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carvin 8x10 vs. ampeg 8x10

Jul 4, 2010
874
4
west texas
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: Lakland
i did a search on the carvin 8x10 and did not come up with much. i was wondering if anyone has had any experience with carvin. does anyone know how they compare to the ampeg? i'm just curios about the 8x10s. i have had a carvin 10.4 cab and was not that impressed. just looking to get an 8x10 and just trying to do my homework before i buy. thanks guys!!!
 
I have not tried the newer version yet. I do have a BR410 that I put the Carvin neo speakers in it.I like it alot,but for some reason I think the old Redline series cabinets are still the best design Carvin put out. I have a bunch of them,and use them all the time.
 
I've owned both of the cabs in question. The Carvin wasn't bad but the SVT810E responded much better to my SVT-VR. The 810E that I bought had some phase issues (it was used and was likely mixed up when the cab was redone in bed liner) but as soon as I fixed the wiring, it sounded phenomenal.

The Carvin is lighter, ported, and has a tweeter. Despite the big weight difference, I didn't find it to be any easier to move than the Ampeg. The Ampeg comes equipped with the necessary hardware to make transport easier (the towel bar is nice and the skid rails are a lifesaver).

I am glad that I made the switch. The BR810 had a well rounded tone but the sealed nature of the SVT810E just rocks with the tube amp; it sounds so forward. Everything feels like a slap in the face and a punch in the gut. There was someone that mentioned how he loved how his tube amp helped form a bridge between the notes his fingers were playing and the sound coming from the cabinet. It wasn't until I used the Ampeg that I felt that connection. It's hard to explain but I can recall the exhilaration quite well. It's something that you have to feel to understand, perhaps. There is nothing quite like an SVT through an SVT810 paired with a quality Jazz bass sporting a fresh set of light gauge rounds. :)

I don't want to deter you, or anyone else, from considering the Carvin. There are a lot of great applications for that cab -- it was tremendous when paired with a B1500, for instance. It's a great cab being offered by a great company (I love Carvin's amps). One thing to consider, however, is that a used SVT810E will likely be cheaper than the Carvin.

Either way, I'm sure you won't be too disappointed. Personally, I'd give the nod to the Ampeg. As mentioned previously, a used SVT810 will still be worth about what you paid for it should you decide to flip it. The Carvin, on the other hand, takes a big hit in resale value (unless you find one used). I've never been one to buy something based on resale value but it definitely is something to consider.
 
theory028 said:
I've owned both of the cabs in question. The Carvin wasn't bad but the SVT810E responded much better to my SVT-VR. The 810E that I bought had some phase issues (it was used and was likely mixed up when the cab was redone in bed liner) but as soon as I fixed the wiring, it sounded phenomenal.

The Carvin is lighter, ported, and has a tweeter. Despite the big weight difference, I didn't find it to be any easier to move than the Ampeg. The Ampeg comes equipped with the necessary hardware to make transport easier (the towel bar is nice and the skid rails are a lifesaver).

I am glad that I made the switch. The BR810 had a well rounded tone but the sealed nature of the SVT810E just rocks with the tube amp; it sounds so forward. Everything feels like a slap in the face and a punch in the gut. There was someone that mentioned how he loved how his tube amp helped form a bridge between the notes his fingers were playing and the sound coming from the cabinet. It wasn't until I used the Ampeg that I felt that connection. It's hard to explain but I can recall the exhilaration quite well. It's something that you have to feel to understand, perhaps. There is nothing quite like an SVT through an SVT810 paired with a quality Jazz bass sporting a fresh set of light gauge rounds. :)

I don't want to deter you, or anyone else, from considering the Carvin. There are a lot of great applications for that cab -- it was tremendous when paired with a B1500, for instance. It's a great cab being offered by a great company (I love Carvin's amps). One thing to consider, however, is that a used SVT810E will likely be cheaper than the Carvin.

Either way, I'm sure you won't be too disappointed. Personally, I'd give the nod to the Ampeg. As mentioned previously, a used SVT810 will still be worth about what you paid for it should you decide to flip it. The Carvin, on the other hand, takes a big hit in resale value (unless you find one used). I've never been one to buy something based on resale value but it definitely is something to consider.

Thanks man! That is what I was looking for. Looks like I'm gonna go with the ampeg.
 
I've owned both of the cabs in question. The Carvin wasn't bad but the SVT810E responded much better to my SVT-VR. The 810E that I bought had some phase issues (it was used and was likely mixed up when the cab was redone in bed liner) but as soon as I fixed the wiring, it sounded phenomenal.

The Carvin is lighter, ported, and has a tweeter. Despite the big weight difference, I didn't find it to be any easier to move than the Ampeg. The Ampeg comes equipped with the necessary hardware to make transport easier (the towel bar is nice and the skid rails are a lifesaver).

I am glad that I made the switch. The BR810 had a well rounded tone but the sealed nature of the SVT810E just rocks with the tube amp; it sounds so forward. Everything feels like a slap in the face and a punch in the gut. There was someone that mentioned how he loved how his tube amp helped form a bridge between the notes his fingers were playing and the sound coming from the cabinet. It wasn't until I used the Ampeg that I felt that connection. It's hard to explain but I can recall the exhilaration quite well. It's something that you have to feel to understand, perhaps. There is nothing quite like an SVT through an SVT810 paired with a quality Jazz bass sporting a fresh set of light gauge rounds. :)

I don't want to deter you, or anyone else, from considering the Carvin. There are a lot of great applications for that cab -- it was tremendous when paired with a B1500, for instance. It's a great cab being offered by a great company (I love Carvin's amps). One thing to consider, however, is that a used SVT810E will likely be cheaper than the Carvin.

Either way, I'm sure you won't be too disappointed. Personally, I'd give the nod to the Ampeg. As mentioned previously, a used SVT810 will still be worth about what you paid for it should you decide to flip it. The Carvin, on the other hand, takes a big hit in resale value (unless you find one used). I've never been one to buy something based on resale value but it definitely is something to consider.

+1 absolutely right on in your analysis.
 
the carvin site says "heavy internal bracing" but the svt has 4 sealed cabs inside. each 2 speakers are separated by a full shelf brace, and that makes the cabinet walls stiffer and the tone is more solid, because the cabinet makes its own sound that interferes with whats coming from the cones. i still think that is the secret of the svt cab.
 
the carvin site says "heavy internal bracing" but the svt has 4 sealed cabs inside. each 2 speakers are separated by a full shelf brace, and that makes the cabinet walls stiffer and the tone is more solid, because the cabinet makes its own sound that interferes with whats coming from the cones. i still think that is the secret of the svt cab.

yes i agree. i wonder what "internal bracing" the carvin does have?
 
Just my $.02 here.....

Personally, I would go with Ampeg and (if possible) the Heritage 8X10. Couple of reasons:

(1) The Heritage is loaded with the new Eminence speakers and, to my old assed ears, sound better

(2) The resale will be higher on the Heritage series

And, as a bonus....they just look better with the new grill cloth!

However, either way, you can't go wrong with the Ampeg...

And, don't get me wrong - I visit Carvin on a semi-regular basis . I like their products and the folks that work there...great guys!
 
i just put a new ampeg 810e on layaway. can't wait to get it paid off. i would like to have the heritage, but just can't quit afford it. plus they only had an 810e in stock, so i was able to play through it with my amp and bass. really, really liked it!!
 

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