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Double Bass ea vl110

#2
You may still be able to get drivers/voice coils from EA. If you really like the cabinets you might even order spares now. The other thing that can fail is the crossover, if it is a multi-driver cabinet. In this case it could be the capacitors that fail, and these too can be replaced. You could probably ship them back to EA to have this done.

There is some discussion of newer EA cabinets in these threads, for instance:
http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167345
http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322945

Jim
 
#4
BullCity, howdy. Just down the road from you.

For some time I have heard and read good things about the Acme's too. I got the impression though that the Acme's forte was deep low end, and that the mids and highs were rather subdued. EA pretty much has it all, esp. in the mids. When I think of the EA sound, I definitely don't think subdued thru the mids.

They are both clean and hi-fi from what I have gathered - just with different points of emphasis. Maybe though as you said the Acme is comparable to the older EA cabs, 'cuz I think maybe as a generalization the older ones were a bit darker sounding.

Let me know if you want to get together and compare the Acme and a newer EA cab sometime. I've got the regular Wizzy and an M-line.
 
#5
hey Bolo, I just moved out of my photo studio that was down in Apex. I just do location work now.

I have never heard an Acme before but 'subdued' was not a term I read anywhere. 'Hi-Fi' and very 'neutral' where the adjectives I read the most but they are capable of deep lows as well. But I guess I will see here soon when it comes in. I have the same amp as you, the Focus 2R. I would not mind getting together to compare. I actually want to pick up an EA NL-210 when I have the extra $$$ but being that I live in a small apartment with thin walls, the B-1 will be perfect for what I need right now.

you guys getting this intense storm passing by?
 
#6
Actually you might be right. Here is one description of the Acme and a whole bunch o' other cabs. Even includes a VL-110. Says the Acme actually has upper mids that are rather forward, but the highs aren't emphasized as much as the EA.

But I think maybe this post was more like what I remembered hearing about the Acme.

Heck, who knows. Depends on what you like I reckon. Maybe we can hook up and I can hear it for myself. PM sent.
 
#8
BullCity, I wasn't trying to discourage you re: the Acme. I have read lots of good things about them. You should definitely be excited about your new gear. I would be.

I got to thinkin' that with the high pass filter on your Focus, I betcha you could dial out as much low end "darkness" as you want in order to fine tune your sound. And if the Acme allows you to control the level of the mid-driver and the tweeter too, you will have even more control. I could not tell from their website.

Hope to hook up w/ you at some point.
 
#9
bolo said:
I wonder how the new Wizzy 10 would compare. tombowlus ??

Not sure the Wizzy's are being shipped yet. But I imagine they should soon.
Click to expand...

Actually, when I heard the Wizzy 10, I commented to John Dong that it kind of reminded me of the VL-108. John smiled and said that he designed it to be a VL-108 replacement. :smug:

The VL-110 is somewhat unique in its ability (as a 1x10) to stay very composed and sound great when driven at louder volumes (where a lot of 1x10's start crying 'Uncle'). The Acme does have some tonal similarities to the VL-110, but actually, I am thinking that the closest thing might be either the Wizzy 10 or quite possibly the new Bergantino HT110. Actually, the Phil Jones 4B has some similarities, as well.

I definitely need to update my 1x10 shootout...
 
#11
Im not discouraged, Im excited about it! I will definitely get in touch with you when it comes in so we can get together and compare.

All the stuff I have read on the B-1 makes me feel very comfortable about my purchase but ultimately, it will come down to my ears... If I like the sound or not. And you are right, with the cut filter on the Focus I should be able to dial the setup in for my small apartment just fine.
 
#12
The Acme Low B-1 is a very high quality product. However it is also very inefficient. There is a 7 dB difference in the sensitivity ratings of the B-1 and the EA VL-110. This means the Acme require 5 times as much power as the EA cab to produce a given volume level.
 
#14
BullCityBass said:
I will be pushing 450 w @ 8 ohms into mine so power wont be an issue for me.
Click to expand...
While that sounds like a lot of power, it's really just adequate to drive the the Low B-1. The reality is 450 watts to drive the B-1 is like having 95 watts available to drive the EA VL-110 (which is itself not particularly efficient). The Acme Low B-1 is a nice cab, but it is exceptionally inefficient. Many users will find the 4 ohm version to be the best choice in order to get the most power from their amp. Very low efficiency is the trade off for having such extended low frequency response (and rather flat response overall) from such a small cab.
 
#15
I had asked Andy myself which version (8 or 4) he would recommend and he recommended the 8 ohm version for my amp. He also went on to say that the 4 ohm version would not be a wise decision as my amp puts out 800w at 4 ohms. I realize how inefficient these cabs are, I dont think there is one review that does not underline that fact but that inefficiency is the reason these cabs can go so low. I feel 450 watts will power it adequately without the fear or pushing it too hard.

This was Andy's response:

Hi Chris,

I'd go with 8 ohm. 800 watts would be ridiculous on a 1x10.

Thanks,
Andy Lewis
Acme Sound Ltd
 
#16
BullCityBass said:
I had asked Andy myself which version (8 or 4) he would recommend and he recommended the 8 ohm version for my amp. He also went on to say that the 4 ohm version would not be a wise decision as my amp puts out 800w at 4 ohms. I realize how inefficient these cabs are, I dont think there is one review that does not underline that fact but that inefficiency is the reason these cabs can go so low. I feel 450 watts will power it adequately without the fear or pushing it too hard.

This was Andy's response:

Hi Chris,

I'd go with 8 ohm. 800 watts would be ridiculous on a 1x10.

Thanks,
Andy Lewis
Acme Sound Ltd
Click to expand...
Andy is a great guy. He's also very wise, and he knows that any speaker has its thermal and mechanical limitations.

How much power you need is relative of course. Lots of bass players have played their entire careers with amps of 100 watts or less.

Hope you enjoy your Acme cab. Andy makes good stuff.
 
#18
I still have one that I purchased new from Bass Northwest.
It was never my favorite for DB, although it did sound really nice with EB. I think the new EA cabinets coming down the pipe are going to be
"real eyeopeners" low impedance, high spl, very lightweight TL boxes.
The older VL's sound terrific on the stand, but they are power hungry little dudes and pretty heavy, by 2007 standards. Always prefered the
VL 108 and VL 208 for Double Bass.


Ric
 

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