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Mesa Subway (X) vs. Bergantino HDN210?

CaptainWally

CaptainWally

"You wrote a bad song, Petey"
Oct 21, 2000
3,094
1,797
Sandy Eggo, CA
#1
I've been using my beloved Bergantino HDN210 for a few years now.

I recently picked up a Mesa WD-800 that I like, and it's got me curious about Subway cabinets.

I wouldn't mind a slightly bigger rigger than the Berg.

I hear a really popular combo is the 1x12 + 1x15.

The 4x10 is impressively small, but holy cow.....it's pretty expensive too!

Any thoughts welcome.

I love Bergie cabs, but I kinda would like to see/hear what a Mesa cab would do with this head.
 
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#2
Bergantino cabs are hard to beat IMO, but the new SW cabs are quite impressive. FWIW, I like my CN212 with the SW heads (D-800 and WD-800) as much as I do the SW 112/115 cabs. The SW set-up with the 115 offers a lot more deep extension than the CN212, but that isn't always the sound I need.

The SW115 as a single driver, single cab solution is mighty impressive even against a Berg cab. Both the Bergs and SWs take EQ well, are honestly rated, and have a smooth seamless transition between the LF and HF elements IMO. This one is a matter of voicing preference more than one being better in some way from what I can tell. I will say that the Mesa SW cabs have a slightly more heavy duty look and feel to them - sort of like there's some old PH cab DNA in the design.
 
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#4
Al Kraft said:
Bergantino cabs are hard to beat IMO, but the new SW cabs are quite impressive. FWIW, I like my CN212 with the SW heads (D-800 and WD-800) as much as I do the SW 112/115 cabs. The SW set-up with the 115 offers a lot more deep extension than the CN212, but that isn't always the sound I need.

The SW115 as a single driver, single cab solution is mighty impressive even against a Berg cab. Both the Bergs and SWs take EQ well, are honestly rated, and have a smooth seamless transition between the LF and HF elements IMO. This one is a matter of voicing preference more than one being better in some way from what I can tell. I will say that the Mesa SW cabs have a slightly more heavy duty look and feel to them - sort of like there's some old PH cab DNA in the design.
Click to expand...


Thoughtful response. Much appreciated. I agree about Bergantino, of course. This is just natural curiosity about something else. Sounds like the "something else" in this case is worth checking out!
 
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#5
chris_b said:
I don't know the Subway cabs, but if you like the Bergantino HDN210 so much and want a bigger rig, I'd suggest another HDN210.

I'd also suggest an HDN112. I ran an AE112 and AE210 for a couple of years and they worked very well together. A great sound together and separately.
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Cheers. Yeah, I've had the HT112+EX112, HD112+HD112, HD112+CN112....and now the HDN210 as a standalone.

For a very short time I had an AE410 that I didn't like. Go figure.

Of course, adding another Bergie cab is always sound advice.... (HA! see what I did there?) But the one thing I really don't like about the HDN210 is that it doesn't stack well. It's ok on its own, but I wouldn't want to stick it on a 112 in a club.
 
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#6
CaptainWally said:
I've been using my beloved Bergantino HDN210 for a few years now.

I recently picked up a Mesa WD-800 that I like, and it's got me curious about Subway cabinets.
Click to expand...

Been a long time Berg used here for going on 20 years I guess. Overall, as a manufacturer and designer I think Jim has maybe one of the best run's going since bass gear was a thing. Just switched over to the Subway 212 however just to change things up. Came from an HDN212 which has a very clear mids and lows and an excellent baked in tone for bass guitar. The Subway in comparison seem to go a little deeper than the Berg and has less upper midrange prominence. Little more of a blank canvass thing going on.

I also have the WD800, which seems all about the midrange character and texture and a different "shape" compared to say the D800, and I think it sounds great with the Subway cabinet. The WD800 sounded spectacular with the Berg HDN212 for the short time I owned both. Can't go wrong with either!
 
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#8
CaptainWally said:
Cheers. Yeah, I've had the HT112+EX112, HD112+HD112, HD112+CN112....and now the HDN210 as a standalone.

For a very short time I had an AE410 that I didn't like. Go figure.

Of course, adding another Bergie cab is always sound advice.... (HA! see what I did there?) But the one thing I really don't like about the HDN210 is that it doesn't stack well. It's ok on its own, but I wouldn't want to stick it on a 112 in a club.
Click to expand...

Because of stability?
 
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#9
I know this is an old link, but I just bought 2 of the Bergantino HDN210 cabs and found that if you add another set of the rubber cabinet feet to the cabinet side you can stack them easily and it is very stable. It also sounds ridiculously good! Stacking them upright is a bit tall and less steady. I've been running them through a SansAmp Rack RBI with a Crown XLS1500 for power. They are super light with amazing punch, clarity and depth. I know they're expensive, but man are they worth it! I'm dumping both of my Mesa 410 Powerhouse cabs. They're heavy anchors to me at this point.
 
#10
Doug Parent said:
Been a long time Berg used here for going on 20 years I guess. Overall, as a manufacturer and designer I think Jim has maybe one of the best run's going since bass gear was a thing. Just switched over to the Subway 212 however just to change things up. Came from an HDN212 which has a very clear mids and lows and an excellent baked in tone for bass guitar. The Subway in comparison seem to go a little deeper than the Berg and has less upper midrange prominence. Little more of a blank canvass thing going on.

I also have the WD800, which seems all about the midrange character and texture and a different "shape" compared to say the D800, and I think it sounds great with the Subway cabinet. The WD800 sounded spectacular with the Berg HDN212 for the short time I owned both. Can't go wrong with either!
Click to expand...

A little update, 90% of my gigs are IEM at casinos and I ended up selling everything except a 200 watt GK MB200 for rehearsals. Just the other day I was reviewing a video I shot of a club gig where I was using a Berg HDN212 and the Bergantino B/Amp. That tone was ridiculous! When the time is right I'll grab a Berg ForteHP!
 
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#11
Doug Parent said:
A little update, 90% of my gigs are IEM at casinos and I ended up selling everything except a 200 watt GK MB200 for rehearsals. Just the other day I was reviewing a video I shot of a club gig where I was using a Berg HDN212 and the Bergantino B/Amp. That tone was ridiculous! When the time is right I'll grab a Berg ForteHP!
Click to expand...

I know this is super late but… did you end up selling that b amp? If it’s still available I’ll gladly purchase from you!
 
#14
I've been stacking my CN210's on top of each other for years. Vertically, or horizontally (with a slice of a yoga mat in between since there are only feet on the bottom). Never had an issue with stacking in a club or elsewhere. In fact, the form factor/ "tall 4x10" of two berg 210's is superb, sonically and aesthetically. And theyve never even hinted at tumbling or being unsteady.
 
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