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Opinions/Help Wanted: Head Choice

Okey doke, I just picked up the Micro VR yesterday, they knocked another $100 off the price, and I got one NIB so I couldn't pass that up. The question is now, what kind of cab config? I played through the matching 210 at the store, and It did sound very good, I will admit. Punchy and clear. Also played through a BA115 for kicks and found the thing woolly as *&%^. Best results however, came from the 410 Bassman RI I also played for kicks. Oh my GOD, that thing punched more than a pissed-off Muhammad Ali on crack, and I loved it. Haven't tried any bass 12s or 15s with tweeters, so I don't know how they'll play. So what do you guys think?

- 210
- 410
- 115
- 115 + tweeter
- 112
- 212
- something else

Thanks. ( Hijacking my own thread here :D )

--Silvie

Off topic for a sec, I tried the VR with a MIM Jazz, and while the thing played comfortably, tone-wise my $95 pawn shop prize wiped the floor with it. GTFO, Fender.
 
For my tastes, I would be looking at two 8 Ohm 115's. Tweeters are a personal preference, I wouldnt look at one that didnt have an attenuator to dial them back. I also like ported cabs, but thats a personal preference.

For your head I wouldnt be hugely concerned with power handling, Efficiency is going to be a bigger issue. I would be looking for the most efficient cabs possible within your tonal goals.

Example:

Lets say you have two 115 cabs that can both theoretically handle 5,000 watts each (Never gonna happen but setting parameters high for this example). Cab A has a 103 dB/w/m sensitivity and Cab B has a 97 dB/w/m sensitivity.

Now lets say you have a 10,000 watt amp. You will be able to drive both speakers to incredible volumes, but with the same power delivered the more sensitive cab will be louder. You will have to use quadruple the power to bring the less sensitive cab to the same SPL as the more sensitive cab. This matters when you are using an amp in the 100-300 watt range, as you only have so much power on tap. Pairing your amp with a very sensitive cab will put you in the same SPL ball park as a much more powerful amp and a less sensitive cab.
 
Duly noted, thanks Peavey. So as far as driver configs go, would it just boil down to what I like tonally? As I said, I found a typical 15 to lack definition and I've heard some 115s with tweeters that even then don't... sound good to me (ex. Portaflex PF115HE). I'm liking the punch of the 10s, 2 or 4, should look at some 12s too.

My dad and I were discussing constructing a cab as well, there's an option. Must find some good plans however.

--Silvie
 
Driver size has little to nothing to do with tone. Implementation is everything. I think you might be missing the low mid bump you might get with a ported cab. Try the PF-115LF cabs if you can find one. It may be your cub of tea... may not be.


As far as DIY plans go, Bill FitzMaurice and fEARful plans are good ones to check out.