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Ampeg SVT-115EN vs. Bag End S15-D

theholeinthings

theholeinthings

Dec 1, 2012
69
11
Carbondale, Illinois
#1
Currently I have an Ampeg SVT-115EN cab that I use with a Gibson Ripper, GK800RB, Tech 21 VT, Rat Tail, and OCD, but lately I've been thinking about upgrading my cab. It is the only piece of gear I haven't upgraded or changed in a long while so I'd like to see what some other cabs sounds like, specifically the Bag End S15-D. Now I've read good things about this cab on here, and I really like the portability of it, but how would the Bag End sound compared to my Ampeg? As a stand alone cab, would the Bag End be much of an upgrade from my Ampeg? I assume it would have more clarity but would it have the same volume or low end as the Ampeg? Now I've heard that the Bag End sounds great with another S15-D, but would it compliment my Ampeg if I ran them together or would I be way better off with a second Bag End?? Thanks in advance!

Just as a note, I play primarily distorted (Rat Tail/OCD) with the high boost button on my GK800RB engaged trying to channel the awesome bass tones of The Jesus Lizard. :bassist:
 
#5
800RB and Ampeg 115e is an awesome combnation. A friend brought that rig over once and all I could think was - sheesh I've paid thuosands trying to find that tone.

My advice is that the grass is always greener. WHat you have is a great bass rig that doesn't need upgrading - unless you are looking for something different. Don't fall into the trap of thinking newer is better. You might want to be more specific about what you want from a cab
 
#7
carl h. said:
If you need to spend money, add a 2nd ampeg 15. It will get you a bit more of everything you like about the cab at all volume levels, and it can get much louder with 2.
Click to expand...

Agreed. But...

Bag End does make excellent cabs though. It's been a really long time since I've played through the SVT-15E to do a proper comparison. My guess is the S15D will be louder as it's more efficient. It's smaller and lighter too. The SVT 15 may have a little more of an extended low end, but not by all that much.

An 800RB into a pair of S15D's was my main rig for a long time and it KILLED. Very portable, incredibly loud, and just awesome bass tone. GK's pair up really well with Bag End cabs.

When I owned the SVT 15E I remember liking it, but it was a long time ago.

As a standalone cab, I'd say the S15D is an upgrade. I can't say how it would pair up with your SVT 15. It might work really well and it might not.
 
#8
If you like the 800RB, a pair of S15D's are the way to go. Great match tonally, and they make the most of the 800's power. There's a video of this combo on my YouTube page.
 
#9
Thank for all the replies. For those of you that have played the Bag Ends, do you know how they compare to told EVM loaded Mesa Boogie Roadready/Diesel cabs? Are they sonically similar? I only ask this because I've often seen the Bag Ends and Mesas described as the best and most efficient 115s around, and I understand that they both have a very strong mid prescience, correct? I'm really just looking for a cab that is a little less boomy (kind of how the Ampeg is in my opinion) and little more clear/crisp.
 

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