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EA VL208 vs. VL110

Discussion in 'Amps, Mics & Pickups [DB]' started by swingfingers, Jul 2, 2003.

  1. Jul 2, 2003 #1
    swingfingers

    swingfingers

    Apr 15, 2002
    Philadelphia area
    I have heard some very strong statements about how transparent and superb for DB the Euphonic Audio VL208 cab is from a number of members on this board. I am interested in the VL208 but may prefer the VL110 due to its smaller size and lighter weight. Although I need to check this out, I’ve also heard that the 110 can be upgraded to a 110B to gain some sensitivity (although I realize the 208 cab may ultimately move a little more air due to the larger speaker surface area).

    I have not heard, however, the same praises for the VL110 as for the VL208. I would like to know if any of the VL208 enthusiasts out there ever tried the VL110 and if not - why not. If so, did you find it lacking in comparison in any way – particularly in quality of sound (including transparency and bass response)? In other words, why all the hoopla about the VL208 and nothing about the VL110?

    Thanks in advance for any replies.
     
  2. Jul 3, 2003 #2
    Bruce Lindfield

    Bruce Lindfield Unprofessional TalkBass Contributor Gold Supporting Member In Memoriam

    Dec 13, 1999
    Brighton, England, UK, Europe
    I've bought two VL208s - but my impression was that there wasn't that much difference in terms of weight/size between the two, so the 208 was the one to go for?

    As EA don't make either now - isn't it a bit of an academic question?
     
  3. Jul 3, 2003 #3
    swingfingers

    swingfingers

    Apr 15, 2002
    Philadelphia area
    Actually, the 208 weighs 11-12lbs more which is about 30% more and a consideration for me.
    I hope not! I have noticed that it is possible to buy these on the used market (and I've heard that some stores might have a few left-although I'm not counting on it). I think if I try hard enough (and maybe with some help from people on this board!) I can find one somewhere. But first I need to decide which one to go for!

    Anyone able to compare the two??
     
  4. Jul 3, 2003 #4
    Sam Sherry

    Sam Sherry Inadvertent Microtonalist Supporting Member

    Sep 26, 2001
    Portland, ME
    I a/b'd them often when my friend, Mark Kleinhaut, was using the VL-110. The 110 is a very nice-sounding box. The 208 is just a little more natural to my ear.

    Box boxes are out-of-production.
     
  5. Jul 3, 2003 #5
    swingfingers

    swingfingers

    Apr 15, 2002
    Philadelphia area
    Samuel, could you give any more details to how the two compared? Did either have a stronger bass response? Did the 208 sound any bigger?

    Thanks!
     
  6. Jul 3, 2003 #6
    Sam Sherry

    Sam Sherry Inadvertent Microtonalist Supporting Member

    Sep 26, 2001
    Portland, ME
    Sorry, but I'm not able to be much more articulate. The 110 sounds very good, but there is a bit of coloration. It's not a bad color -- we're not talkin' Peavey here -- but the 208 is more transparent. I like the 208 better for DB. I liked the 110 better for guitar.

    FWIW, Mark (who is a guitar player) dug the 110 but eventually ditched it for Raezor's Edge boxes.

    I've attached my "EA Spec Sheet" file. According to EA, these cabinets have similar performance. God knows why I save this stuff!
     
  7. Jul 4, 2003 #7
    Bruce Lindfield

    Bruce Lindfield Unprofessional TalkBass Contributor Gold Supporting Member In Memoriam

    Dec 13, 1999
    Brighton, England, UK, Europe
    Well compared with other cabs I have tried/owned - the VL208 is very easy to carry about.

    And I have had back problems - sciatica, prolapse disc etc.

    I have my 13lb Eden amp in a small rucksack on my back and the the VL208 is easy to carry in one hand.

    I am always getting compliments on the sound when I use this setup with my EUB and it is almost like a Hi-FI speaker setup when I have played CDs through it - so, on several occasions I have taken a long extension cable and used my amp setup with a CD walkman, to provide music for outdoor parties and the sound is great - but we usually get asked to turn down, by the "neighbours"!! ;)
     
  8. Jul 7, 2003 #8
    swingfingers

    swingfingers

    Apr 15, 2002
    Philadelphia area
    Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately the weight does make a difference to me (I won't be carrying any cabinet in one hand for very long due to RSI issues). But sound is, of course, the most important concern.

    Anyone else able to compare these 2 cabinets? I was hoping to hear from Chris Fitzgerald and A.H. Bob Gollihur on this subject as I thought they were both EA enthusiasts (and Bob being a dealer as well).
     
  9. Jul 7, 2003 #9
    Chris Fitzgerald

    Chris Fitzgerald Student of Life Staff Member Administrator Gold Supporting Member

    Oct 19, 2000
    Louisville, KY
    I didn't respond because I've never played the 110. But I can say that the 208 is (IMO, of course) the best and cleanest bass cabinet I've ever played, period. You just want to be careful not to whack it with a bunch of really loud low BG "B string" notes from a magnetic pickup, as this can cause it to break up, and I'd never want to hurt my 208 in any way. :)
     
  10. Jul 7, 2003 #10
    Bob Gollihur

    Bob Gollihur GollihurMusic.com In Memoriam

    Mar 22, 2000
    Cape of New Jersey
    Big Cheese Emeritus: Gollihur Music (retired)
    I never owned a VL110, either, but played a pair of VL210B cabs. I didn't become a dealer until the CXL series was out- I was a player with them before I started selling them.

    As you might imagine, my VL210B cabs had a little more bottom end than the 208 cabs, a little thicker sounding, but a touch of EQ would even that up with the 208 cabs. Both have a nice clarity, with warmth, but they frankly are not as honest, but a little shy in the upper end- not necessarily a bass player problem.

    The new stuff is not radically different, but the single coaxial driver seems more coherent and focused, less of a solid wall of sound, I guess, but a pair of stacked CXLs are a wonder to behold. I'll typically turn the horn down a little on a CXL. In conversation with Larry of EA today, he indicated the NL-210 cabs are sort of in-between the CXL and VL series, not quite as forward as the CXL cabs. I'm looking forward to checking one out when they become available.
     
  11. Jul 12, 2003 #11
    myrick

    myrick

    May 14, 2002
    Anyplace cold or air conditioned
    I can't find the VL208 (so much admired hereabouts) on EA's website.

    Am I correct in assuming that it is no longer made? If so, can anyone suggest which in the current EA cab lineup is the closest substitute in terms of sonic performance for DB small combo applications ?
     
  12. Jul 12, 2003 #12
    guitaron

    guitaron

    Jan 26, 2002
    to high up north!
    How about a Reazer Edge 2 8" cabinet?
     
    jeffthebassist likes this.
  13. Jul 14, 2003 #13
    swingfingers

    swingfingers

    Apr 15, 2002
    Philadelphia area
    Thank you, Chris and Bob.

    Chris, was wondering if you think the 108 is as fantastic as the 208 - sound wise (I realize it will put out less, having almost half the amount of speakers...).

    Am also wondering how two EA VL 108's may compare to one VL 208. 2 smaller cabs may be easier to carry, and could be more versatile (bring only 1 for smaller gigs, 2 for larger). However, the size of the cab on the 208 may make a difference with size of sound - particularly low end. Anyone have any experience with this or even anything similar?!

    (yes, the VL series are out of production but a few stores may still carry some and they can be bought used or...previously owned!)
     
  14. Jul 14, 2003 #14
    Chris Fitzgerald

    Chris Fitzgerald Student of Life Staff Member Administrator Gold Supporting Member

    Oct 19, 2000
    Louisville, KY
    The 108 is every bit as clean as the 208, and possibly more so. I haven't had a chance to try two of them, but if I get the chance, I may well take it. I suspect the 208 puts out more bottom end than two 108's, but this is only conjecture on my part.
     
  15. Aug 20, 2003 #15
    abaguer

    abaguer

    Nov 27, 2001
    Milford, NJ
    I've got a VL110 and VL208 and I prefer the 208 for upright. I never liked the sound of my upright through the 110, but for some reason the 208 sounds really natural and very warm.
     
  16. Aug 26, 2003 #16
    tombowlus

    tombowlus If it sounds good, it is good Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 3, 2003
    North central Ohio
    Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
    How do you like the two of them together? I always thought that the VL-110 and VL-208 made for a nice looking "mini stack".

    Tom.
     
  17. Aug 27, 2003 #17
    abaguer

    abaguer

    Nov 27, 2001
    Milford, NJ
    I used the VL208 and 110 stack for about a year and was very happy with it on club dates, but they were mainly with my electric bass. I really liked the sound and you are right it makes a great mini stack.
    All my upright gigs are really low volume so I don't really bother with stacking them although if I needed the volume that would be a great combo.