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Budget 2x10

Zombbg4

Zombbg4

Jul 15, 2008
1,371
7
Olympia,Wa
#1
All i'm really needing right now is a 2x10, you know not to big but moves some air, and am also a little tight for dough. So far, this is what I've come up with

GK Backline
GK Goldline
Avatar Neo
SWR Workingman

I've got my eye on the backline right now. I have a backline 1x10 combo and I dig it, so i think the BL 2x10 would be nice.

So, what do you guys like? Whats you preference of the above cabs? Any other you would recomend? I know going used could get me better, but untill that perfect deal comes through i think i'm going to buy new. Thanks for any help!
 
#2
Well let's see... SWR is notorious for being sort of hi-fi and bright. Great for slapping and picking. GK Backline and Goldline IMHO are identical. No tweeter meaning less high end but more balanced. Avatar. No real experience here but I've heard they're loud and very versatile, excellent cabs. My vote is for Avatar, just because the others aren't exactly my cup of Earl Grey. What kind of head are you planning on using?
 
#7
I've used a pair of SWR Workingman's 2x10's for a little while now and they've been gettin' it done for me just fine in small/medium shows without PA support. I'm not a fan of hi-fi and I run my cabs with the tweeters switched off. The sore spot I have with these cabs is their stupid spring loaded handles on the sides - they don't fold flush to the cab so if I turn them on their sides, they're just a little wobbly. They stack horizontally just fine, though. I may refit them with recessed handles since I'm not in a hurry to get rid of them. For a low cost 2x10, these cabs have been great for me.

Keep an eye on the resistance in the different models you consider. My cabs are 8 ohms, but some run down at 4 ohms and that may affect your layout down the road if you try to add another cab to your rig.
 
#9
Check out your local CL for used deals. For example, there's currently a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] for $200 in Seattle.

Awhile ago I had a Peavey 210 that sounded great that I picked up for $125. Just keep your eyes open and you'll find lots of deals.
 
#10
IMO, whatever that's worth, the budget GK just doesn't have the same feel as the sbx, rbx, or other "normal" gk models. If you have to keep it gk for aesthetics, save and get the good stuff. Not bashing the budget stuff because it does have it's place however, the OP didn't say if they are looking for a decent cab, an entry level peice, beater, or a dive bar cab. And maybe you already know this OP, but you want some efficiency. For that reason, I vote for Avatar. And this is coming from a total non gear snob. I mean look at my gear. You can definitely get a good sound happening on a budget price.

On a side note, Have you tried any of the older Peavey or Hatke stuff? It is definetly in your $ range and the XL hartke stuff is really decent stuff. I got to test drive some older cabs a couple of months ago.
 
#11
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#13
I have an Avatar 210 in my herd, and it is a very nice sounding cabinet. Highly recommended at that price point.

I do, however, think that deciding on a 210 alone requires some strategic thinking. I have not played an 8-ohm 210 that I thought created adequate sound output to serve alone in an electric instrument band with a drummer, when powered by a typical 500-800 watt head. One would be fine with an acoustic group, as a practice rig, or even in rehearsals at moderate volume.

If you like the 210 form factor and really want to keep things cheap and portable, I would recommend a 4-ohm model, which IMO and IME would sound considerably louder than an 8-ohm model, with the same amp. But, by making that choice, you limit your ability to add a second cabinet and keep your overall impedance rating at an acceptable level for most amplifiers.

My bottom line recommendation - if you think all you will ever need is a 210, consider a 4-ohm model. If you are buying to build later by adding another cabinet, consider an 8-ohm version but be prepared for a more modest sound output level from that cabinet.

Good luck!
 
#16
Rugaar said:
Check out your local CL for used deals. For example, there's currently a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] for $200 in Seattle.
QUOTE]

Yea I saw that, he's actually got that listed here as well and has been PM'ed!

I totally forgot about Hartke.

Carvin looks nice.

The deal with me is I'm going to be going to college in the next year or so, and just want something that sounds good and will be of decent power to the music i will be playing, mostly jazz/fusion- the drummer isn't very loud. So I'll keep my eye on the 4ohms.

Looks like avatar and carvin/hartke are the winners, though i haven't played through them, i'll take your word(s). Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
 
#20
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