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Bag End cabs

#21
I used the S15-D/S15X-D stack for quite some time. After trying to lug an Aguilar GS410 to the steep-staired Upper East Side apartment in NYC a few times, I bought an S15-D and few years after I coupled it with the S15X-D. Apart from this combination, I combined the S15-D with a Bergantino HT112 from time to time. I drove both of this combinations either by an Epifani UL-502 or an Acoustic Image Focus 1 Series III.

With the UL-502, the S15-D/S15X-D stack sounded quite dark; yet very strong and clear at the same time. This might be, of course, partly due to the bass-heavy, mid-scooped color of the Epi amp. But I remember being very much impressed with the power of this combination, and I always thought it would be a great rig for some heavy rock stuff. However, for my jazz material with some solo bass parts, it sounded a bit slow. With the Acoustic Image, the S15-D/S15X-D stack opened up a little bit with more definite mid attack and clearer highs.

I do not have much experience with other 15"s in the market, but using the Bag Ends, I never thought of or looked for other stuff. To me they sounded really great and reliable. The built quality on the Bag Ends is incredible, maybe one of the best out there. They always gave me the impression that they would last forever even if they were abused.

In the weight compartment, I have to agree with Ken (kjung) that they are a bit on the heavy side given today's light-weight gear. However, I must admit that they are relatively easier to carry because of the well designed handle. It was a bit of a hassle for me, though, as I still live on the third floor with very steep and narrow stairs, so carrying anything upstairs particularly after an evening gig is so difficult. That's why the Bag Ends had to go to be replaced by Bergantino AE112's...

I would agree with other posters regarding the tweeter of the S15X-D. You definitely need an attenuator, particularly, if you are playing at venues with horrible electricity and everything is pretty much amplified as a hiss!

Cheers,

Alper
 
#22
I recently picked up a shallow 2-10 coax and I'm loving it. Sounded great on the gigs I've used it on, not wanting for anything. It's definitely heavier than it looks but it's easily manageable. A bonus is that laid flat it fits in the back of my Z3 Coupe along with my amp bag, stands and cart... under a pretty low profile cargo cover.

I also have an S15-D, S15X-D and coax 1-10 S10X-D. I prefer the sound of the D10X-D over everything else I have except my slightly larger two cab Nahas rig.
 
#23
You might try a d10xd for stair carrying. 70+lbs, but tiny small. Only 18" deep. The weight doesn't seem so bad because you have the good handles, and you carry it very close to your body, which is a big deal, and takes a lot of strain off!

I'm guessing by "faster" you're talking about it articulating individual notes it will probably be faster than the 15 as well.

One thing to consider is their service. They are the best. They'll talk to you for a long time. They are all way into their products, and are willing to talk to you forever. They are very helpful if there is a problem. I was worried once that my speaker had been damaged and I sent it in for a totally free inspection and test. They even covered shipping. They are particularly sensitive to the needs of the performing musician with a gig schedule to keep.

I've asked about tweeter attenuators. I use a tech who consults with the BE guys extensively before doing anything, and they convinced him to talk me out of it. The cabs are designed to be accurate, the tweeters are attenuated internally, and that sort of thing should be EQd. They spent a bunch of time on the phone with me as well to help me get a more satisfying tone.
 
#24
I think Bag End makes some of the best sounding and durable bass cabs out there.
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+1...but heavy. Too bad from my perspective. As other posters seem to echo, BE is respected among players. They have produced many of the same cabinet designs since before a lot of TBers were born.

I like the BE sound generally and wish their cabs were easier on my back. I suppose the added weight's the trade off for having a cabinet that's near completely bulletproof. I've owned several 15s and the 212. I'd add that BE's don't have quite the same, sweet "bedroom" sound at low volumes that other cabs have. On the other hand (and much more important), BE cabs come alive at stage volumes, projecting great tone. Sure their tweeter designs lack attenuators, etc -- all true. But if you can handle the weight (15" cubes and single 12s excepted), then I recommend them highly.
 
#25
Rando McNally said:
One thing to consider is their service. They are the best. They'll talk to you for a long time. They are all way into their products, and are willing to talk to you forever. They are very helpful if there is a problem. I was worried once that my speaker had been damaged and I sent it in for a totally free inspection and test. They even covered shipping. They are particularly sensitive to the needs of the performing musician with a gig schedule to keep.

I've asked about tweeter attenuators. I use a tech who consults with the BE guys extensively before doing anything, and they convinced him to talk me out of it. The cabs are designed to be accurate, the tweeters are attenuated internally, and that sort of thing should be EQd. They spent a bunch of time on the phone with me as well to help me get a more satisfying tone.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I hear about Bag End's customer service. Few companies are like that these days.

I've never owned BE gear but have played through a number on gigs where the backline was supplied and I particularly love the sound of a pair of the 1x15 cabinets without the tweeter. While they don't put out a lot of the really low bass, they have a sound that I haven't heard from any other single 15 cabinet. Generally I dislike cabinets that others claim are ruler flat or hi-fi but the BE cabinets are a different story, even with a P bass and flat wound strings. That lack of the really low octave is a bonus on live gigs when you're getting your FOH sound through the PA. They aren't particularly hard to carry either.

I sat in for a set once where the bassist had one of the BE 1x18, 1x12 and tweeter time aligned PA cabinets for his bass. That was a wonderful sound. He had a pre/power amp setup driving it but I can't remember what brand. But at over 100 lbs I wouldn't want to cart one around.

I've also played through the shallow 2x10 cabinet on a gig and was disappointed. I think my main complaint was the lack of volume mainly caused by the feeble SWR 350 watt head driving it. That was a gig with about 5 bands each doing a set using the supplied rig. None of the bassists liked it except the guy who supplied it. Didn't matter out front though as everyone was going through the PA and the soundman was good. The soundman loved it because he had no leakage to mess up his mix.

I also played through a Quad 10 in a store for about an hour with a GK head. That was a great sound too, but that cabinet is way too heavy for one man to handle.

Their time aligned 1x12 plus horn PA cabinet is also a cut above. Wonderful for voice only and maybe a bit of amplified acoustic guitar. Easy to eq because it's so flat and absolutely clean at fairly loud volumes.

If BE wasn't so expensive in Canada I'd seriously consider getting them..
 
#28
I recently setup my first Bass rig made up with a used Bag End D 10X-D (2x10) cabinet and an Acoustic B200H amp.

The BE cab is smallish in size but a bit heavy. I don't mind though, it'll stay mostly in my basement practice space and I like the small size and solid feel of the box. The handles are very heavy duty too and large enough to hold easily.

Even running the amp flat at low volume with this cab puts out a really crisp, clear, deep tone.
 
#29
They do stand up to abuse really well. I know a guy who lost one off the back of his pickup. Close your eyes and you'd never know it though.

That's why I never hesitate to buy these used. They hold up to anything. The cabs are ridiculously burly, and you can always get new carpet and corners from BE if you want it to look clean.

The drivers go forever. I've never had to have one reconed. Pretty much as long as the voice coils aren't locked the speakers are in good shape.

The 15 series is nice, but I don't use 'em. Good point about the lack of low end. But BE cabs are designed to be paired together. If you want the low end add an ELF/INFRA setup and you'll have plenty.

My BE stack is the joy of my life. It always grows and grows. I'm hoping to add a matched pair of 4x10 w/elf soon. After that an s15d and an s15xd and I'm done.

Right now it's a d10xd, q10xd, s12d, s12rd, and an s18bd. I've only ever assembled it together once. I have a picture somewhere I'll post when I find it. It was awesome. Pumped a mere 3600 watts into it and could have played Wembly Stadium wireless with no PA support.
 
#32
One thing to consider is their service. They are the best. They'll talk to you for a long time. They are all way into their products, and are willing to talk to you forever. They are very helpful if there is a problem.
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+1000 They are great to work with and really enjoy helping you with an in depth understanding about their products (Nobody else does this as well as BE tech staff.). They are dedicated not only to their customers, but to their products. The comments others have made are typical of anybody who's dealt with them. I just wish their cabs didn't require a roadie... :cool:
 
#33
the_hook said:
I recently setup my first Bass rig made up with a used Bag End D 10X-B (2x10) cabinet and an Acoustic B200H amp.

The BE cab is smallish in size but a bit heavy. I don't mind though, it'll stay mostly in my basement practice space and I like the small size and solid feel of the box. The handles are very heavy duty too and large enough to hold easily.

Even running the amp flat at low volume with this cab puts out a really crisp, clear, deep tone.
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I walked into my gig last night with my coax 210 on one arm and my amp bag and stands on the other. The cab is substantial but it could be a lot worse.
:D
 
#34
Alright, here is my medium stack.

Can't find the pic of the whole thing, and one of my cabs is out of state right now.

It's a D10xd, s12d, s12rd (yep, the guitar cab, sounds GREAT paired with the others), S18bd. This is missing my q10xd. I'm adding a pair of rare 410s this spring, but we won't get into that til they're in hand.

There's no need to ask how it sounds. I think we know the answer.
 

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#36
martyman5000 said:
When I would go to my local second hand music store...that is gone now (Songbird music :crying:) there would always be a Bag End cab...made me wonder why...I've never played through one though.
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The guy I bought my BE from bought it there. Said he tried a bunch of cabs, but that one really impressed him. Only place that carries BE in TO now is Audio Video Methods and from their website they only stock an 18" BE sub.

http://www.avm.org/details/loudspeakers/index.htm
 
#37
S-15D stack are the best BE offering. Not amazing bedroom tone but kills in the mix. You can dial in warmth very easily with these. Best used value out there imo ($550-700 for 2)

I find them very portable due to the size and weight (44 lbs. isn't that heavy. Come on now).:)
 
#38
the_hook said:
The guy I bought my BE from bought it there. Said he tried a bunch of cabs, but that one really impressed him. Only place that carries BE in TO now is Audio Video Methods and from their website they only stock an 18" BE sub.

http://www.avm.org/details/loudspeakers/index.htm
Click to expand...

I actually emailed Bag End a few weeks ago and they mentioned Steve's was a dealer but I've never seen any BE cabs there.

If AVM's a dealer, even though they only show the 18", they could probably order whatever you wanted.

I'm currently looking at a used D10xd to pair with my YBA-200 head. Tried the combo in-store and it sounded pretty good. My only concern was that the master on the amp was at around 4.5 and the sound wasn't as loud as my brain imagined it should be...
 

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