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How many watss to gig with?

If you still plan on just using the 2x8 that's rated at 200w on its own sometimes... assuming that rating is RMS and at 8ohms, I'd probably stick to an amp rated at around 200w RMS at 8ohms if you can find that information. As @basscooker noted, that will likely be an amp that is rated between 300 and 400w at 4ohms.

With that small of a cab, I'd be concerned that with a higher powered amp the urge to put more power into the cab than it can safely handle might be too great in some situations.

Honestly, I don't know that I'd consider it all that gig worthy unless the gigs are very low volume, but YMMV.
 
what cab models do you have?

I built an 8 ohm 1x8 cab that is pretty dang loud with an MB-200.

What 2x8 is it? Added to the 1x10 with a decent micro head might really be enough.

What is your volume requirement? What situations are you playing in?

Do you have a budget in mind?
 
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what cab models do you have? I could have a TC Electronic or Elf. One is 200 watts the other 400 watts

I built an 8 ohm 1x8 cab that is pretty dang loud with an MB-200.

What 2x8 is it? Added to the 1x10 with a decent micro head might really be enough.

What is your volume requirement? What situations are you playing in?

Do you have a budget in mind?
 
Ah. Both good products. Personal choice there for you. Have you tried either? My logic is that a realistic bass signal would fart out the majority of cabs somewhere around half of their rated power. Some hold on longer than others. The amount of power is a helpful guideline but if you A/B the cabs together it may well be true they hit mechanical limits at the same percieved volume.
 
I find that 2000 watts really drowns out those pesky 50-watt Marshalls. Plus I can't hear them yelling at me to 'turn that damn thing down ! ! ! ! ' And they save money as they don't need subwoofers in the PA. . . . .

For what you're doing (and I'm guessing you're playing is some fairly quiet settings), I'd buy what your current cabs can handle. But a single 10 or 2x8 is very light duty, and I'd lean at least towards at least a good single 12 and 200-400 watts.
 
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Ah. Both good products. Personal choice there for you. Have you tried either? My logic is that a realistic bass signal would fart out the majority of cabs somewhere around half of their rated power. Some hold on longer than others. The amount of power is a helpful guideline but if you A/B the cabs together it may well be true they hit mechanical limits at the same percieved volume.
Have not tried either but do have a elf 1x10 that's pretty good by itself. We always have a sound man but sometimes there not on the ball so I need a little oomph. I play in a Elvis band so the drummer is not loud but is there. I figure I would get 2x8 or even a 12 inch if it was light enough
 
Your question isn’t as simple as you might think. Overall loudness depends on
  • Amplifier wattage at various loads (Ohms)
  • Driver efficiency
  • Driver thermal capacity (voice coil Watts)
  • Driver mechanical capacity (Xmax x Sd)
  • Number of drivers
  • Cabinet tuning
  • Total load of cabinets (Ohms)
  • Signal chain EQ / HPF
  • Cabinet placement in the room
  • Room acoustics
You have too look at all of those factors together, as a system. Otherwise you’re headed towards disappointment.

(Note that driver diameter isn’t on the list.)
 
Happy hunting! I think you'd have good luck with the Trace cab since it is likely voiced to pair well with what you already have.

300-400 watt solid state amp would pair well with one or both cabs. Lots of choices out there.
 
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