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New Bergantino Cabinets!

#101
^ ^ Thanks for the feedback....good stuff!

FWIW, I have an exciting evening planned. My local store just got in a supply of all four HD models. I'm not particularly interested in the 10's, although I imagine the 410, like it's HS older brother, is an absolute beast.

Anyway, using my Shuttle 9.0 and Epi UL902C, we'll do a direct comparison between the HD112 and HD212, and my HT112ER and AE212. Of special interest to me is the comparison between my AE212 and the new HD212. I suspect...and worry...that I'll REALLY love the HD. However, I'm also interested in how it feels to physically move that thing. I find my AE a bit awkward, and the increased weight of the HD might be a bother.

I'm also very interested to see how my Epi amp sounds with the new cabs. I rarely have the opportunity to use that monster, and in my own experiments thus far, I like it with the HT112s, but not so much the AE212. I'm kind of fantasizing about driving two of the HD212's with that amp (900w @ 4-ohms per side), but realistically I don't have the need...or the spare money...to fund those things. Last time I had a gig requiring that much stage volume was more than three years ago. But still. :D :ninja:
 
#102
Blah114 said:
Hi, I bought the single HD12.. first of all, the cabinet arrived within 1.5 days of ordering from Rocket Music.. that's amazing. I love the cabinet. I stack beneath my HT112.. I realize sonically, these two are different.. with the new HD cabinet.. I get more "crunch" and definition.. There's also more low end.. I used an EX112S before on the bottom. I wish I could have TWO HD112s.. but I Am just playing covers. It's also a must , for me, to have separate cabs.. I cannot store a single 2x12 when in transit.. I am really impressed with the aggressiveness of the HD112.. it's more agressive than the HT112.. has more AMpegish edge, to me..
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback! I, too, am "just" playing covers! LOL What kind of ensemble do you play with? I'm in a 2 guitars and medium-loud drummer situation, and at least half the time I have no PA support for club dates.
 
#103
Blah114 said:
Hi, I bought the single HD12.. first of all, the cabinet arrived within 1.5 days of ordering from Rocket Music.. that's amazing. I love the cabinet. I stack beneath my HT112.. I realize sonically, these two are different.. with the new HD cabinet.. I get more "crunch" and definition.. There's also more low end.. I used an EX112S before on the bottom. I wish I could have TWO HD112s.. but I Am just playing covers. It's also a must , for me, to have separate cabs.. I cannot store a single 2x12 when in transit.. I am really impressed with the aggressiveness of the HD112.. it's more agressive than the HT112.. has more AMpegish edge, to me..
Click to expand...

You've stated my opinion much more clearly than I did. I think I said something stoopid like "I think I like this 112 even better". :rollno::D

The bottom end seems bigger and rounder to my ears. Unfortunately, I no longer have an HT112ER in stock here, so I couldn't do the direct comparison that would have allowed me to state that so directly. So I'm glad you went out on that limb for me!

And thanks for the order!! I'm really glad you're enjoying it!! :bassist:
 
#104
VroomVroom said:
^ ^ Thanks for the feedback....good stuff!

FWIW, I have an exciting evening planned. My local store just got in a supply of all four HD models. I'm not particularly interested in the 10's, although I imagine the 410, like it's HS older brother, is an absolute beast.

Anyway, using my Shuttle 9.0 and Epi UL902C, we'll do a direct comparison between the HD112 and HD212, and my HT112ER and AE212. Of special interest to me is the comparison between my AE212 and the new HD212. I suspect...and worry...that I'll REALLY love the HD. However, I'm also interested in how it feels to physically move that thing. I find my AE a bit awkward, and the increased weight of the HD might be a bother.

I'm also very interested to see how my Epi amp sounds with the new cabs. I rarely have the opportunity to use that monster, and in my own experiments thus far, I like it with the HT112s, but not so much the AE212. I'm kind of fantasizing about driving two of the HD212's with that amp (900w @ 4-ohms per side), but realistically I don't have the need...or the spare money...to fund those things. Last time I had a gig requiring that much stage volume was more than three years ago. But still. :D :ninja:
Click to expand...


Wow! I wish I could be there to check it out. It must be nice to live in an area where there's a store that stocks the latest and greatest gear to check out! There aren't any stores here that I know of that stock this type of gear locally!

Greg, any plans to open up a store in St. Louis anytime soon?
 
#106
Ok, FWIW, here's my official report. Cliff Notes: I hesitate to share, honestly, because after 45 minutes of trying out the new cabs....well, I'm very happy I bought the older ones before they were discontinued. Now...long version.

Set up, side by each as they say in Jor-Juh, we placed my HT112ER next to a new HD112, and then my AE212 next to a new HD212. On top, we used the store's display Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 and my Epifani 902C. Into the amps went two magnificent instruments: an amazingly gorgeous sounding Roscoe SKB-3005 with a koa top, and a Mike Lull ash/maple M4V. Volume on each bass was maxed, with all EQ flat & centered. Amps were adjusted to provide as equal output as possible into the cabs. Two of us played...Ed, who has a very full, fat attack with almost a dark undertone, and me...a pure hack who can make any rig sound like an overdriven Crate practice amp. Going back and forth between the basses and amps, we pitted 112 against 112, and 212 against 212. The results?

HT112ER vs HD112:
I actually read Blah114's feedback a few times, since my thoughts are a little similar, but mostly different. Both Ed and I found the HD to be much more harsh in the upper mids, not finding that particular tone to be pleasant. One man's aggressive is another man's aggravating, I guess. We both also felt the HT hit harder down low, and just offered a better overall even and harmonious sound across the frequency range. Worth questioning whether Blah114 and I have the same version of the HT112...mine's the newest generation behind the HD, with that magnificent x-over and tweeter. Bottom line for me...I feel very lucky I've got two of the HT's. (That said...sideline comparison between the HD112, DNA 112, and the trusty Aguilar GS112...the HD wins, hands down. Had I never heard an HT, I'd likely LOVE the HD.)

AE212 vs. HD212
We both expected the HD, with its ceramic drivers, to hit harder than the AE. Under loud volume settings, we expected the HD to open up while the AE compressed. While we kinda-sorta got there with the latter, both of us agreed that these cabs have a lot more in common than expected. The HD does seem more aggressive in the upper mids - which was a surprise - but both of these cabs just work....they hit hard, they handle power very well, and they offer a great full-range sound. Most interesting to me, though, was how different each cab sounded with the different amps...much more so than with the 112 cabs. Through the Shuttle, both 212's had a nice grindy, sorta' old-school tone. But with the Epi, things got a bit more open and smooth. Great tones...just two different flavors of delicious.

The closer for me on these 212's is the weight and balance. Everything that's wrong about picking up the AE and transporting it is amplified with the HD. I can't imagine comfortably placing the HD in the back of my SUV. Sort of adding on to what Blah114 mentioned, in tight confines, this would be even worse. A+ for sound on these cabs, and the same for on-stage footprint, but at best a C for portability. Another factor for me, which may not be a bother to anyone else...I actually don't care for the vinyl covering. To me it doesn't look as classy from an aesthetic standpoint, and a small amp like a Shuttle 9.0 just floats across the top with a wave of a pinky finger. Wah, wah, right? :D

We also tried the new HD410. Oh. My. There were no remaining HS410's for a direct comparison, but everything I remember loving about the HS is in there in the HD. Makes me wish I had gigs where I could push a 410 a bit...this thing, IMO, is the industry benchmark for what a 410 cab should do (just as the HS was before it). However, like Blah114, I'm all about modularity these days. Easily 70% of my gigs are covered with a single 112, and adding the second cab generally gives me more horsepower than I need for the remaining 30%

All that said...I now find myself considering the sale of my AE212, in hopes of finding two lightly used HT112ER's or EX112s. The idea of pushing two 112's out of each side of my Epi 902C has me salivating. :D
 
#108
VroomVroom said:
Ok, FWIW, here's my official report. Cliff Notes: I hesitate to share, honestly, because after 45 minutes of trying out the new cabs....well, I'm very happy I bought the older ones before they were discontinued. Now...long version.
Click to expand...

Interesting.......:ninja:

VroomVroom said:
Set up, side by each as they say in Jor-Juh,
Click to expand...

You forgot "Me and Ed Betwixt 'um":smug:

VroomVroom said:
All that said...I now find myself considering the sale of my AE212, in hopes of finding two lightly used HT112ER's or EX112s. The idea of pushing two 112's out of each side of my Epi 902C has me salivating. :D
Click to expand...

:bassist:

You said that there was an increase in upper mids in both the cabs compared. I have lots of upper mid grind with my Standard, and I don't want to go too far. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind trying the Streamliner next time you stop by Ed's, to see if MAYBE it adds to the low mids therefore making a better balance?

This is a "stab in the dark" so forgive me if I'm way off and sound like an idiot.;)

:D

God Bless, Ray
 
#111
LilRay said:
ou said that there was an increase in upper mids in both the cabs compared. I have lots of upper mid grind with my Standard, and I don't want to go too far. I'm wondering if you wouldn't mind trying the Streamliner next time you stop by Ed's, to see if MAYBE it adds to the low mids therefore making a better balance?
Click to expand...

FWIW - I've been doing my HD testing with the Streamliner. I'm not a big Shuttle fan for kinda the same reason Jerry prefers the HT over the HD. Especially after the introduction of the Streamliner, I tend to think of the Shuttle as lacking in warmth and a smidge harsh sounding. It's conceivable to me that one cab is better for the Shuttle and one is better for the Streamliner. Sort of like the HT tames the Shuttle, and the HD brings the Streamliner to life.

Anyway, I personally love the tone of a Streamliner through the HD112 and HD212. It's what bass should sound like for my ears. Just goes to show two things:
1) This is all about personal preferences
2) The entire signal chain matters
 
#112
Ray, I have to tell you....I'm very hit-miss on the Steamer. I like it with AE cabs and some basses...mostly vintage-esque kinda' stuff. Sounds great with a Mike Lull, for example. When I played a Lull thru the Steamer and an AE212, I nearly bought the amp at that moment. Then I ran a Roscoe through it...and a Zon...and an Elrick...and another Roscoe. Then I tried an HT cab. Bottom line...just not versatile enough for me. But if I had a steady blues gig, that might be perfect. (FWIW, I feel nearly the same way about Aguilar's new lightweight head...just doesn't do it for me.) For my tastes in the small amp market, it's still the Shuttle 9.0, and perhaps that little GK model...every time I hear that thing, I'm really impressed....especially for the money, and even more so running into their new 410. Talk about an inexpensive powerhouse rig!

All of this is just my opinion, of course...listen to me while you're in line, and you still have to pay $5 for that foo-foo drink at Starsucks. :D Realistically, if I was in the market for new cabs, the HD stuff would be a no-brainer. Probably the big takeway from last night is how much better the HD stuff sounds than the competition...at least the stuff (Aggie, DNA, Mesa, GK, GB) my local shop carries. No doubt, IMO, that Bergantino remains the Cadillac of speaker cabs.
 
#114
I just purchased an HD 212...recently, I had a Phil Jones Bass M-500 bass head stolen and I'm using a GK RB700. The cab sounds great, but I have to turn the Bass tone on the amp completely down and its still a little bass heavy (Mind you, my main gig is in a bass-trap of a stage) ...but I'm wondering if the GK head and Bergantino are not a good match. I like the GK as a work-horse amp that generally sounds good, but what might be a better match with the Bergantino Cab
 
#115
^ Wow...bass knob @ zero? Seems like it'd sap the life out of anything. Can you share your instrument EQ settings as well? FWIW, my Epi 902C is notorious for being "dark" and bass-heavy, but with all of the knobs nooned, I didn't find the low end to be overwhelming. I guess that reinforces that the room could be a big factor for you. Have you tried lifting the cabinet off the floor? Sometimes that coupling between the cab and stage can make for problems, especially in a boomy room with hard surfaces.

I'm not hugely familiar with your amp, but I'd think in general it'd work nicely with the HD. Personally, I've really come to enjoy the Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 - good sound, plenty of oomph, and you've got to love the weight and footprint. Good luck...
 
#116
Mulee said:
I just purchased an HD 212...recently, I had a Phil Jones Bass M-500 bass head stolen and I'm using a GK RB700. The cab sounds great, but I have to turn the Bass tone on the amp completely down and its still a little bass heavy (Mind you, my main gig is in a bass-trap of a stage) ...but I'm wondering if the GK head and Bergantino are not a good match. I like the GK as a work-horse amp that generally sounds good, but what might be a better match with the Bergantino Cab
Click to expand...

That does not sound right. I generally really like GK heads with Bergantino cabs. Might you be using a 4-conductor Speakon and putting the amp into bi-amp mode?
 
#117
VroomVroom said:
Ok, FWIW, here's my official report. Cliff Notes: I hesitate to share, honestly, because after 45 minutes of trying out the new cabs....well, I'm very happy I bought the older ones before they were discontinued. Now...long version.

Set up, side by each as they say in Jor-Juh, we placed my HT112ER next to a new HD112, and then my AE212 next to a new HD212. On top, we used the store's display Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 and my Epifani 902C. Into the amps went two magnificent instruments: an amazingly gorgeous sounding Roscoe SKB-3005 with a koa top, and a Mike Lull ash/maple M4V. Volume on each bass was maxed, with all EQ flat & centered. Amps were adjusted to provide as equal output as possible into the cabs. Two of us played...Ed, who has a very full, fat attack with almost a dark undertone, and me...a pure hack who can make any rig sound like an overdriven Crate practice amp. Going back and forth between the basses and amps, we pitted 112 against 112, and 212 against 212. The results?

HT112ER vs HD112:
I actually read Blah114's feedback a few times, since my thoughts are a little similar, but mostly different. Both Ed and I found the HD to be much more harsh in the upper mids, not finding that particular tone to be pleasant. One man's aggressive is another man's aggravating, I guess. We both also felt the HT hit harder down low, and just offered a better overall even and harmonious sound across the frequency range. Worth questioning whether Blah114 and I have the same version of the HT112...mine's the newest generation behind the HD, with that magnificent x-over and tweeter. Bottom line for me...I feel very lucky I've got two of the HT's. (That said...sideline comparison between the HD112, DNA 112, and the trusty Aguilar GS112...the HD wins, hands down. Had I never heard an HT, I'd likely LOVE the HD.)

AE212 vs. HD212
We both expected the HD, with its ceramic drivers, to hit harder than the AE. Under loud volume settings, we expected the HD to open up while the AE compressed. While we kinda-sorta got there with the latter, both of us agreed that these cabs have a lot more in common than expected. The HD does seem more aggressive in the upper mids - which was a surprise - but both of these cabs just work....they hit hard, they handle power very well, and they offer a great full-range sound. Most interesting to me, though, was how different each cab sounded with the different amps...much more so than with the 112 cabs. Through the Shuttle, both 212's had a nice grindy, sorta' old-school tone. But with the Epi, things got a bit more open and smooth. Great tones...just two different flavors of delicious.

The closer for me on these 212's is the weight and balance. Everything that's wrong about picking up the AE and transporting it is amplified with the HD. I can't imagine comfortably placing the HD in the back of my SUV. Sort of adding on to what Blah114 mentioned, in tight confines, this would be even worse. A+ for sound on these cabs, and the same for on-stage footprint, but at best a C for portability. Another factor for me, which may not be a bother to anyone else...I actually don't care for the vinyl covering. To me it doesn't look as classy from an aesthetic standpoint, and a small amp like a Shuttle 9.0 just floats across the top with a wave of a pinky finger. Wah, wah, right? :D

We also tried the new HD410. Oh. My. There were no remaining HS410's for a direct comparison, but everything I remember loving about the HS is in there in the HD. Makes me wish I had gigs where I could push a 410 a bit...this thing, IMO, is the industry benchmark for what a 410 cab should do (just as the HS was before it). However, like Blah114, I'm all about modularity these days. Easily 70% of my gigs are covered with a single 112, and adding the second cab generally gives me more horsepower than I need for the remaining 30%

All that said...I now find myself considering the sale of my AE212, in hopes of finding two lightly used HT112ER's or EX112s. The idea of pushing two 112's out of each side of my Epi 902C has me salivating. :D
Click to expand...

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for weighing in here, and thank you also for your continued and enthusiastic support of our products! The only comment I would like to add to your comparisons is that after speaking with Ed today, you were the first one to plug into the cabinets. My point being there was zero breakin on the woofers. This would explain why the HT112ER "hit" harder done low than the HD112, and the same for the HD212 vs. the AE212. The HD112 and HT112ER have the same woofer, and share the exact same cabinet and tuning. From ours, and other's experience with the HD212 vs. the AE212, the HD definitely has more low to low mid weight to the note than the AE. As for the top end of the HD112 as compared to the HT112ER, that is mostly due to the diffent tweeter. However, as the woofer breaks in , the tone will smooth out a bit and sound rounder and more musical.

Anyway, I hope you don't mind me commenting here, just wanted to explain why you may have heard some of the differences you did.

Thanks again for your support and consideration of our products!

Best Regards,

Jim Bergantino
 
#119
Thanks Guys for your input. I don't think tat I'm putting the speak-on cables into by-amp mode, but I am going to double check that. Its very peculiar. I was using the GK 700 with a Ashdown 4-10 cab, and didn't have the issue. While the Bergantino definitely has a better quality sound, it is bass heavy. I'm playing a p-bass with a 59 body and 66 neck. I do like flat wounds and I'm usually able to get the tone I like but for some reason it seems too dark with the Bergantino cab.
I'm thinking I might try the 410
 
#120
I just received my first shipment of Bergantino covers for the new HD series, so I'm good to go to ship the covers by themselves or with a cab order!

Just a couple comments on how best to order these things, 'cause our site's "free shipping" policy and Bergantino's "Minimum Shipping Rate" policy collide in a couple instances, and I've not found an easy way around that. So here goes:

1) As with all Bergantino products, there is a minimum sales prices as well as a minimum shipping charge that dealers MUST charge for these covers (shipping adds $15 for all covers).

2) My site's "free shipping" kicks in when your order reaches $100.

3) I don't have to charge you shipping on the cover if I ship it in the same box as the cab.

So where's the confusion?

Scenario 1: Say you want the 112 or 210 cover. Each of those is $99. When you add it to the shopping cart, the $15 Bergantino shipping charge also gets added. The kicker is my site will also charge you roughly $8 for shipping since the order isn't over $100. That's a mistake, but there's no easy way to make my site do it properly. So if you just want one of the $99 covers, the best thing to do is contact me and we'll do it the old fashioned way (call, PM or email).

Scenario 2: If you want to buy both a cab and a cover, both Bergantino shipping charges will get added to the cart. If I can fit the cover in the cab's box, I don't have to charge you shipping on the cover. So if you want both a cab and a cover at the same time, please call/PM/email and we'll do it the old fashioned way.

Hopefully that's not too confusing. But it probably is. I know I'm confused. :D:D:D
 

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