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what would this 8x10 sound like?

stjohn1299

stjohn1299

Jul 7, 2009
700
1
Choudrant, LA
#1
I've been on a quest for an 8x10, and while I know the Ampeg Heritage and 810E, Bergantino, and Mesa 8x10's all sound good, I'm really looking for something different. I play an EBMM Sterling thru a Mesa 400+ and play classic rock and classic metal. The sound I am looking for is tight and focused, with all frequencies coming thru loud and true. I do want a cab that can handle alot of bass, but can handle it clearly, and not overly boomy or muddy.

I talked to one lesser-known cab manufacturer (sorry, don't want to disclose the name, because he was very nice to respond, and I don't want to use the info he gave me to start a bashing thread--please understand). Anyway, he offers an 8x10 using Emincence BP102s. The interior of the cab is open, meaning no sealed pairs of speakers, or sealed 4x10s, etc. Additionally, there are 2 3 inch ports.

Based on these specs, what is your opinion on how it would sound? I'm guessing with the openness of the cab, it could be pretty boomy, unless it has sufficient dampening.

Sorry for the what-if component of this thread, I'm just trying to get an idea sound-wise what this cab could sound like. FWIW, my other considerations at the moment are the SWR Megoliath and Ashdown USA810. Again, I know there are other cabs out there that people are going to suggest, but, for a couple of reasons, I'm trying to stay within these 3. Thank you very much for any information.
 
#2
I started a thread asking about the Eminence Legend BP102 speakers. The majority opinion was that they are all low end with no mids or treble and should be paired with mid-range driver(s) + crossover.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=705405&highlight=


I have personal experience with the SWR Megoliath and Mesa Powerhouse 8x10. I highly recommend either of these. I don't know anything about the Ashdown USA810.
 
#4
I don't like it. Back pressure from an open cabinet is not good for transient response or definition. 4X10's built this way are bad enough, but 8X10's should NEVER be designed this way.

And just because grandaddy did it that way don't make it right. ;)

cheers!
 
#6
stjohn1299 said:
The interior of the cab is open, meaning no sealed pairs of speakers, or sealed 4x10s, etc. Additionally, there are 2 3 inch ports.
.
Click to expand...
An open interior is OK, bracing and damping is what matters, but unless you can see the inside of the cab how do you know? As already noted BP102s are weak in the mids, and as far as ports are concerned a BP102 loaded cab needs at the minimum a four inch diameter port per driver to prevent chuffing. But as for boom, transient response or definition, they have nothing to do with whether the cab is internally chambered.
 
#7
bevan lurrito said:
I don't like it. Back pressure from an open cabinet is not good for transient response or definition...

...just because grandaddy did it that way don't make it right.
Click to expand...
"grandaddy" (ampeg) kept it sealed, with separate chambers for each pair of 10s.

the OP can't lose with that design, especially with a tube head. (there's a whole thing where the nature of the cab's ports affects the speaker movement, which affects the reflected load the transformer in a tube head sees, which reflects how the amp delivers power, especially in the lows.)
 
#8
stjohn1299 said:
...I'm really looking for something different... The sound I am looking for is tight and focused, with all frequencies coming thru loud and true. I do want a cab that can handle alot of bass, but can handle it clearly, and not overly boomy or muddy.
Click to expand...
how's that "something different"? you want an 8x10 with a good tight, clear, fast but ballsy bass sound.

to me that points right at the classic sealed cab.
 
#11
100% for the SWR Megoliath!! Just got one of these bad boys last week...and i am in heaven!! Killer low end, clear, punchy...and did i mention about the Guitar stack slaying killer Low End?? WOW That thing Goes DEEP!!! up untell last week i was running 2 swr Goliath 410's and they sounded great and kick butt pretty good....but wow this thing just has that lil bit extra Umph!! More Sub like in the low notes!! By Far the best cab i have tried or owned..Cant go Wrong!! All The Best!!Cheers mate!!~Elliot
 
#13
stjohn1299 said:
Thanks for the replies guys, and confirming what I thought about this other cab. I'm leaning towards the SWR at the moment, but if the Ashdown is priced low enough in comparison...well, at least it's down to two now!
Click to expand...


Ashdown is OK stuff, but not in the same league as SWR... Spend the extra money and get pro-quality gear - you'll be better off in the long run...


- georgestrings
 
#14
georgestrings said:
Ashdown is OK stuff, but not in the same league as SWR... Spend the extra money and get pro-quality gear - you'll be beter off in the long run...


- georgestrings
Click to expand...
It depends on the drivers. Low end Ashdowns are loaded with cheap 'BlueLine' drivers of the $30 variety. But the better drivers of the higher priced offerings are as good as anyone's. As always is comes down to that essential listening test to know what's best for you.
 
#15
billfitzmaurice said:
It depends on the drivers. Low end Ashdowns are loaded with cheap 'BlueLine' drivers of the $30 variety. But the better drivers of the higher priced offerings are as good as anyone's. As always is comes down to that essential listening test to know what's best for you.
Click to expand...

With all due respect - Ashdown isn't exactly known as "tour worthy", but SWR is... How many big name bands have you ever seen playing Ashdown??? I'm just sayin'...


- georgestrings
 
#17
Pino Palladino of the Who and John Mayer uses the pro Ashdown amps and 8x10 cabs too! Sometimes he uses Ampeg though. I've been using the Markbass CL108 (8x10 -sealed cab) and it is way more clear,and articulate sounding than the Ampeg 810e, but still has the wallop! It only weighs 89 pounds versus 165 pounds of most 8x10 cabs. They are pricey @ $1400, but you can catch them on sale like I did for about the same as the Ampeg($999.)
 
#18
georgestrings said:
With all due respect - Ashdown isn't exactly known as "tour worthy", but SWR is... How many big name bands have you ever seen playing Ashdown??? I'm just sayin'...


- georgestrings
Click to expand...
By the time I was 21 I based my gear choices on what worked best for me, not what worked best for someone else.
 

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