8x10 for Rock/Metal

[Panek]

In the market for an 8x10 and cannot decide between the SVT-810E, Heritage SVT-810E or Orange 8x10?

I've also considered the Ampeg PN-410HLF PRO NEO Bass Cabinet (850 Watts, 4x10") as well. Maybe a 4x10 would be better but wanted the sound to be more ear level.

The only cab I own and play in all kinds of gigs is a mid-'90's SVT-810. It's made outta OSB and supposedly has some "dark" speakers (???) or something like that. It's trashed to hell and back and I wouldn't have it any other way. Pushing it with a '75 Traynor Mono Block B gives me exactly the tone I want. You can't go wrong with any of the cabs you already narrowed down.

 

[RGerhart]

I'd get the heritage for sure.

I'd add in Barefaced stuff too, they make a great 6x10 and 8x10.

+1 for the Barefaced

I had a Six10 for a while and it was monstrous. Absolutely blew the Ampeg 810s that I've tried in both tone, volume, and portability. The only reason I sold it was because it was simply way too much for needs.

 

[baxter_x]

I used to use an SWR Megalioth...LOVED that thing. Some of the best tones I ever had.

Great cab. But probably the biggest 810 ever made. And compared to the latest 810 lightweight cabs, it's hard to justify it.
I found a guy selling one last year and I went to try it.
My fender 810 neo sounded at least as good without the weight and the extra deepness.

 

[Manticore]

Ashdown makes a great 610

View attachment 5073524

Ashdown makes tolerable 810s too!

 

[baxter_x]

I will second looking at 6x10s. Having had both the Ampeg 610HLF and the Fender Neo 610, I prefer them over both 810s and 410s. I would suggest trying them before locking into anything.

It's true 610 cabs are a great alternative to 810. It pushes pretty much the same with a more convenient form factor.
Which one do you prefer between the Ampeg and the fender 610?

 

[3rdcurve]

I picked up a NOS Kustom Deep End 810, and after disconnecting the tweeter it was the best sealed 810 I have played through. If you can find one they are usually super inexpensive and great cabs. I got mine for half of what I paid for my most recent 110 purchase.

 

[Auspuff]

¡¡¡This!!!

This is what a rock'n'roll bass player is thinking about. So refreshing in this sad era of bebee lunch box amps and IEMs to know some people care about putting on a rock show.
That's all I've got. Solved in first post. But congratulations on your apparent awesomeness.

THIS!!!

 

[Auspuff]

Why not two?

That's the way I rolled, back in the 80's. Two fridge's, sound, sound, sound, and no problems hauling them around.

 

[Auspuff]

I would find 610 ported with tweeter, or 410 + 210 with 4 + 8 ohms if your amp supports 2/2,67 ohms load. Closed 810 is nice too but difficult to get rid of the "Ampeg" sound if you get annoyed over time. Ported cabs with tweeter and HPF have usually more options and 610 because it is bit smaller and probably lighter, and still loud enough for any standalone and monitoring applications.

Those of you who feel Ampeg 810 sounds heavenly, please do not kill me. In a way it is good and works always in a mix, but it is not very versatile and doesn't work for some modern styles.

Edit: OP, note that 810E and 410HLF/610HLF are very different animals. Closed vs ported. Which you prefer?

Well done! A very well stated, and supported opinion. Most peeps post their opinions, as facts.

Thanks for reminding me there is still intelligence, on the Internet.

Yes, I am serious. I am not being sarcastic.

 

[musicmansf]

My Ampeg 610 is the cab I miss most. It moves easy and is just short enough to fit comfortably in places an 810 doesn't. The 410hlf is a good sounding cab but to me is harder to move than the 810.

The 410HLF (and any 410s that kick bare) truly are an odd thing to move around. The towel bar is at like mid-thigh height when in use and you have to take baby steps with them to not trip.

 

[musicmansf]

Ashdown makes tolerable 810s too! View attachment 5073649

The Ashdown blue line speakers are impressive. Not my tonal universe, but they project very well with great low end extension.

 

[zDay99]

I'd get the heritage for sure.

I'd add in Barefaced stuff too, they make a great 6x10 and 8x10.

I have a barefaced 8x10 and to my ear it is a step above ampeg which I've also tried

 

[Reid-O]

Heritage SVT-810e, no question!

Ampeg HSVT-CL & 810e

• Reid-O
• May 3, 2023
• 810e amp ampeg amp and cab amp and cab matching svt-cl

 

[Treblefree]

My current cabs are as follows: old '80's Peavey 2X10 cab with Hartke aluminum cone speakers, an Ampeg 410 HLF, and an Ampeg 810E. I have had various Fenders and others in the past. I used to really dig the SWR's as well.

My opinions using the same SVT-7 Pro head through all of them: the Hartke speakers in my Peavey cab sound nice, but are kind of nasal sounding to me or a little thinner than I'd like when I push them.

My 410 HLF is fine, but a touch dark and maybe a little less tight than I'd like. It is weird to move because I can pick it up and put in my back seat of my truck, but it is really awkward to do so and rolling it around, you have to kind of bend over a little.

My 810E is the most glorious thing I've ever played through. Tight, loud, deep, punchy, clear, whatever. Yes, all the way down to low B if I'm playing a 5. I LOVE this cab so much better than any alternative I've had the pleasure of using over the years. That said, it's 160 lbs. Does roll around easier than the 410 because it's more of a natural spot to drive from, but it is hard to get in the back of my truck by myself. But the tone! Oh my goodness I love this thing.

I've heard great things about the lighter newer designs like subway 1-15 or 210 or 410 etc and would like to try that out sometime for comparison, but I have no experience with them.

 

[Curtbass]

The 410HLF (and any 410s that kick bare) truly are an odd thing to move around. The towel bar is at like mid-thigh height when in use and you have to take baby steps with them to not trip

My experience as well. That said though, cabs have come and gone but I still have my 410hlf. I honestly don't understand why that cab gets so much hate. Mine has been nothing but rock solid for two decades at least.

 

[tvbop]

When all is said and done the Pegs glittery front is pure showbiz.

 

[musicmansf]

The 410HLF (and any 410s that kick bare) truly are an odd thing to move around. The towel bar is at like mid-thigh height when in use and you have to take baby steps with them to not trip

My experience as well. That said though, cabs have come and gone but I still have my 410hlf. I honestly don't understand why that cab gets so much hate. Mine has been nothing but rock solid for two decades at least.

It's got great low end extension. I'd be curious to try that cab out with a high pass filter to EQ out some of the rumble.

 

[Rojd]

Ashdown makes tolerable 810s too! View attachment 5073649

They most certainly do! I went with the 610, which more than fits my needs.

 

[Bassi5t]

Playing with and easy portable rig is all tell and good… easy to lug/set up. But there is no substitute for a/multiple big cabs. They just fill the room better! I did the small lightweight thing for pretty much my whole playing career (24 years) but I'm just now moving to a tube head (Mesa Prodigy) and bigger cabs. Still trying to get a Mesa Powerhouse 412

 

[Rnr..........4]

Thanks for the suggestions. Should add not interested in made in China gear. So Ashdown is out. Will think over either the 6x10 or 8x10. Have a good memorial holiday!