Double Bass New EA VL208?

[Freddels]

If the Wizzy 10 did exist, would it be a 4 ohm or 8 ohm? 4 ohms would be great b/c it could easily be paired with the regular Wizzy.

 

[kaybass1952]

If the Wizzy 10 did exist, would it be a 4 ohm or 8 ohm? 4 ohms would be great b/c it could easily be paired with the regular Wizzy.

8 ohms would be great b/c it could easily be paired with my Bag End 15 (8ohm) to run my ww at the recommended min. 4ohm load

 

[Randy Ward]

8 ohms would be great b/c it could easily be paired with my Bag End 15 (8ohm) to run my ww at the recommended min. 4ohm load

My vote is for 4 Ohms as for reasons suggested by Freddels as well as it would pair nice with the forth coming EA micro.
(I can envision a 'Micro Wizzy Combo' and 'micro powered wizzy'.)
And I've personally always felt the my Focus is 'happiest' with a 4 Ohm load.

OK can we just split this thread from the "prototype probably not gonna happen CM 208 discussion" to start one on the "Hypothetical slightly more likely Wizzy 10"?
And if they do the wizzy 10 cab count me in. It sounds like what I am looking for.

 

[Ric Vice]

My vote is for 4 Ohms as for reasons suggested by Freddels as well as it would pair nice with the forth coming EA micro.
(I can envision a 'Micro Wizzy Combo' and 'micro powered wizzy'.)
And I've personally always felt the my Focus is 'happiest' with a 4 Ohm load.

OK can we just split this thread from the "prototype probably not gonna happen CM 208 discussion" to start one on the "Hypothetical slightly more likely Wizzy 10"?
And if they do the wizzy 10 cab count me in. It sounds like what I am looking for.

Univac Jr.
That's a good suggestion. IMHO the CM208 is just prototype and it's not as likely to make it into production as the Wizzy 10. I could be wrong though. It's unfortunate that they couldn't find neo drivers that would get the sound they were looking for. I've heard neos work very well in a traditional cabinet 3way design, but the transmission line cabs are a different animals altogether.



Ric

 

[Adrian Cho]

I've still yet to go to the store and check out the 112MBX I ordered in to try out. If the Wizzy 10 really weighed 18 lbs and had a great sound in a compact form factor, I have to admit I'd be tempted to forget about the 112MBX and even get rid of the Epi UL110. They should think about doing a combo with the micro head. At 21 lbs it would definitely compete with the new AI combos for convenience.

 

[David Santos]

It would be great to know the specifications for the prototype Wizzy 10...

David Santos

 

[Bob Gollihur]

It would be great to know the specifications for the prototype Wizzy 10...

David Santos

Your wish is my command (courtesy of John at EA)

Wizzy-110
Configuration: 1 x 10" Transmission Line
Woofer: Proprietary EA Neodymium 10"with Whizzer cone
Frequency Response: 45Hz to 5.5KHz
Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1m
Sound Pressure Level: 126dB @ 1m
Power Handling: 250 watts
Impedance: 4 ohm
Connection: Two Speakon combo connectors
Size: 15”H x 12”W x 11”D
Weight: 18lbs
Handle: SideStrap Handle

 

[bolo]

I think I can certainly see how as a business decision, EA is likely to sell many more of the Wizzy 10s than the proposed 208s.

But I'd still like to see the 208 offered (please), even if it is only a limited run. I'd be willing to commit to a purchase, as a lot of folks already have.

I'd be even more comfortable taking my place in line behind those other folks after hearing more from Bob G. and Tom B., and what else they might have to say after they spend more time with the prototypes - preferably on DB, on a gig, like Uncletoad alluded to.

 

[Ric Vice]

Your wish is my command (courtesy of John at EA)

Wizzy-110
Configuration: 1 x 10" Transmission Line
Woofer: Proprietary EA Neodymium 10"with Whizzer cone
Frequency Response: 45Hz to 5.5KHz
Sensitivity: 102dB @ 1m
Sound Pressure Level: 126dB @ 1m
Power Handling: 250 watts
Impedance: 4 ohm
Connection: Two Speakon combo connectors
Size: 15”H x 12”W x 11”D
Weight: 18lbs
Handle: SideStrap Handle

CM 208
Configuration: 2 x 8" Transmission Line
Woofer: 2 Proprietary EA 8" 44oz magnet 2" Voice Coil
Frequency Response: 45Hz to 18KHz
Sensitivity: 100dB @ 1m
Sound Pressure Level: 126dB @ 1m/400 watts
Power Handling: 400 watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Connection: Two Speakon connectors
Size: 19.5”H x 16”W x 12.75”D
Weight: 41 lbs
Handle: Two integrated custom handles
__________________

If you look at the specs for both cabinets the essential differences are that
the CM will handle @ twice the wattage and you could use two cabinets
without going below a 4ohm load, the question, at least in my mind is "can the EA micro run ata 2ohm load. All the specs that I've seen so far only have "4 0hm . If you could it would be really easy to add a second whizzy and still be under the 41 lbs of the CM208.

Ric

 

[Randy Ward]

If you look at the specs for both cabinets the essential differences are that
the CM will handle @ twice the wattage and you could use two cabinets
without going below a 4ohm load, the question, at least in my mind is "can the EA micro run ata 2ohm load. All the specs that I've seen so far only have "4 0hm . If you could it would be really easy to add a second whizzy and still be under the 41 lbs of the CM208.

Ric

interesting Ric;
maybe this is where my idea for a 'micro powered wizzy' comes in. But also in the micro thread I thought there was a hint the micro product line is designed to evolve.

 

[bolo]

Thanks Ric.

Actually, I have trouble judging what something is gonna sound like just looking at most all the specs you listed to be honest.

In my mind, the essential differences in these two cabs (that I've never heard) that stand out to me are:

(1) 8 inch drivers v. 10's
(2) M style transmission line vs. L style

And the Whizzer cone v. (what I think is a) "regular" tweeter I reckon - Although I'm delighted w/ my 12" Wizzer.

I just think they would sound ... different. I belong to the camp where I don't mind the extra weight if I am really, really digging the sound.

 

[flatback]

well I've been using 2 LDS 1x8's and I really like the configuration. It allows me to use one for small gigs and stack em for larger ones. The idea of 2 wizzy 10's (at 18lbs) is really exciting. In fact I would be interested in one powered wizzy 10 and one cab. A few times now I have played a rig where I sent the Pick up to a 1x8 and the mic to a pub 280 (rather then blending the signals) and it sounded great. I loved having the two sounds separate.
The wizzy 10 sounds like it could be a great DB cab...keep us posted
I think it deserves a split thread too....

 

[Ric Vice]

Thanks Ric.

Actually, I have trouble judging what something is gonna sound like just looking at most all the specs you listed to be honest.

In my mind, the essential differences in these two cabs (that I've never heard) that stand out to me are:

(1) 8 inch drivers v. 10's
(2) M style transmission line vs. L style

And the Whizzer cone v. (what I think is a) "regular" tweeter I reckon - Although I'm delighted w/ my 12" Wizzer.

I just think they would sound ... different. I belong to the camp where I don't mind the extra weight if I am really, really digging the sound.

Bolo,
Well, It's all just supposition at this point so I couldn't agree with you more. As far as the 8" drivers go, everything I own has 8"'s so I'm in love with that sound. All my cab's are EA's with the exception of my LDS 2 X 8
so the transmission line cabinet, at least for Acoustic Bass, is a plus in my book as well. Personally, I'm not sure if we will ever see a production model of the CM 2x8 but I'd love to be proven wrong. Even after two years of waiting for the possibility. That said, the weight is so close to the VL 208 or NM 210 that I can't envision EA putting it out there unless it's a custom run like the Wizzy M lines.

Ric

 

[basmansam]

If I had to choose between 2 Wizzy 1x10's @ 18lbs ea (36lbs), or a CM208 @ 41 lbs, I would choose the CM208. I have both VL208 and LDS 208, I wouldn't use anything else.
Sam

 

[David Santos]

I've recently started playing the upright (6 months) and I've been looking on the internet for the best way to amplify it. Talkbass has been a good help to know more about gear I've never heard or seen because in Portugal the choice is very limited (I bought a rev soloII after reading ALL the threads about RSI and II).

I never heard an EA cab in my life (unfortunately), but from what I've read the VL 208 is the cab everyone would trade a kidney for (except for those who prefer feather weight to best sound or only have one kidney and are not willing to trade it!). I think I'm going to bring back a problem that was probably solved but if EA wasn't able to build a NM208, if there is no reason for putting the CM 208 into production because there is NM 210, if the wizzy 10 is just another thing, why not a (un)limited edition of the VL208? There's no need for testing the cab. Just gather the components and there we have the winner! And if I can afford it I'll be a winner too!!!!

Bob and Tom: You both have heard the CM208. What would you prefer: carrying 41lbs to play through a CM208 or 48lbs to play through a VL208?

Another thing: I know this are just specs but the wizzy 10, even though it is a VERY appealing cab, seems to lack a LITTLE bit of hi end (wizzy 12 - 12khz; wizzy 10 - 5.5khz). Has anyone heard the wizzy 10? Bob?

David Santos

PS - "I think it deserves a split thread too...." +1

 

[Ric Vice]

David,
When many us were origially discussing just that possibity two springs ago here is what John Dong (speaker wizard extraordinare) said. It appears on page one of this thread.

"It seems that I get monthly request for a VL-208.

I find it a little hard to justify producing a 2x8 cabinet since our NL-210 is 4 lbs lighter than the VL-208 and is just a little larger( NL-210:22.5"H x 17"W x 15"D vs VL-208:18.5"H x 17.5"W x 13.5"D). The NL-210 moves more air and plays louder.

If EA were to produce a new 2x8 cabinet then it would have the following parameters: M-Line configuration, Neo magnet, Kevlar woofer cones, 19.0"H x 15.6"W x 12.5"D(smaller than a VL-208), projected weight should be under 30 lbs(VL-208 is 48 lbs).

I expect the 8" neo drivers should be available sometime this summer. Prototypes will be made if the driver meets our requirements. The decision to market the NM-208 will be based upon dealer reaction at the Trade shows."

So at the time EA had little or no interest in recreating the VL 208

Unfortunately the 8" neo's just didn't pan out in the prototype so they went to ceramic's instead" which naturally makes it a heavier cabinet.

VL 208's arre great DB cabinets ( I recently aquired one) As I recall they cost @$800.00 each and did not sell that well. So I would seriously doubt that EA would ever consider reissueing the cabinet.


Ric

 

[David Santos]

Ric,

When I was writing my post I thought of quoting the exact same text you did on your reply since it would be the most obvious answer to my post (maybe I should have done it). I have read this thread from begining to end and some parts more than once. I even read all the way down on page 10!

You said that vl208 didn't sell that well, so this means there are still some that weren't sold. I wonder where are they?!

EA cabs seem to be much appreciated among double bassist as do 8'' speaker cones. I've been looking on EA site and they have no speakers with 8''s available. I know they couldn't get neodymium 8''s that could fulfill their expectations and that the direction of the cab industry is going lighter. But VL208 seems to be a great cab and many people are probably still interested in getting one (and until some days ago I would bet you were one of them). That's just why I recalled the begining of this thread. Maybe I shouldn't have done it.

Almost two years have passed since the start of this thread. I just thought that things might have changed. But you're probably right. EA would never consider reissueing the cabinet. Silly of me.

David Santos

 

[Uncletoad]

But you're probably right. EA would never consider reissueing the cabinet. Silly of me....

I've been whining about that since this thread started. If they can do a limited run of the Wizzy M line and sell them out what makes them think they can't do the same with the Vl208? The M line Wizzy was a box hardly anyone had tried. At least the Vl 208 has a fan club.

Perhaps the better question is how much is that cab worth to those that want them? Are people willing to shell out $1200 to $1500 on them? We see that folks will pony up $1000 on used ones. Can they make enough profit on the prices people are willing to pay to make it worth doing?

Perhaps that is the biggest obstacle for EA. If it's just weight, specs and size that are holding them back then they are being foolish. If they can't make any money than that's a whole nuther thing.

 

[bolo]

Perhaps the better question is how much is that cab worth to those that want them?
...
Can they make enough profit on the prices people are willing to pay to make it worth doing?
...
If they can't make any money than that's a whole nuther thing.

Right on the money so to speak. Good questions. Yes, how much are people willing to pay? And how many people?

At least TB provides a forum to begin to gauge the answers to those business drivers if you will. Limited input perhaps, but better than staring at a blank piece of paper.

I assumed when I proposed the limited run of the CM208 that it would be priced such that it would be worth doing, from EA's perspective of course. I guess you could extend the same argument to a VL 208 reissue.

Then again, presumably they've already crunched the numbers for these and other scenarios. Perhaps the case for moving forward just isn't there.

I am not an expert, and I really want to try a cabinet from EA with 8" drivers (!), but I can see how the #'s in a business case or ROI for the Wizzy 10 might be much more favorable.

But there's nothing to say they can't pursue the Wizzy 10 AND a CM/VL208. It's not either one or the other. Like you said, it's making sure the numbers are there in each case.

I hope the numbers work out to everyone's liking, even though I suspect it may mean a "boutique" price for the proposed CM208.

 

[Bruce Lindfield]

At least the Vl 208 has a fan club.

But these people are probably those who already own at least one - and they don't really wear out...?

I have two now and had one stolen from my car - but apart from future theft/loss I can't see buying any more - although if more used originals come up at reasonable prices, I might bite!