going tomorrow so i need to make a decision today please help http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=691488
they're both fine heads. not the fanciest out there but they get the job done and sound good in the process. and yes, if they both run at 180w at 8 ohms, then that's as much clean power as they can pump through your cab.
So is there no point in buying a 400w cab with a head that can only do 180, I really need something to be loud on a budget
the more wattage your cab can handle, the better off you will be because it will be harder for you to blow the speakers. and doubling your wattage doesn't result in as great a volume boost as you might think it does. so it's perfectly fine to use a 400w rated cab with a 180w head. plus if you get a second 410 down the line, then you can use the head's full wattage and the extra cab will get you a way greater volume boost. if you plan on being super loud, two 410's are a much better way to go than a high wattage head into a single 410.
Ya cause I've read that you're supposed to have double the amount of watts your guitarist does. So do you think that setup would be ok with a guitarist that does 160w?
I agree with Jimmy's post. The more speakers the more sound and volume is produced. If you already own the Hartke cab, I would go with the Hartke for a uniform look plus some manufactures tend to design their cabs to compliment their amps. We all been there playing with loud guitarists and drummers to the point where we could barely be heard, that's the way it is with low frequency instruments. Yes it takes power, but unless you have enough speakers to disperse the sound, bigger power won't do the trick. You should be fine for now. One tip to be heard more is to raise the cab with milk crates or something at least 3 ft off the ground which will bring the sound closer to ear level and reduce the low end coupling between the floor and speaker cab. Ultimately,by adding one more 8 ohm 410 cab will make your amp more audible. Good luck!
Sorry, but a 180 watt head going up against a guitarist blasting a 160 watt amp and a loud drummer is going to lose - badly. You need speaker area to at least match the guitar player, and at least 4X the power.