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Best Portable 2x10 cab/combo for around $1000

U

UREi809A

Jan 20, 2008
8
0
#1
Hello All, I recently purchased a Ken Smith Bass (BSR 5 MW) and I am currently looking for a portable 2x10 amp for gigs. I own an Ampeg SVT-410HLF, but @ 110 lbs, the cab is just too heavy. I was looking for a 2x10 set-up, something that is 50 lbs or less (preferrably).

Amps that I am considering are:
-Bergantino HS210 (52 lbs)
-Mark Bass Standard 102HF (50 lbs)
-Mark Bass CMD 102P combo (44 lbs)
-David Eden D210MBX (50 lbs)
-EBS NEO-210 (42 lbs)
-Epifani UL-210 (38 lbs)

Which amp can put out the most punch for its size?

Which amp can provide an overall full sound despite its size?

Excluding the combo amp, which heads are recommended to combine with these cabs?

What's the deal with the lighter, compact Nemesis combos from David Eden? How do they compare to the classic models?
 
#4
The Nemesis 2x10 combo is a great little combo that I've been using for almost 10 years. I have the NC210 model (200 watts @ 4 ohm) that I got new in 1998. They've updated the model a couple times and now its an RS210 with 320 watts at 4 ohms.

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Its been the most realiable amp I've had. It has never given my any problems, period. Over the 10 years I've had it, I've used it for the majority of my gigs (about 90 to 95%), which I average about 135 to 155 gigs a year. Even when I had to push it on a few outside gigs, it never gave any signs of distress. I use an Ibanez BTB 5-string EBG that has a 35 inch scale and the Nemesis handles the low B extremely well IMO. I also use it for double bass setup, although I use a Fishman preamp for URB to help get a better impedance match with the piezo pickup (also Fishman) have access to an high-pass filter (I'm also using FDECK's nice little high-pass filter, great unit). It also does great with a couple fretless basses I use.

I've tried a couple "flavors of the month" that this list has, and I still take the Nemesis for its sound, reliability, portability, and when I want to concentrate more on the music rather than the electronics.

Lloyd Howard
 
#5
lhoward said:
The Nemesis 2x10 combo is a great little combo that I've been using for almost 10 years. I have the NC210 model (200 watts @ 4 ohm) that I got new in 1998. They've updated the model a couple times and now its an RS210 with 320 watts at 4 ohms.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Its been the most realiable amp I've had. It has never given my any problems, period. Over the 10 years I've had it, I've used it for the majority of my gigs (about 90 to 95%), which I average about 135 to 155 gigs a year. Even when I had to push it on a few outside gigs, it never gave any signs of distress. I use an Ibanez BTB 5-string EBG that has a 35 inch scale and the Nemesis handles the low B extremely well IMO. I also use it for double bass setup, although I use a Fishman preamp for URB to help get a better impedance match with the piezo pickup (also Fishman) have access to an high-pass filter (I'm also using FDECK's nice little high-pass filter, great unit). It also does great with a couple fretless basses I use.

I've tried a couple "flavors of the month" that this list has, and I still take the Nemesis for its sound, reliability, portability, and when I want to concentrate more on the music rather than the electronics.

Lloyd Howard
Click to expand...

+1 great amp. I have the 2007 model (250 watt) and its great. I would definitely say though that the Markbass is better.

I dunno what the situation is there in the US but down under the rrp for the Nemesis is $1400 and the Markbass around $2500. So if you are looking for something cheaper go for the Nemesis but if you're willing go for the Markbass.
 
#6
I bought my Markbass CMD 102P combo for right at $1200 with full warrantee. I'm completely blown away by this amp-- it's the most versatile peice of gear I've ever owned. It angles back like a monitor for standalone, and I stack it with a Markbass 104 HF 4x10 cab for bigger gigs, and the head drives 6 10's with no problem and plenty of headroom. For my needs it's perfect, and the entire big rig weighs in at under 110 pounds. I highly suggest you give one a try before purchasing anything.
 
#8
Hey thanks guys, I'll definitely check out the EA NL-210, I didn't think about that one. I'll also try out the Nemesis RS210. I hear a lot a of good things about Markbass, which I've played before, but not the other cabs. Any reviews on the Bergantino HS210, Epifani UL-210, or the EBS NEO-210?
-Thanks again
 
#14
i haven't seen Bag End enclosures that were less than 70 lbs, and accugroove is a little pricey at 1300 for a cab. I haven't experienced Ashdown amps, nor have I seen much of them at concerts. whitespike/ johnnylager can you tell me more about these amps?
 
#15
Hello all,

I'll have to agree with Kael and suggest the EA NL210. I ran it under my iAmp800 for a while until it had to go back to EA for a minor issue. I picked up a Mark Bass SD800 as a back-up while the iAmp was out and have used it with my NL, Schroe 1210R and Eden 210XLT all with very good results!
The NL is the very newest version with the new drivers, protective corners and a yummy 37lbs!!

Good luck, Kirk
 
#16
The Epi UL210 is a little on the big side, but its so light, its
very easy to carry. Being a bit bigger helps put out more
low end. The more power you have, the better. It loves it.
I've only played through the NL210 a little. It also seems
like a good sounding box that can hold a b string well.
If you have LOTS of power, check out the Acme B2.
 
#19
UREi809A said:
i haven't seen Bag End enclosures that were less than 70 lbs, and accugroove is a little pricey at 1300 for a cab. I haven't experienced Ashdown amps, nor have I seen much of them at concerts. whitespike/ johnnylager can you tell me more about these amps?
Click to expand...

The Bag End D-10DBX is 65 - heavy for a today's 2x10 but - it's super easy to move as it is small in spite of it's weight. It's also got one of the smoothest rolloff's I've ever heard. They claim 40 - I would guess more like 50 but there isn't anything weird going on down there - it's a really musical - if heavy cabinet. The tweetered version uses a very well engineered crssover. They may have the best crossover and tweet in the business.

Seriously - if you can find one - it's a cab you should listen to.
 

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