• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is ampeg SVT 610 HLF bad?

O

Ogge

Oct 17, 2009
90
1
37
#1
Hi I'm about to buy a new rig and need help to pick one of these three Ampeg-cabs out.

SVT 410 HLF, SVT 610 HLF, SVT 810 E.

When reading the specs the 610 looks like a perfect match to me, but when reading about it here on TB it seems like its not as good as I thought. Is the 410 a better alternative or is the sound from a 810 that superior it should be the obviouse choice?

I will only use one cabinet and was thinking about pairing the cab with SVT 7 Pro. I play alls tyles of music in a coverband.

Please share your experiences! I need serious help while I have no chance to try them out

/Oskar
 
#3
The 810 is a different sort of cab than the 410HLF and 610HLF. The HLF cabs are ported for low range extension, the 810 is sealed. This does not mean that one is "better" or "worse." They just have different sounds. The HLF cabs get deeper, which some people like, whereas the 810 has a "tight" sound that lots of others like. The 810 is probably the most common, and is regarded as somewhat of a classic.
 
#4
Okey, so in other words there's no risk I wouldn't get a good bottom out of a 410 or 610?

What about the choice between 610 and 410. WHat would be your choice and why?

I can see the 410 is much deeper built why is that? it seems a bit strange to me. It would feel more logical that the 610 was the same cab as the 410 but 2 speakers higher.
 
#7
I've only owned an 8x10 and while I love the sound, it is very difficult to transport without a van or pup truck with a cap.

Also, the 6x10 and 8x10 are not movable (by me) on interior finished hardwood or ceramic steps as I can't dead lift the stupid thing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cheu78
#8
When compared to other 610s on the market, the SVT-610HLF doesn't measure up - in fact, I'd say it's the worst 610 on the market... I had use of a US made Ampeg 610 in like new condition for about a month, and couldn't wait to give it back - my Mesa PH610 and SWR's Goliath Sr absolutely stomp that particular Ampeg... IME, if you're looking for low end, get either of those or the SVT-410HLF, if you're looking for old school mids, get the SVT-810e or the Berg NV610...

IME, the Ampeg 610 *tries* to be a compromise between their 410 and 810, but fails miserably to produce the best qualities of either - if you're looking for lots of low end, or to play loud, you will be disappointed...



- georgestrings
 
#9
I own a 6X10 and it's brother the 8X10. Is the 6X10 BAD?? No...are there better alternatives out there? Probably.

I PREFER my 8X10 but occasionally I just cart the 6X10 (which I run through the SVT4Pro). It does an adequate job. Nothing more - nothing less. Keep in mind that the 6X10 is a ported cab as opposed to the sealed 8X10.

I have never played through a Berg 6X10, but according to the popular concensus here, they can't be beat. You might want to check those out as a possibility....


Good luck with your decision!!!
 
#10
Thank you very much for your help so far! :)

I can see there are other alternative 6X10 on the market wich I probably should consider but can't help having a fetish about having both Ampeg-cab and Ampeg top.
Have I got it right if I say that you guys who have tried both prefer the 8X10e instead of 610hlf? Its about the same money so its good to know.

What about 410 HLF compared to 610hlf soundwise. Does the 410 have the same characteristics as 610 but not as loud or is the 410 a better camp concidering all aspects? I play alot of different styles of music ( not metal though) and really need a rig that can play it all. I use a Yamaha TRB JP2 wich can produce almost any sound and ofcourse I want to be able to get the best from my bass.
 
#11
Ogge,

Before I reply to your post, let me say that I make a habit of playing stuff that doesn't get much love here on TB. (I also usually love the movies that only get 1 star in critic reviews) :)

SVT3Pro (finicky, underpowered)
SVT410HLF (muddy, boomy)
SVT610HLF (crappy, worst 610)

Now having said that, both cabinets work for me. I'm playing in a cover band in mostly smaller venues with no PA support. I mainly play a US spector NS-JH5 or Stingray 4HH covering a wide variety of music genres.

I find that the SVT3Pro has enough grunt and tonal variety to allow me to get anything I need out of each combination. Both cabinets are very close in their response. The 410 seems a little deeper in low end response and the 610 seems to throw more mid bark and sound for slightly bigger venues. The HLF cabinets handle modern rock with drop D tuning or B strings very nicely.

The 610 is easier to tilt back and roll around although, I'm 6,4" and still roll around the 410 okay. I can deadlift the 410 into the back of an SUV while the 610 takes the old tilt, grab and lift from the bottom routine.

As for the 810, I had a US SVTCL and 810 that was my dream rig since I was 15, but it sat in the music room because it was just a bear to move. I traded it even for the 2010 Stingray 4HH with no regrets.

I my opinion, there are better 410s and 610s on the market. Always will be. It depends on the $$ you have to spend, brand loyalty, and personal tastes. Ampeg has worked for me.

Once you get the SVT7 in, see if you can try the cabinets out before you decide. Live demos can be a good tool in addition to reading lots of review comments.

Good luck!
 
#12
bstringrandy said:
Ogge,

Before I reply to your post, let me say that I make a habit of playing stuff that doesn't get much love here on TB. (I also usually love the movies that only get 1 star in critic reviews) :)

SVT3Pro (finicky, underpowered)
SVT410HLF (muddy, boomy)
SVT610HLF (crappy, worst 610)
Click to expand...
only played the 610hlf once in a store so i can't comment on them like the other stuff, but i thought it was good, just not my thing. however, i used to own a 3 pro and played svt 410 hlf's many times, and conventional talkbass wisdom is wrong on both counts. the old 410 hlf's that slm made were pretty muddy and boomy, but i recently did a gig with a new 410hlf, and while it still goes too low for my tastes, the muddiness is gone and the boominess on the ultra low end is a lot easier to control.

the 3 pro is not underpowered, either...people just don't really know how to set the gain properly in them. you have to crank it. it'll let you go pretty high up on the dial before audible distortion sets in, and the level indicator light is not a clip light so it should be lighting up pretty good.

but for me, the cab to have is the 810e. sealed and has THE sound. heritage 810e if you can swing it, but the regular 810e is great, too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rickwebb
#13
Ogge said:
I can see there are other alternative 6X10 on the market wich I probably should consider but can't help having a fetish about having both Ampeg-cab and Ampeg top.
Click to expand...

Try not to get too caught up on the brand. If you are willing to transport a 610 cabinet, the Bergantino NV610 is the best Ampeg 810 made ;). Not to mention 30lbs lighter and easier to transport.
Not cheap, but can be had for $750-$800 used.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fishheadjoe
#14
I used to own an SVT410HLF and got rid of it because it was too boomy. Sometimes I would hit low notes and could not tell the difference between them cause all I would hear is bottom end. I have tried the SVT610HLF and it just sounded like a louder bit less bassier version of the SVT410HLF. I have played the 810E on various backlines and absolutely love it. The only problem for me with that one is the weight. I wound up trying various SWR cabs and wound up getting the Goliath Sr. 6X10. I have no regrets with it. Whatever I need, it gets it done.
 
#15
I prefer the sound of the Ampeg PR-810HLF and PR-410HLF over any of the current Ampeg cabs. Unfortunately, they are very heavy and no longer made perhaps due to the weight. Like georgestrings, I'd recommend the Mesa PH610 or Bergantino NV610...who cares if the logo matches the amp.
 
#17
Great thoughts! Thank you so far, its really helping me out.

I can see the SVT 610 HLF is not the best 610 out there.

BUT when looking at the price on the other alternatives mentioned, they are more expensive. At least where I have been looking (Europe only).

For example on this site: www.thomann.de a SWR Golight (4x10) is almost as expensive as the ampeg 610 (wich actually costs exactly the same as the 810e) and the mesa 4x10 i much more expensive than ampeg 610. If you look at it with a bang for the buck perspective, is the 610 a " bad" cab for the money or is it more like; there's simply other 610 that's even better, but the 610 is still awesome?

Muddy question, do you feel me?
 
#20
Ogge said:
Hi I'm about to buy a new rig and need help to pick one of these three Ampeg-cabs out.

SVT 410 HLF, SVT 610 HLF, SVT 810 E.

When reading the specs the 610 looks like a perfect match to me, but when reading about it here on TB it seems like its not as good as I thought. Is the 410 a better alternative or is the sound from a 810 that superior it should be the obviouse choice?

I will only use one cabinet and was thinking about pairing the cab with SVT 7 Pro. I play alls tyles of music in a coverband.

Please share your experiences! I need serious help while I have no chance to try them out

/Oskar
Click to expand...

The 610HLF is a good cab. Whether it's superior depends on your taste and needs. But there's nothing "wrong" with it. I prefer it over the 410HLF which I find to be boomy sounding and awkward to move. My fav is the SVT810, but that's just me talkin'.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back