals on the used market - best of luck...

- georgestrings

LiquidMidnight · #16 09-18-2011, 02:02 PM

I'm really enjoying this thread. My last vehicle was a wagon, which made hauling gear a breeze. I ended up buying a sedan the last time I went car shopping as I couldn't find any wagons with low enough mileage. The unfortunate part is, after having not played through an 8x10 on stage in years, I opened up for my friend's band this past spring; he offered his rig for backline when I walked through the door. It was an SVT-4 with matching 8x10. Never having the chance to plug my Mesa 400+ into an 8x10 in a gig situation and really let it rip, I took one look at the cab and asked him if he'd mind if I used my head with his cab. Man, I loved every moment playing my Mesa through that cab during my set that night. The folk wisdom is true, IMO. Two 4x10s don't sound the same as a single 8x10. Of course, I'm sure the infinite baffle design on the SVT has something to do with it. No ifs, ands, or buts, my next vehicle is going to be another wagon or smaller truck so I can rock an 8x10.

I admit I'm not really an Ampeg guy, but that cab rocked. Perhaps I'm a product of growing up and starting to play bass in the 90s, but my ears still tend towards the sound of a horn or high-frequency driver. That's the only thing that makes me shy away from the SVT. While it has that great rounded high-end, I still like a little bit of upper-harmonic detail. I wish Ampeg offered 8x10s with like two coaxial drivers. I know a lot of purests wouldn't dig it but I think it would be cool.

I've thought about the DB810, since I own a number of Aguilar enclosures and am very happy with them. The Mesa looks cool too, but Mesa's enclosures are always a bit more bulky than other comparable cabs. George, it sounds like you don't have much of a problem transporting and moving yours. I've also thought about the SWR, since I've always dug the modern SWR thing too. Either way, I'm not planning on buying a new vehicle soon, so I have time to think about it.

anderbass · #17 09-18-2011, 02:57 PM

My favorite 810 is a Berg NV610.

Skasteadyb · #18 09-18-2011, 03:04 PM

Got a mazda 6 wagon and an ampeg 810 cab. I can load it in my car in less than 15 seconds flat. easy breezy. And the sound you get is amazing. Mesa boogie cabs are overpriced anyways. I do however have a Gallien Krueger MB500 head that weighs in at less than 4 lbs. and puts out plenty of power. So all I ever have is a backpack and my bass with my cab. Load ins are a simple lightweight 2 trips (since the ampeg is on wheels) Ampeg 810 - theres a reason everyone has one...

Buster Brown · #19 09-18-2011, 03:28 PM

I'll take my Ampeg HSVT 8X10 over any other 8X10 on the market today. Period.

georgestrings · #20 09-18-2011, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidMidnight

George, it sounds like you don't have much of a problem transporting and moving yours.

None at all really - our entire backline gets trucked to all of our gigs, so that kinda makes it a bit easier - hahaha!!!

Besides that, I have an F150, and can move my cab by myself with little trouble, if needed - except for deadlift situations, and I always have help for that... after all, I wouldn't be in a band where my bandmates wouldn't help with each other's gear, tbh...

- georgestrings