Your feedback is needed!! G.A.S. for a new cab: Need perfect match for YBA-200-2

[TricksteR]

Hi guys,

Im currently experiencing some serious G.A.S., maybe correlated with the Spring season..

So, I made my mind to make the all tube amp move after so many years of solid state use without finding the sound I wanted.
Having this said, I decided to go with the YBA-200-2 and will order it soon.

I am looking for the "perfect" cab to complement it and was thinking of the TC412 and TC808 from Traynor.

TC412:
Traynor Amps: Bass Extension Cabinets
TC808
Traynor Amps: Bass Extension Cabinets

I find the TC412 quite interesting due to its Neo Eminence speakers (expected reliability and high sensitivity) and relative low weight (112 lbs neo magnet but bigger cab vs 105 lbs a the smaller cab but standard magnet TC808)

Based on the specs I am more tempted by the TC 412, however there are not many reviews on that cab sound wise. Several happy TC808/XC808 users already posted many reviews about how much they loved the sound of that cab (punchy, clarity, cuts through the mix etc). I would like to hear your feedback about how much you like 12 inches vs 8 inchs for a similar overal air displacement (4x12 similar to 8x8).

I have a 5 strings Ibanez (yeah, concerned about the low B not being well handled by the 808) and more into rock/metal.

Any thoughts?

Please let me know of your personal opinion - no need to further guide me trying to find "what I want" - I am really hesitating between both and would like to see several personal take on the matter.

Many Thanks!
Trick.

[mattq]

i can't vouch for either one of those cabs cause i've never played through them. i can, however, after using my yba200 for a few years through different cabs (backline and such) and can tell you that to get the best sound out of that amp, you want a sealed cab no matter what the speaker configuration. my main cab is a bergantino nv610 and i've played through many different ampeg svt810's and the result is always better than any other cab that's ported with a tweeter. the almost glassy highs on that amp won't need a tweeter anyway.

i will say that between those two cabs, the 808 seems more interesting (and looks better) to me.

[TricksteR]

Thanks for your feedback Matt. Your YBA-200 is equipped with 6550's or KT-88? What brand/model?
I would imagine depending on the type and also tube company/model, there might be better matches with sealed vs vented/HF horns equipped.. I heard the rule of thumb (always exceptions and also depend on models) is that KT88 are more Hi Fi and scooped, and most 6550 sing better in the midrange. I guess one may either want to compensate or synergise tonal signature with a scooped or mid cab.

Cheers

Trick.

[mattq]

i actually had both models of the traynor yba200 and the yba200-2. first one (which was stolen) came with the stock 6550's which i replaced with jj brand kt-88's. the change made the sound a little tighter in the bottom end, but that was the only appreciable difference. at the time i was using an swr 6x10 which was ported w/ tweeter. with the amp itself being a little scooped inherently, i wasn't getting too much of a change in the midrange. when all that gear was stolen i replaced with the yba200-2 with the stock kt-88's and the bergantino cab. i've never been happier with my tone, especially when price is considered. fantastically deep tight lows, nice clear mids, but glassy highs unless i dial it down on the amp. good luck man!

[flyingfinbar]

Originally Posted by mattq

i actually had both models of the traynor yba200 and the yba200-2. first one (which was stolen) came with the stock 6550's which i replaced with jj brand kt-88's. the change made the sound a little tighter in the bottom end, but that was the only appreciable difference. at the time i was using an swr 6x10 which was ported w/ tweeter. with the amp itself being a little scooped inherently, i wasn't getting too much of a change in the midrange. when all that gear was stolen i replaced with the yba200-2 with the stock kt-88's and the bergantino cab. i've never been happier with my tone, especially when price is considered. fantastically deep tight lows, nice clear mids, but glassy highs unless i dial it down on the amp. good luck man!

Not to hijack here...but how did you like the switch from the SWR to the Berg? I have an SWR goliath Sr, and have been considering the Berg for awhile now. I'm using an all tube SVT through the cab.

Best of luck on the original topic, trickster!

[TricksteR]

Thanks guys for the additional feedback.
I also heard many good things about the Bergs, especially the NV610. Yes it is a sealed enclosure, but I guess the fact your sound was stellar is not only due to the fact it is sealed.... it also simply sound awesome since its one of the most appreciated cabs in this category. Also considering that one, but the price on the TC808 and TC412 is just hard to sneeze at. So, what do you say? TC808 or TC412? (should you been forced to choose between the two )

[AwkwardLoudness]

Get a YBA-300 and two of the TC412 cabs....or even better ...a Bergantino NV412 or NV610.

[mattq]

trickster: put a gun to my head, i'm gonna rock that tc808. i think the idea of an array of 8's just sounds cool. and if my experience with the traynor is any indication, you won't have a problem with the B-string.

flyingfinbar: if you're using an all tube svt, you want to switch for the berg. don't even look back. the swr did the job, but the difference will be like night and day with just your lows

[TricksteR]

I think I made my mind and will go TC808. I saw tons of additional reviews on TC808 and its predecessor XC808 from Yorkville. 95% of the users are just totally amazed by these cabs, how loud they are, articulate, punchy low ends.. and also they look damn good, 200$ cheaper than TC412 and slightly easier to move.

The Bergs may be nice but Im looking for vented/tweet. On top of that (sorry if may offends some of you) but they look less sturdy, and dont look as good (hate the uneven speaker distribution on their NV610 or NV212..

[mattq]

agreed on the looks. i don't really mind the uneven speaker spacing, but that berg logo kills me. it looks, dare i say, pretentious, so i taped over it