Newer Model Fridge Differences?

[The Ballzz]

I'm trying to find out the actual differences between the four current Ampeg "Refrigerator" 8x10 cabinets. We'll be buying used, so need to know what's what! Different models have a claimed weight range of 137 lbs to 165 lbs, yet all seem to claim 30 oz magnet speakers, same power handling, and varying lumber, Poplar vs Birch. Is it possible that the lighter rated weight units are not actually the classic/loved 4 separate 2x10 cabinets in one cabinet? I find it hard to believe that a 23 lb weight difference could be attributed to Poplar vs Birch construction. I also don't understand the difference in the new price range of $1099 to $1599 and what we actually get for that price difference! Is it actually just the cosmetics?

Any help Would Be Appreciated,
Gene

 

[JimmyM]

I'm trying to find out the actual differences between the four current Ampeg "Refrigerator" 8x10 cabinets. We'll be buying used, so need to know what's what! Different models have a claimed weight range of 137 lbs to 165 lbs, yet all seem to claim 30 oz magnet speakers, same power handling, and varying lumber, Poplar vs Birch. Is it possible that the lighter rated weight units are not actually the classic/loved 4 separate 2x10 cabinets in one cabinet? I find it hard to believe that a 23 lb weight difference could be attributed to Poplar vs Birch construction. I also don't understand the difference in the new price range of $1099 to $1599 and what we actually get for that price difference! Is it actually just the cosmetics?

Any help Would Be Appreciated,
Gene

It's the same construction method it's always been. I don't know how the weight difference between them is accounted for, but yeah, poplar is lighter than birch. And no, the difference between them is a lot deeper than cosmetics. The Heritage is made with American Eminences, while the regular one is made with Chinese Eminences. Both sound great, but the regular one has more mids and is slightly more "edgy" sounding than the Heritage, which is a more refined and polished sound very much like the earliest 810's made with CTS alnicos, except the Heritage takes a much more brutal pounding than the old ones could.

 

[The Ballzz]

@JimmyM
Thank you sir! I'm honored that you see fit to answer my seemingly dumb questions! Although I'm only the guitarist/singer of our band, I consider the Bass sound and character of the bass rig to be a major component of my own guitar sound and our bassist Jimmy, is more than happy to welcome my assistance in optimizing his rig! He's already come to fondly embrace the change of his main guitar from an older American (I think Deluxe) P-Bass with active EQ, etc, to an MIM P-Bass with a single glorious Geezer Butler pup. He loves the punch, tone and really appreciates not needing to change two batteries at the most inopportune times! Not to mention I use the Bass rig when we have jams in our zone!

My main take away is to not be afraid of any of the current offerings, if in good working condition and priced accordingly? We're equipped/skilled to re-tolex if needed and are likely going to install an additional set of glide rails on one of the cab's sides, to ease transport a bit!

Thanks Again!
Gene

 

[Vintage-Blue]

I don’t know how the overall weight was affected but one thing that occurred over the years was going from 3/4” to 19mm and then to 15mm sheet goods.

 

[JimmyM]

@JimmyM
Thank you sir! I'm honored that you see fit to answer my seemingly dumb questions! Although I'm only the guitarist/singer of our band, I consider the Bass sound and character of the bass rig to be a major component of my own guitar sound and our bassist Jimmy, is more than happy to welcome my assistance in optimizing his rig! He's already come to fondly embrace the change of his main guitar from an older American (I think Deluxe) P-Bass with active EQ, etc, to an MIM P-Bass with a single glorious Geezer Butler pup. He loves the punch, tone and really appreciates not needing to change two batteries at the most inopportune times! Not to mention I use the Bass rig when we have jams in our zone!

He has good taste in pickups

My main take away is to not be afraid of any of the current offerings, if in good working condition and priced accordingly? We're equipped/skilled to re-tolex if needed and are likely going to install an additional set of glide rails on one of the cab's sides, to ease transport a bit!

The only 810e's I don't care for were the ones made from 2000 to 06. Kind of muddy sounding to me with not a lot of top end. But any made by LOUD will sound good. If I were you, if you're going to install extra glide rails and re-tolex, I'd just go ahead and get the regular 810e.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I'm trying to find out the actual differences between the four current Ampeg "Refrigerator" 8x10 cabinets. We'll be buying used, so need to know what's what! Different models have a claimed weight range of 137 lbs to 165 lbs, yet all seem to claim 30 oz magnet speakers, same power handling, and varying lumber, Poplar vs Birch. Is it possible that the lighter rated weight units are not actually the classic/loved 4 separate 2x10 cabinets in one cabinet? I find it hard to believe that a 23 lb weight difference could be attributed to Poplar vs Birch construction. I also don't understand the difference in the new price range of $1099 to $1599 and what we actually get for that price difference! Is it actually just the cosmetics?

Any help Would Be Appreciated,
Gene

on their website for the 810E ampeg lists the shipping weight (165lbs) and handling weight (140lbs) which may be the source for some of the confusion here.

Ampeg: Classic Series - SVT-810E

 

[deff]

If you're going to moderate a cab, why don't you just get a used cab? I also feel like most of the 810s I've heard will take what you put into them. Basically there my be some subtle nuanced differences, but I'd argue that they can be eqd to cover the same territory.

 

[The Ballzz]

on their website for the 810E ampeg lists the shipping weight (165lbs) and handling weight (140lbs) which may be the source for some of the confusion here.

Ampeg: Classic Series - SVT-810E

Thanks for that! I suspected that may be the case, but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something. With that said, I've seen some killer deals when no $$$ was on hand and those "deals" disappeared within a day or two. We noe have cash in hand and plan to pounce when the time is right and all the planets align!

And yeah @DiscoRiceJ we are looking for used!

Thanks Again,
Gene

 

[BogeyBass]

alot of weight savings comes from the wood itself.
alot of the so called ultra light cabinets are made from 1/2 inch material instead of the normal 3/4 inch

then likewise of the various " hard" woods and " soft" woods used to make plywood

a 4x8 sheet of 3/4 plywood of dense hardwood can be around 75 pounds
using more softer woods can lower that to 65 pounds.

as mentioned its also the thinner material

a 4x8 sheet of 1/2 plywood of dense hardwood can be around 50 pounds
using more softer woods can lower that to 40 pounds

anyhoo blah blah. Far as i understand instead of jumping way down to 1/2 inch material from normal 3/4
like alot of rattle buckets can be.
Ampeg shot in the middle and made a more rigid cabinet with 5/8 material but cut down the weight

more likely closer to actual metric heights so the went from 19.5/19mm down to 15.5/15mm material
and also used a lighter softer wood.

otherwise yes the same old stamp steel 30 ounce speakers

probably way way lighter than my 90s partical board or mdf cabs. and i slugged those around 20 plus years now
and never gave a hoot

 

[jastacey]

There is quite a few of the 2000 to 2006, cabs still around, over the years I've done this mod to make them sound a little better, and it works https://www.talkbass.com/threads/svt-810e-speaker-experiment.543204/#post-7374601

 

[The Ballzz]

Thanks guys for those thoughts! I could certainly see how the difference between 19mm and 15mm would just about account for account for that 33 lb discrepancy (though it still could just be shipping vs handling weight not clearly stated in vendor ads).

Interesting to note that according ad copy (likely straight from Ampeg) only claims the plain SVT-810E @167 lbs and the plain AV @140 lbs as Baltic Birch construction, whereas the Heritage E & Heritage AV claim Poplar @137 lbs. And then the plain AV weighs in @140 lbs.

Just playin' detective here leads me to surmise that the plain 810E & plain 810AV are likely birch with the ensuing 27 lbs difference by one being 19mm and the other 15mm baltic Birch. and then the 3 lbs difference between the Heritage E & Heritage AV from that plain AV attributable to 5/8"/15mm poplar vs 15mm Baltic Birch. I feel better now, even if I'm wrong! I saw a puzzle and wanted to solve it!

Thanks again Folks!
Gene

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks guys for those thoughts! I could certainly see how the difference between 19mm and 15mm would just about account for account for that 33 lb discrepancy (though it still could just be shipping vs handling weight not clearly stated in vendor ads).

Interesting to note that according ad copy (likely straight from Ampeg) only claims the plain SVT-810E @167 lbs and the plain AV @140 lbs as Baltic Birch construction, whereas the Heritage E & Heritage AV claim Poplar @137 lbs. And then the plain AV weighs in @140 lbs.

Just playin' detective here leads me to surmise that the plain 810E & plain 810AV are likely birch with the ensuing 27 lbs difference by one being 19mm and the other 15mm baltic Birch. and then the 3 lbs difference between the Heritage E & Heritage AV from that plain AV attributable to 5/8"/15mm poplar vs 15mm Baltic Birch. I feel better now, even if I'm wrong! I saw a puzzle and wanted to solve it!

Thanks again Folks!
Gene

I don't know why they'd make the regular 810e out of birch and the 810av and H810e out of poplar when the cab itself is basically the same, just different cosmetics. My thought is they might have forgotten to change the ad copy on the 810e

 

[The Ballzz]

I don't know why they'd make the regular 810e out of birch and the 810av and H810e out of poplar when the cab itself is basically the same, just different cosmetics. My thought is they might have forgotten to change the ad copy on the 810e

Are you implying the possibility of human error? Heaven forbids! That's always another "distinkin'" probability, but I've had fun and it's probably about as important as my $.02! I always have fun sharin' a few words with you folks here!

Thanks Sir!
Gene