Best 410 for a 5 String

[BNM]

I used a Spector NSJH-5 Tuned ADGCF with my Schroeder 410. Now, before I get into a rant about how awesome Schroeders are, it's much more important to understand that getting bad performance from a cabinet when using a 5 string is often a case of an underpowered head. A good thump on a B string is going to require nearly DOUBLE the amount of power from your amp to hold on to the speakers than an open thumb on your E string. No lie. Throw all the technical terminology you want, you need double the power. If your amp is coming close to maxing out on your E string, the sound you hear from your cabinet when you hit the B is either gonna be your amp clipping, the speakers farting out from lack of power, or both. If you're gonna run a 410 at any kind of volume at all with an active 5 string bass, you're gonna be very dissapointed in what you hear with anything less than a 500 watt amp. The fact that some manufacturers manipulate thier wattage ratings is a whole different argument, so make sure you have 4 Ohm cabinet, and an amp rated for at least 500 watts at 4 ohms. ( or 1000 watts if its an ampeg, fender or SWR )

In the meantime: SCHROEDERS are absolutely phenominal. Great volume, really efficient, fairly light and no more expensive than most other decent 410 cabs. I've gone thru 410 cabs from GK, Ampeg, Basson, Ashdown, Hartke and several others and never been as happy as I am with the Schroeder. The Basson came close, but reliablity issues and the fact that the 410 weighs 160 lbs made it not worth while.

So the Eden WT800 pushing over 800 watts should be plenty powerful, right?

 

[pablomigraine]

So the Eden WT800 pushing over 800 watts should be plenty powerful, right?

Yes absolutely. However there are two important points to consider. You're actually going to get 1100 watts if you use a 4 Ohm cabinet. ( amp is rated at 800 watts @ 8 Ohms.) This may be more than you need, but it certainly is enough. Plus the WT800 has alot of features you may not need, and some you cant use unless you have more than one cabinet (ie crossover & balance) I'm not a huge fan of the Eden amps for two reasons, one good reason, on really stupid reason. 1) I'm not a big fan of the parametric EQ. You spend a long time tweaking everytime you play in a different room. I like very simple EQ; Bass, Mid, Treble, or maybe a simple Graphic EQ. That way when I'm not liking my sound in a particular room, I can fix the problem quickly. 2) I just dont like the Bronze faceplate. ( Told it was a stupid reason )

The WT 800 is like $1600 bucks. If it were me, I'd buy a GK 1001RB, Ashdown ABM500 or even a used Aguilar AG500 and keep the remaining $700 in my pocket, but then again I dont know what your needs are.

 

[BNM]

My hope is that I can buy it used. I've seen some on ebay for between 800 and 900, which I think is a good price for such an amp.

 

[pablomigraine]

if you can get one for $800, do it. If you treat it nicely you can sell if for same a few years down the road.

 

[jokerjkny]

An 800 with a 410XLT is probably the top touring rig for the last 10 years... fantastic sounding (although heavy)... very mid present and punchy. (...)

great rental, too.

funny alot of companies still leave it at the top of their list waiting for you to go all gaga over it.

"wait, you didnt see the Eden rig?"

 

[jokerjkny]

So the Eden WT800 pushing over 800 watts should be plenty powerful, right?

dood,

MORE than plenty. and if its not, i'll eat my shoe.

btw, you can find the older 880watt bridged @ 8 ohms version pretty cheap on ebay and even here on the classifieds. well worth the dough if you own mostly 8 ohm cabs.

 

[bazzanderson]

Peavey pro 410s handle low Bs remarkably well and are loud as SH*T!
-Bazz-

 

[MacGroove]

Look's like the Eden has it. But I hold true to the Epi 410UL. I play rock, jazz, funk and R&B, loud with no problems with the B. I use it with a WW Ultra High Power but now with the Epi 502UL. If you can wait for several more weeks, the new Epi Performance Series comes out with a PS410. 800 watts @ 4 or 8 ohms, 79 lbs. at $999.00. I A/B'ed it with the 410UL at NAMM and it sounded better than the UL, IMO.

 

[pickles]

The Aguilar GS410 is definitely one of your option.
I'd A/B against a Bergantino HT210 and the Aggie has the tone advantage (I use a Zon Studio 5). But for bulk and weight (I am getting old), the Berg was the way to go for me...
If I need and extra cab, that'll be a GS410.

Don't know what kind of music you play... 15" will give you some other type of response than the 10s"

Since its a bit of a contrarian position around these parts, I'll go ahead and give you the big +1 that I prefer the Aguilar GS410 to a Bergantino HT310 in terms of tone, but the 310 is a whole lot easier to carry!

The GS410 is most certainly capable of producing a great low-B sound on its own (so is the HT310), and I also agree that a really good 15" cab will give a very different but also very good low B tone. More of a foggy cushion of bottom end.

Choices, choices.

 

[John D Harris]

I really like the way the Schroeder 410R handles low 'B' (and all the other notes as well).

 

[deaf pea]

I'm really surprised that NOBODY has mentioned the Ampeg PR410HLF. Is that because it's very heavy? Or that it costs a lot? All I know is that it really puts out . . . my low "B" dropped to "A" sounds great! And that's with a SVT-3PRO at about 50%. A very efficient set-up, but yes, expensive AND heavy.

 

[12bass]

Just a note for clarification:

The D410XST is 8 ohms only.

 

[T. Brookins]

Although, for me there is no substitute for an Eden head, The ampeg 410 BXT cab GROOVES! If you like the Eden XST cab, the BXT has a higher crossover point that makes my MTD sound simply brilliant.

If you dont mind a little extra weight, this cab is DEFINITELY worth a try.

This cab has a sweet, pleasing high end like no other and is built like a cue ball.

-Crossed over at 6k. Mmmm.

 

[GSPLBASSDC]

Personally, to get that chest thumping bottom end, I'd go with a 2x12, but I'm sure you've heard about the great deals on Aggies from Musician's Friend. Here's a 4x10 for ya....

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Bass/Amps?sku=601034