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Acoustic 260 Mini Stack VS Ampeg Micro-VR

What should I buy?

  • Acoustic 260 Mini Stack

    Votes: 21 17.9%

  • Ampeg Micro-VR

    Votes: 76 65.0%

  • Other (Please specify)

    Votes: 20 17.1%
  • Total voters
    117
efe_gallagher

efe_gallagher

Feb 19, 2010
380
5
Monterrey, México
www.last.fm
#1
Hello everyone!
I'm trying to replace my clean amp (In a recent recording session the audio engineer found out that it actually distorts past noon :rollno:), a Hartke B90 (1x15", 90w) and am looking at the above mentioned "mini stacks".
My FX amp is a Yorkville XM100 (1x15", 100w) that I run in pair with the Hartke. I don't know why but the Yorkville is way louder than the Hartke despite the wattage difference being so minimum (Almost in a 2:1 ratio, I swear!). Maybe years of abuse on the Hartke?

Anyway, I've been reading reviews and threads about these and everyone says different things about each (combo? stack?). What I need is enough volume to put my clean tone slightly above the mids & highs rich tone I kick in the Yorkvile (I use a lot of OD/Fuzz, an Octave pedal, flanger, chorus, tremolo, delay, etc), the drummer and two guitarrists that actually know that bass is important in the mix (Surprising, innit? :D). I want to use other speakers than 15"; I've used them all the time, but when it comes to mid-punch and response the 10" sound really good to me.
I know the sound of Ampeg and the 2x10" are something that seem to provide what I want in my clean bass signal: Definition, low-end and presence.
I've read that the Acoustic's 1x10 (+ that incredible amount of free cabinet space) can deliver as much volume as the Ampeg, but I am not sure as I have not A/B them against my own combo amps.
Would it be worth spending the extra $300 USD in getting the Ampeg or would the Acoustic give me enough to go against my Yorkville? Any input is highly appreciated! :help:

PS: I'm in Mexico, so keep in mind that the currency exchange is always around $1 USD = $12+ MXN
 
#3
Well you will probably get better lows with the 2x10s since there is more cone space, but it's rather uncommon for someone to use a single 15" for mids and highs only. Each speaker and cabinet is different, but single 15's typically aren't designed to be efficient in that range of frequencies as compared to 10's or 12's. I'd try using the yorkville 15" for clean lows and a 2x10s for the mids/highs and effects. The midrange emphasis and highs in the 2x10s will help the effects cut through the mix better as well. YMMV, but I'd give that setup a try. I'd also try a GK combo as well, something that isn't quite as colored as an Ampeg or Acoustic, but has a solid amount of juice and flexibility.
 
#4
The Acoustic sounds pretty good, but it only has one 10" and it's not going to compete for volume with the Yorkville. A 210 will usually have approx the same output of a 115, so the Micro VR will compete more with your Yorkville. And it sounds quite rockin' if I may say so as an endorser. My go-to small rig.
 
#5
I have the Ampeg & Acoustic and they BOTH sound pretty damn good. My Yamaha BB714BS sounds KILLER through the Acoustic. Can't go wrong with either (Ampeg or Acoustic) if you ask me.

However, for a band situation, I like to go bigger than a 210...
 
#14
Wow, thank you for all the replies; I wasn't expecting so many after one night's sleep :D
Yesterday I had a severe case of insomnia and bumped into a fellow bassist friend at Face*uck. He also recommended keeping the Yorkville for my lows and getting a 12" for my FX since (According to him) the 12"s give you more mids than the 10"s. I just want to let it be clear that I've been using a 15" for my Mids and Highs because that's all I had :hiding: And I love the response that 10" have, although there are a lot of songs where I play clean and I think that Mids/Highs boosted 10"s would sound better than a Mids/Highs boosted 15" (And vice-versa regarding the boosted frequencies).
That review of the Acoustic 260 is really good, Punkrocko! I think I'm leaning towards the Ampeg right now between those two...
I didn't know Carvin made combo amplifiers! :eek: That MB12 looks perfect for what I'm looking for and is about the same price as the Ampeg (And rated at more than twice the wattage) and weights practically nothing!
Weight is also what caught my eye while checking the GK's MB112. However it seems there have been a lot of lemons out there :hmm: Any idea on how the QC is on Carvin? I'm willing to pay the $200 USD difference if that keeps me from having to do constant trips to the US just for repairs :ninja:

Again, thanks a lot for all your input. Keep'em coming!!
 
#15
My experience with Carvin CS & QC has been great over 15 some odd years. Anyone's experience may vary - but overall I believe they're well thought of. They're located in San Diego, so that may help. I've worked with a salesman named Keith for years - another bassist that walks the talk ;)
 
#16
SlingBass4 said:
My experience with Carvin CS & QC has been great over 15 some odd years. Anyone's experience may vary - but overall I believe they're well thought of. They're located in San Diego, so that may help. I've worked with a salesman named Keith for years - another bassist that walks the talk ;)
Click to expand...
I lurked around their website earlier. They only ship to USA and Canada :(
I need a P.O. Box at Laredo or something... :atoz:
 

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