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Mesa 8x10 vs. Ampeg 8x10 (for Rock)

B

bchamorro

Nov 13, 2007
437
6
Miami, Florida
#1
The time has come. I am in need of an 8x10 cab. I can't go to the store and try one because there are currently none available in my country.

Ampeg SVT810E
SVT-810E_LG.jpg


Mesa 8x10 Powerhouse
8x10PH_LGfnt.jpg


Amps that will be used with these cabs:
Mesa Boogie Big Block 750 (this is my main amp)
Gallien-Krueger 2001RB
Ampeg SVT-4 PRO

Basses:
Stingray 5 HH
Sadowsky Metro 5 string

Genre I play: Rock, metal, alternative rock, hard rock, prog rock.
Alter Bridge, Pink Floyd, Tool, Porcupine Tree, etc...

And finally... NO BUDGET.
Which is the right cab for me?
 
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#2
Both are great cabs. But if I were buying today, I'd get the Mesa. It's ported, has a tweeter (not that I'd use it but it's a selling point for some), and it will work at 8 ohms as well as 4. But I'd take an old straightback SVT cab from the 70's over anything ;)
 
#3
I'd pick the Mesa. It has a tweeter (I personally wouldn't use it, but you might), it's built like a tank, and would better with your 750 than the Ampeg (I know, look isn't the important thing, bla bla bla, but a bit of coordination couldn't hurt)
 
#7
tom once dead said:
The Ampeg just seems more classy. But the Mesa does have a tweeter. Tough one.
Click to expand...

IMO, this model looks just as classy as the ampeg (maybe moreso IMO ;)). This is the vintage powerhouse model. Same specs, just different cover materials.

VinPH8x10-Fnt-LG.jpg


I faced this problem recently. I did go with the mesa (I got the one I pictured). Only downside to Mesa (really an upside though) is that when you order it new, they build it for you so there is a few weeks of waiting...
 
#9
I've owned an Ampeg 810 in the past, and currently own a Mesa Vintage Powerhouse 810 (identical to what Visirale posted above). If price isn't a concern, I'd go with the Mesa, hands down. IMHO, it's just a better sounding, better built cabinet.

Nothing against Ampegs---I've made a lot of money in the past using Ampeg for years, and gotten great sound out of them. But the Mesa 810 is just a superior cabinet, IMO. YMMV, of course.
 
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#13
i have owned both the ampeg 810 (one of the last US made, nice birch contruction) as well as the mesa 610 and i'd say mesa hands down. i found the ampeg to be muddy and not handle a lot of power. the mesa was a really nice sounding cab and could really crank out the sound, but i found it a bit loose/boomy sounding in the low end and lacking focus so i eventually sold it.

i now own a berg nv610 which i much prefer to either of them FWIW.

JR
 
#15
yeah i had an ampeg 810 and i sold it for something smaller. if size isint an issue and if you have money to spare get the mesa. the ampeg in my opinion sounds better at higher volumes. the mesa seems to be punchy at low and high volumes.
 

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