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8x10 decision

Thanks for the responses everyone. Ill probably end up getting a cab that is 1200w or so. Right now my rackmount ampeg is only 450w, what would be a good power amp to pair with that? Or would it be better to get one powerful head? Thanks

IME power "ratings" on cabs mean almost nothing. efficiency/sensitivity/tuning/speaker surface area mean alot more than wattage. a 450 watt head through any decent 810 will be crazy loud. just dont run the amp to "clip"
 
Thanks for the responses everyone. Ill probably end up getting a cab that is 1200w or so. Right now my rackmount ampeg is only 450w, what would be a good power amp to pair with that? Or would it be better to get one powerful head? Thanks
How do you plan on "pairing" your Ampeg to a power amp? Running the Ampeg as a preamp (running out of the effects send into the input of a power amp, thereby bypassing the power section) is going to end up being REALLY heavy.

You probably don't need to worry about adding more power. Doubling your speaker area while halving your cab's input impedance should give you a SIGNIFICANT boost in volume.

As for cabs, the Ampeg SVT810 is a solid choice, and readily available for cheap used.
 
I'm not sure there is one right answer to this question. I gigged a Carving 8x10 for a summer and loved it. Nice and light for an 8x10, and sounded good. The Peavey is a great cab also, and if you really want some high end spankage, the megalith is a good choice.

As to the Ampeg 810, it is of course the benchmark. I've rehursed extensively with one, and it's definitely a good cab with "that sound" but IMHO, only worth it at used prices.

As to your amp, don't even worry about upgrading it. You probably won't have to. If you eventually do, just update the whole amp. As a comparison, I got all the volume I'll ever need out of an 810 and a 225 watt Peavey VB2
 
Very very true. I've always wanted to just unload on a Megoliath. Those things just look uber-formidable.

They are!
I've been draggin a Megoliath all over the country for 3 years now. They tilt back and roll like any respectable 8x10 does, you can run the top and bottom seperately, they have increadible speakers (MUCH better than the Ampegs IMO) and they are damn near indestructible. I've thrown my Mego off the stage in a drunken rage several times (sadly) and dragged it up & down countless flights of stairs. Never had one single problem from it. These things are TOUGH.

Now, I'm not saying these other cabinets aren't great. They probably are. $499.00 for that Carvin 810 is a tempting buy and Peavey makes good sounding, reliable gear. The only cabinet I can absolutely comment on is the Ampeg 810. I've actually A/B'ed one with my Mego on stage. The Ampeg took more power to produce the same volume and I didn't think it sounded as detailed. But that's just my opinion. Bottom line: You won't regret buying a Megoliath.
 
Man that's a hard thing to steal. I always joke how if someone managed to steal mine they deserve to have it because of how massive it is, but I'd definitely be ticked.

yeah it was a while ago so im pretty much over it. the bitch of it is that the lock on the back door of my tahoe was broken, so they could have just opened the door. but they felt the need to smash a window and bend a doorframe in the process. i bet anything the 'tards that stole it probably thought it was a car sub:hmm: .. it was a great cab but soooo heavy. never buying an 8x10 again unless i have roadies
 
The first thing to consider is ported (Aguilar, Mesa Boogie, Carvin...) or sealed (Ampeg, Berg NV610 or Traynor). In the sealed category, I would also consider a Traynor TC810, to my ears it sounds warmer than a Bergantino NV610 and a bit more modern than an Ampeg 810. Nice compromise from an under appreciated company.
 
yeah it was a while ago so im pretty much over it. the bitch of it is that the lock on the back door of my tahoe was broken, so they could have just opened the door. but they felt the need to smash a window and bend a doorframe in the process. i bet anything the 'tards that stole it probably thought it was a car sub:hmm: .. it was a great cab but soooo heavy. never buying an 8x10 again unless i have roadies

Damn 'tards. The world is full of 'em. The Mego is heavy, but I still think it's easier to drag around than a 4x10 because you don't have to bend over or lift it. Maybe that's just me though cause I always put my old 4x10 on top of a road case so I could hear it better. IMO, if you have the means to transport it an 8x10 is the way to go. (again, the Megoliath rules).
 
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Here's my SWR Megoliath. I got it used for $350 and it's been the best purchase I've made to date. I love the steel cage even if the cab weighs more than I do:p
 
I have Never Used the Megoliath 810.... But i am Running a Goliath III and IV 410 In a stack With a GK 1001rbII Head and all I can say is HOLY CRAP!!!.... Unbelievably Loud and Oh The way down low Notes....you have to feel them to know what i am talking about... Lets just Say it cuts down on Food digestion by about half the time;)... Very Very Happy with the swr Cabs... Would Not trade Those Black and Chrome Beauties For Anything...IMHO they Sound as good as they Look!!! Best Of luck!!! Cheers Mate!!