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Opinions on these cabs

K

klejst

Oct 5, 2010
6,647
3,676
#1
So I have been on the search the last month basically for a new cabinet for my rig (my amp is a Peavey Tour 450). I have been monitoring my local CL and yes even eBay. However I found some stuff in the used section of Guitar Center's website as well. I play mostly rock, but also would like something that is versatile as well. I have also been throwing around the idea of how big of cabinet I want to get as well, but the cabinets I found and listed below are all under a $500 price tag (which is about the max I am willing to spend, but less if I am able) and in good shape.

I am looking for opinions and input from TB members who either have experience or own on or some of the below cabs. This will hopefully help me make a wise choice (and no I am not able to try them all out first). I have been cab-less for a month now and it sucks! I have been using my little tiny combo amp, but it is no where near the same! I have heard it said that the cab is the most important part of your rig because it outputs the sound as others will hear it and not to skimp on it and get something cheap, but I also need to take within means.

Cabs I am considering:

-Ampeg SVT 610HLF (most of the 810's I found are out of my price range, but I figured the 6x10 would deliver that classic Ampeg tone with smaller size and weight)
-Peavey 810TVX (appears to be in almost new shape, previous owner must of never toured or even gig'ed with it)
-SWR Workingman's Tower 810 (great shape and cheap price for an 810 at $299)
-SWR Goliath Sr. 610
-Ampeg SVT 410HLF
-Ampeg SVT 410HE
-Peavey TVX 410 or Peavey TFX 410 (I was told the only difference between the two is what they are tolexed with either rat fur or the standard tolex)
-Mesa/Boogie PowerHouse 410
-Mesa/Boogie Diesel Road Ready 215
 
#6
klejst said:
-Ampeg SVT 610HLF (most of the 810's I found are out of my price range, but I figured the 6x10 would deliver that classic Ampeg tone with smaller size and weight)
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Goes lower than the 810e, but does have a great tone.

-Peavey 810TVX (appears to be in almost new shape, previous owner must of never toured or even gig'ed with it)
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Not played it but people tell me it's a pretty good cab. Just don't know from personal experience.

-SWR Workingman's Tower 810 (great shape and cheap price for an 810 at $299)
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Eh...sounds good but kind of cheap in comparison to the Goliath series.

-SWR Goliath Sr. 610
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Really good cab, but has a tendency toward brightness.

-Ampeg SVT 410HLF
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Sorry to my bros at Ampeg, but this one goes even lower than the 610HLF, and while I like the overall sound, can't hang with the lows personally. Very popular, though.

-Ampeg SVT 410HE
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Now we're talking! That's my kind of 410. Sealed with 810e voicing on the lows.

-Peavey TVX 410 or Peavey TFX 410 (I was told the only difference between the two is what they are tolexed with either rat fur or the standard tolex)
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Not played it either.

-Mesa/Boogie PowerHouse 410
-Mesa/Boogie Diesel Road Ready 215
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Powerhouse is nice (been a long time since I played it and can't remember specifics but I did like it), haven't played the 215.
 
#7
JimmyM said:
Goes lower than the 810e, but does have a great tone.


Not played it but people tell me it's a pretty good cab. Just don't know from personal experience.


Eh...sounds good but kind of cheap in comparison to the Goliath series.


Really good cab, but has a tendency toward brightness.


Sorry to my bros at Ampeg, but this one goes even lower than the 610HLF, and while I like the overall sound, can't hang with the lows personally. Very popular, though.


Now we're talking! That's my kind of 410. Sealed with 810e voicing on the lows.


Not played it either.


Powerhouse is nice (been a long time since I played it and can't remember specifics but I did like it), haven't played the 215.
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+1

Sealed go with the HE, pitted imho the tvx.
 
#8
Thanks for the responses so far guys. Keep 'em coming! I am trying to get as much input as possible to help out. And Joe, I am trying to stick with the cab's I listed above. Thanks though and I am sure the newer PH 2x15 rocks, I just cannot find one in my price range.
 
#11
I picked up an ampeg svt410hlf a few months ago, and have been very happy with it. It's still mass of heavy cabinetry to haul around, but the towel bar and wheels help, they're fairly abundant used, and do GO LOW. Honestly I can't justify an 610 or 810 with this guy around and having independent horn control is nice... I would recommend looking into a LeCover or Tuki cover for whatever you choose, partially to keep your new cab looking good, but also to save the inside of your vehicle and its nice to not be worrying about wheeling my cab down the street in in-climate weather as situations can tend to dictate.

I hope the decision goes well!
 
#12
klejst said:
Thanks for the responses so far guys. Keep 'em coming! I am trying to get as much input as possible to help out. And Joe, I am trying to stick with the cab's I listed above. Thanks though and I am sure the newer PH 2x15 rocks, I just cannot find one in my price range.
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Yeah, new their not cheap - but if you see one on Craigslist, etc for a good price - jump on it bro. Good luck with your hunt.
 
#15
Thanks Jimmy, I knew you could give some good insight into Ampeg cabs. I have been considering either the 410HE or the 610. The Goliath Sr 610 from SWR is another I would consider if it does sound like a Mesa 610 (which I had before). I was also considering that Mesa Diesel 215 as well. It's a 215 so I know it will do good in the lows, however how are the mids and highs? The 215 is road ready so I would not have to worry about a case or anything, that is another thing that kind of has me attracted to it.

Like I said I am looking for volume, but also versatility and good overall tone (mostly rock tone).

Yeah I have been checking my local CL, however stuff like this just does not appear very often and if it does it is generally way overpriced and they generally don't come down in price much if at all.
 
#18
You have some really great choices there. Personally, I'd cross the Workingman off of the list, though. I love SWR's pro-level stuff, but I've always felt kind of "meh" about any of their Workingman/Workingpro stuff that I've played through - not bad, just not set the world on fire.

If you're looking for volume, I'd keep my eyes primarily set on the 8x10s, 6x10s, and 2x15 on your list. Also, if you could squeeze another $100, with patience, you could find an Ampeg 8x10e for $600 on the used market (though I've noticed the used Ampeg 8x10s on the Guitar Center website are always way overpriced compared to anywhere else).
 
#19
LiquidMidnight said:
You have some really great choices there. Personally, I'd cross the Workingman off of the list, though. I love SWR's pro-level stuff, but I've always felt kind of "meh" about any of their Workingman/Workingpro stuff that I've played through - not bad, just not set the world on fire.

If you're looking for volume, I'd keep my eyes primarily set on the 8x10s, 6x10s, and 2x15 on your list. Also, if you could squeeze another $100, with patience, you could find an Ampeg 8x10e for $600 on the used market (though I've noticed the used Ampeg 8x10s on the Guitar Center website are always way overpriced compared to anywhere else).
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I agree, the used 810's always seem to me to be a little higher priced than most other good items. It could be rightfully so, however like you said especially for quality brands like Ampeg. I listed some 810's because they were cheap, however I think a 610 or 215 is about as big of a cab as I want to go right now. I came across this morning a GK 410SBX for $200, however I think either the SWR Goliath Sr 610 or Mesa RR Diesel 215 would be a better choice for just a hundred or two more and would offer more than a 410. I would like to stay around or below $500 if all possible yes.
 

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