210 x2 vs 410

[DubDee3]

Currently, I'm playing an Aguilar TM700 through an Aguilar SL210 (8ohms) for smaller gigs and use my SWR Goliath III (410, 4ohms) when necessary. To my ears, the Goliath sounds incredible, but at 90lbs and pretty bulky, load-ins are annoying, at best.

To make my life easier, and since I love the punch of 410s, do you think I'd be better off getting:

1. a 2nd SL210 for when I need the power of 4ohms; or
2. an SL410 for gigs where I need more power?

Having 2 SL210s would be heavier (70lbs vs 49lbs), and and there would be 2 things to carry instead of 1.

Other than being cheaper, is there a benefit to having option 1 vs option 2 above that is escaping me?

Thanks!

 

[Pocket Dave]

I'm guessing you mean an Aguilar TH-700/Tone Hammer?

I owned a Goliath 410 and it was a beast. The bassist on my Thursday house-band guitar gig uses one and I've helped him wheel it in. I do not miss owning one.

I've currently got a another 410 I mass with my TH-500 - it's got heavy, 200w Eminence ferrite-magnet drivers; It's not ultra-light. Though it does have 1/2" plywood instead of the SWR's 3/4", so it's a reasonable weight compared with the SWR.

To your question: A friend has two vertical-210 neo cabs that work great in medium size venues without FOH support. And for smaller rooms, he points one at the back wall so he can hear himself without overpowering the stage and room. It also doubles as a comfortable bench to sit on while playing.

It sounds great in either configuration.

Also: He uses a AG-700, kind of the ultra-clean version of the TH-700.

 

[Michedelic]

I would say, find a lighter weight 2x10, preferably used, that meets your expectations and requirements , then find another, while selling off what you have to finance the flip. Then you’re modular, you bring only what you need, and you have options for cab configurations…vertical, horizontal, surround the drummer, whatever. It’s good to have options.
I personally don’t consider making an extra cab trip that big of a deal, you have a cart, don’t you?

 

[buldog5151bass]

I see no advantage to the 410, other than cost. A pair of 210s is modular, so you only need to take as much as you need. It also allows you to stack them vertically. It also allows you to keep one cab at your rehearsal location, and the other where you practice, so you only need to schlep your bass and head to rehearsal.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I used to do two 2-10 cabinets (EV B-210) in the late '90s; definitely the way to go vs. a 4-10 cab for all the reasons mentioned above.

I did a gig with a pair of Goliath II cabs once, paired with my old Walter Woods Super. Glad they were supplied by the BL company (I never had to lift a finger to move them).

 

[mikeswals]

I primarily use two 210's as much as I can. But who is carrying anything?
All of my cabs have wheels, I pull up as close as I can, and wheel the rig in.

The rare times I have to park far away or have to deal with a dirt/gravel walkaway (really-really rarely) then I bring a dolly. Im always a 1 trip load.

 

[Marko 1]

since I love the punch of.410s...

I prefer the punch of my 4x10, as well,

but I could vote two 2x10, but not stacked vertically.

 

[Pulverizor]

I've used my 2x210s by stacking them horizontally. sounds just like a 410 in the same footprint; but the best sound is stacking them vertically.
No reason to buy a 410. (Unless you buy two!)

 

[SteveCS]

I used to do two 2-10 cabinets (EV B-210) in the late '90s; definitely the way to go vs. a 4-10 cab for all the reasons mentioned above.

I did a gig with a pair of Goliath II cabs once, paired with my old Walter Woods Super. Glad they were supplied by the BL company (I never had to lift a finger to move them).

View attachment 5078241

Never mind the cabs; what about the Gorilla on the balcony?

 

[J-Bass RMR]

My initial reaction was 210s - But at 49lbs for the SL410, why not? Especially given that you're used to schlepping the Goliath. (I had a Goliath II for 25 years. Never looked back once I got rid of it.)

is there a benefit to having option 1 vs option 2 above that is escaping me?

"benefit" is relative, but SL410 + SL210 = 2.7 ohm = TH700

 

[Lobster11]

There are lots of benefits to a tall stack of two 2x10s, perhaps most important of which is that it gets some speakers up closer to your ears so you can hear yourself in the mix. Also, it's nice to get your amp (on top) up closer to eye level for easy adjustments.

 

[Ostie]

My days of owning a 410 are over. I can’t physically tote one around any more. I just bought a Hartke 210 so now I have two 210s that I can stack, or use one at a time if that’s all I need.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I went a different route when I sold my 410. I use a 210 and 112 ultralite stack. It can handle everything the 410 did, but the 112 fattens up the bottom while the 210 has the punch.

 

[Snibborwocky]

I'm a huge fan of 2x 210's overall. I mainly use two Ampeg SVT 210AV's because of the weight factor, more transportable and efficient for me. I do also have a Hartke 410XL at my disposal whenever needed but the thought of lugging that thing place to place and the weight just makes my back ache thinking about it.

 

[brianrost]

I'm always in favor of two smaller cabs that can be stacked, split or used alone.

Probably the reason the total weight of the 410 is less than the 210 pair is there is less wood and one less tweeter (if the cabs have them). The total weight wouldn't matter to me, a 210 is lighter and I don't need to carry both at the same time.

 

[akukulich]

I prefer a 410 to two 210 cabinets. I loved my Eden 210XLT as a stand alone cabinet. I played tons of gigs with it. But, I was always a little disappointed when I ran two of them together. I wanted it to sound like I was using a single cabinet, just louder. For whatever reason, it never worked out that way.

The SL410 is compact and fairly lightweight. I'd get it and use it for everything. It doesn't take up any more floor space than a 210, and there is a lot to be said for using the same rig all the time.

 

[DubDee3]

I'm guessing you mean an Aguilar TH-700/Tone Hammer?

Yeah, that was a typo! Thanks.

 

[DubDee3]

I personally don’t consider making an extra cab trip that big of a deal, you have a cart, don’t you?

I do have a cart, but I always prefer load-ins that are one-trip, if at all possible.

 

[DubDee3]

Thanks to everyone for the range of responses. I really appreciate the various perspectives and will consider them all as I decide what's going to work best for me.

 

[Z-Bass]

r

A pair of 210s is modular, so you only need to take as much as you need. It also allows you to stack them vertically.

This is why I have two 2x10 cabinets as well. I stack mine vertically if using two but some shows I only need to bring one cabinet and even then I stack it vertically and usually on top of a chair or crate. I prefer the flexibility of having a modular setup but I can also appreciate the 4x10, having owed some previously. I find it easier to load two lighter cabinets but since we're talking about the super light series from Aguilar, weight may not be much of an issue. I would say if you're looking to get the SL410 and keeping you're SL210, then that seems to be another good option. If you're selling your SL210 in order to purchase the SL410, that's different, and not sure I would go that direction. I'd want the flexibility of only having to bring a 2x10 if the venue/gig was smaller.