Well, on paper, those 3 would probably be about the same, volume-wise. Tough choice, but I'd still go with the Deisel.
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Opinions on these cabs
- Thread starter klejst
- Start date
Definitely some hard choices as all three are killer cabs. While simple descriptions are often rather misleading, in a nutshell, the Ampeg is probably going to be the most old school sounding; the SWR is going to be the most modern sounding, and; the Mesa will probably be the most aggressive and "rock 'n roll" sounding.
My choices out of there would be the SWR and Ampeg 610's and the Mesa 215. Agreed also I'd prefer the sealed 410HE over the HLF, but really, something in between those 2 would be the most versatile, etc., hence my other choices. The HE sounds a lot like 1/2 a sealed 810, but don't know if it'd have enough lows to do what you want to do. The HLF is big, deep bottom, but not enough clarity for me further up, and isn't that high in spl it seems like. Takes a stronger amp to push it up to rock-n-roll gig volume.
Do you happen to live near me.?
I have 3 cabs you can try (and they are for sale).
Best
I wish I was closer, damn that would of been sweet and helped out a lot. I live in Nebraska though.
Ok, I think I have concluded I want to either go with the Mesa/Boogie Diesel RR 215, the SWR Goliath Sr. 610 or the Ampeg SVT 610hlf. But man what a hard decision to make!
If you're looking for alot of volume, the SVT-610HLF would be last on that list... I had one for a little while, and it couldn't cut it in my typical band situation - it would fart out before I could get enough volume or low end out of it... I was actually considering trading my PH610 for it, because it was taller and lighter - and thus, easier to load - but the PH610 walked all over it in terms of volume, low end, and high end clarity... If you A/B'd the SVT-610HLF with a Goliath SR, you'd experience the same thing...
Out of the 3 cabs you listed, the Goliath Sr is the best choice for a modern tone, the RR215 is the best choice for a more midrangy, classic tone, and the SVT-610HLF would be the worst choice for any of it... I have, and would again own both the SVT-410HLF and SVT810e, but would not own the 610HLF...
- georgestrings
Thanks George for the insight. Yeah I am starting to think either the Mesa RR 215 or the SWR Goliath Sr. now. I also like the fact of a metal grill for better protection of the speakers. Taking all things considered before I make a final choice. That is why I am asking so many questions and trying to get as much insight and opinions and info as I can.
Truthfully, I'd take the Goliath Sr over the RR 215 - I used to use a Golath Sr in rehearsal every week for over a year, while gigging a PH610, and I'll be damned if that Goliath Sr wasn't about 95% as good as the PH610 - they're that good...
- georgestrings
Good to know. Both the SWR 610 and Mesa 215 are priced at $399, however just found out that the SWR does have a blown speaker. Again I am looking for volume, but also a versatile cab.
I wouldn't buy the SRW at that price, with a blown speaker - besides, those cabs are fairly bullet-proof - I don't know how you could blow a speaker in one, unless it was really being abused... Sounds like the RR 215 is a better choice, in this situation - they're really good cabs, too...
- georgestrings
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
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- Disclosures
- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
No, not classic sound. Huge butt bottom, and weights more than a hippo.
Don't know it.
Fart machine
Great cab, heavy.
Baby Hippo
Just OK
Don't know it
Great cab, heavy
Great cab, heavy
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
- 7,613
- 76
- Disclosures
- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
- 7,613
- 76
- Disclosures
- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
Jim Carr
Dr. Jim
- Jan 21, 2006
- 16,223
- 7,613
- 76
- Disclosures
- fEARful Kool-Aid dispensing liberal academic card-carrying union member Musicians Local 72-147
Find out if the Goliath Sr. is a I, II, or III series. Call SWR/Fender and price a driver. I think I would consider the Goliath if the fix is cheap. The Diesel might be as good.
BTW, in my limited experience, the 610HLF DID have a lot of bottom. I can't compare it's volume to the Goliate Sr.
Thanks again Jim for all the replies so far. I like how you said to look into the replacement speaker for the SWR, but the said how the Mesa 215 could be just as good, makes the choice hard again. I would look into it. I just heard back about the Mesa and they said nothing is wrong with the speakers in it, it has casters, and also obviously because it is in a road case the front panel comes with it and it is pretty protected. For travel I am sure having the road ready will protect things better. Because with the Goliath I would obviously want to invest in a cover as well. As other's have said volume wise they may be pretty close and tone wise. Very versatile cabs.
