Best $600 rig?

[jtlee]

I play mostly rock/metal/funk and I'm looking for something powerful with some versatility. I'm looking for a setup that's really articulate but had a heavy bottom end. I played through an Ampeg 1x15 and while it was good for bottom end, it was really muddy and indestinct. Does a tweeter on a cab help higher end articulationism (it's not a word but it should be) much?

A tweeter does help note articulation (that's the proper word ), but it will change the sound depending on the type of tweeter, the crossover freq/type and whether or not it has an attenuator on the back so you can tweak it. The tweeter/horn will usually give you more click...it will also accentuate noise (picking). A lot of rock guys don't dig them. If you want better note definition/clarity, go for multiple smaller speakers vs single large speakers (like 2x10,2x12,4x10instead of 1x15 or 1x18). Smaller speakers are usually more efficient and have faster response for more clarity.

 

[CrUiSeR]

Gabe, don't give up on the idea of a 15" equipped speaker just because you did not like the ampeg.
The ampeg flip-top has moved more than a ton of booty!
There are lots of variables including speaker design, cabinet design for the particular speaker(s), amp, etc, etc.
I'm not saying don't check out 08s, 10s, 12s, or 18s.
Maybe some owners of BagEnd or Bergantinos 15s will chime in. Or Mesa Boogie!
Good Luck.

 

[thumpingmumper]

I add my thumbs up for the Yamaha head and 210 cab.
I just used this with an additional SWR 110 cab on a very loud gig.
I got lots of positive comments about the sound.
I was amazed at the headroom.
I had the amp output at about 1/3.
I've used lots of bass gear over the years, but this combination really thumped the house.
I was really surprised by the low bass.
I thought I was bringing a weeny rig, but I could easily overpower a loud drummer and guitarist.
I had to turn the thing down to be at a balanced level.
This doesn't make sense to me.
It may have been a lucky combination of room acoustics and rig choice.
(Very large room with raised wood stage)