210 x2 vs 410

[micahwc]

I loved my Goliath 410, but I realized one day that my Rumble 500 head and 2 Rumble 15" cabs combined weighed less than 1 Goliath 410. I love SWR, but I think the weight of the Goliath series makes them too impractical for any rig you ever want to move.

 

[hennessybass]

I had a Goliath III about 20 years ago.

I'm voting for you to get the 410. It sounds like you've got a system going that works for you right now - 210 for small stuff, 410 for big stuff. If it's working, then it sounds like going from the Goliath to the SL410 will just be a big upgrade to what you've got and like.

Also, if you get the 410, I think you could make a 610, and if you do have the TH700, it can handle the 2.67 ohms.

----
I really hear what you say about one trip. I had a 4 ohm 212 for a long time. I really like having a single cab load in.
The only time it wasn't great was for the sometimes smaller gigs, so I got a 210. I hardly ever used the 210, but I was perfect for when I needed it.

A few years back, I got a matching 210, started gigging either one or both, and sold my 212. It's been good... but I'm going back to a 212.
I'll keep both 210s and have a few options. I'm guessing I will use the 212 90% of the time. I'll use the 2-210s if I know it's a big outdoor thing, and one 210 if I know it's a small stage.

Most guys on TB seem to think the "modular" rig is superior... after doing it for a while, I'm going back to one cab.

IMO, this is the benefit to option 1 (2-210 cabs) -- you can bring both cabs, and make a call about what to use at gig time.
For example: a couple months back I had a gig and was expecting a large outdoor stage. When we got there, they said it was too cold, and moved us inside, into a pretty small barroom. So, I only used one of my two cabs.
Another example: when I was younger and did a bit of touring we would sometimes be on a huge outdoor stage on a Friday night, then in a tiny club on a Saturday night. Having two of the same cabs in the trailer would be perfect.

 

[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 forgot to mention that I usually had the EV cabs stacked vertically unless there were important sightline issues behind the band.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

2 2x10 cabs. Easier to move, we are not getting younger, also small venue or practice a 1 2x10 is great.

 

[J.Wolf]

big fan of 2x210. modular, gets it up closer to your ear and projects better than a square "side by side" 410. if you have a small gig or rehearsal, bring one. Bigger gig, bring two, and get more volume without drastically changing your sound. (one of the biggest limitations of a 2x10 + 115 setup IMO, not that you're considering that).

 

[J-Mags]

2x210 all the way. They're easier to move. You can stack them vertically or horizontally, or point them in different directions, or even put them in different places entirely, and you can leave one at home if you don't need it.

 

[2thAche]

I wouldn't want to have to haul a 4x10 around.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

I’m about to get crucified but here it goes… I have owned both of those cabs… To me they sound very very different… those old SWR’s are a wrecking ball of clear hi fi tone. The Aguilar didn’t have that heft I like. I know Neo speakers can sound just as good but… I usually don’t like the voicing… Almost sound 2 dimensional to me. Big exceptions with Schroeder and Bergintino cabs. Also the Darkglass cabs are really impressive to my ears and I’m no Darkglass fan. So if I were you I would buy the Aggy cab at Guitar Center where there is a good return policy. Try it out for a bit and see if it gives you what you are looking for. There are a lot of advantages to having 2 2x10 cabs. You will for sure get a volume boost and probably more low end feel. You will also be able to hear them better. If the tone is not your thing go look for other cabs you may like better. I’m not saying those aggy cabs aren’t great. They just aren’t my cup of tea. That’s why we live in a world with options. I personally wouldn’t consider aguilar cabs an upgrade as far as tone. Weight for sure and Aggy heads are awesome. Remember this is all opinion and all any of us can do is give you opinions.

 

[JRA]

i'm with the "modularity" group: a pair of 210 cabs yields more choices and configurations.

 

[Doug P]

I like 2x10’s…… 4 of them in one big box. So ok……. Il know ! I have a 2x10 for home use thinking I’d have it in case of a small gig…. Haven’t had that small gig in all my years.
I always wanted to have the gigs where we played our show / set “unplugged “. Maybe use a non acoustic bass but small drum kit, 6 string’s are acoustic and no amps just all thru FOH.
Re-work the songs as maybe no
“long” solos but…. You all get what I’m saying, the MTV Unplugged. Sorry that I couldn’t get the others to do it. It would take some time to re-do songs and….. but we could then play smaller clubs and offer a different take on our music. Also, maybe those who go to the smaller / quieter clubs would like what we did and open up a new base of followers.

 

[Scott Lynch]

When making this decision you have to assess your general volume needs and plan accordingly. Is your band loud? Do you regularly play larger spaces and/or outdoors? A 410 cab might be a good investment. As has been mentioned, the TH700 is stable down to 2.6 ohms and therefore can run three 8 ohm cabs (SL210s) or a 4 ohm and 8 ohm cab (a SL410x and SL210) at once, so you've got options.

OTOH, I have found that bringing too much cab to the gig can be hard to dial down. If I have to get to that extreme low volume level where I'm feathering the master volume to try to get the right amount of sound, not only is it a PITA but the amp and speaker don't seem to respond the way I would like when running at a healthier volume level for a given setup. A modular approach of multiple smaller cabs is what has generally worked best for me for about 98% of the gigs I do. I use one cab most of the time and only add a second when I really need it. The other 2% of big stage type work has usually had backline supplied in the form of an SVT & Fridge or other big rig.

My vote - two 210s is probably the most practical option. If going with a 410, keep the 210 for when you need less.

 

[overit]

I used to be a fan of two 2x10s but when you start needing both all the time it’s easier to have one bigger cab with wheels. It also helps to have another small cab (whether 2x10 or something else for quieter gigs).

 

[hennessybass]

I used to be a fan of two 2x10s but when you start needing both all the time it’s easier to have one bigger cab with wheels. It also helps to have another small cab (whether 2x10 or something else for quieter gigs).

+1

 

[Auspuff]

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!

One 4X10, with wheels, and you can put your stuff (amp, pedals, cables), on top, in a bag/box. Load-in/load-out will be easy.

 

[juancaminos]

After using a 410XLT for 20 years I cannot get used to a single 210 unless it's a very low volume gig.
I've used several 210 brands and never liked any of them stand alone. But the 410XLT is just too heavy at my age so I have to get used to the modular systems.

I ended up with the 210/115 stack due to the lack of 210 supply when trying to make due with the Fender Rumble series. But I couldn't bond with the Rumble sound driven by the Rumble 500 combo amp. The 210/115 Rumble stack driven by the my Eden WT 400 was tolerable (actually pretty good looking back). But any of those by them selves just didn't cut it for me. So I sold the combo and the 210/115 cabinets (should have kept the cab's).

Fast forward to Mesa Boogie. I bought a TT-800 then a SW210 and SW115 due to 210 shortages once again. Again the cabinets by themselves don't get it for me but the stack works. I still want to try the 2x210 but that will have to wait due to the cost of this stuff. Anyway...a few weeks ago I did a real subdued gig with just my EUB and the SW 115 on a tilt back amp stand. It worked well volume wise and I think that getting the speaker up on a tilt stand was the winner. Then...on Memorial day we did a very small outside gig where I used the 210 alone and I got it dialed in by the second set. Looking back I should have had the 210 on a speaker stand as well. I will next time.

In the end I still yearn for the 410 but can lift the 410XLT at 98lbs. The newer 55lb 410's would still be challenge I think. If I can find a good deal on a used SW 210 I'll probably go that way. Then I'll have the option of a 210/210/115 stack OMG!

 

[BioDriver]

Another vote for a pair of 210s

 

[J Wilson]

210 x 2.

Take only one for little gigs.

Stack 2 sideways, stand them vertically side by side, stack one on the other if you need the extra HP in a small foot print.

Easier, lighter to move.

3db coupling adding one to the other.

No question for me instead of a 410.

BTW, get two of the same thing!

 

[57pbass]

Like many here I used the Goliath 4x10 for many years.
I’m now using 2 x 210 cabs that stack vertically when needed.
I’m still using traditional ceramic speakers though.

 

[zortation]

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?

Even when ohm-matched a 210 stack will ALWAYS give you more power than a single 410. Get the second SL210

 

[bherman]

It sounds like you are ok with the sound of the 210, just need more for bigger gigs. If money is no option I'd get rid of the boat anchor cab and get a lighter weight 410 for the big gigs, but personally I like the modular approach. So if I were in your shoes I'd go for the second cab. FWIW, I run with a RevSound 115 and RevSound 112. Each weigh around 25 lbs. When I can get away with just one cab, the 115 more than covers it, but as others here have stated, 2 is always better than 1.