Gainzilla
Well-known member
Thoughts?
sinestro
New member
Combos tend to shake solder joints loose.
S
Shiny_Surface
Active member
Hey Kage,
Personally I favor a separate head/2x12 cab. The modular approach lets you mix/match different heads and cabs, heat is dissipated better (if the head is tubes "up"), and less of a chance of tube rattle occurring from having the chassis and speaker enclosure in one box.
Bonus points for having to sell the amp and/or getting it serviced if you need to ship it...combo's are more of a hassle to ship.
Having said that if I was in NYC a combo would seem attractive for the obvious reasons.
You might also consider a 1x12 cab with an EV speaker, a little less bulk than a 2x12.
If you have a dolly you could wheel in/out both pieces at once...
A combo is probably easier to get into a taxi? Maybe a 1x12 combo with EV speaker as a stand alone solution and then adding a 2x12 extension cabinet for larger gigs.
Personally I favor a separate head/2x12 cab. The modular approach lets you mix/match different heads and cabs, heat is dissipated better (if the head is tubes "up"), and less of a chance of tube rattle occurring from having the chassis and speaker enclosure in one box.
Bonus points for having to sell the amp and/or getting it serviced if you need to ship it...combo's are more of a hassle to ship.
Having said that if I was in NYC a combo would seem attractive for the obvious reasons.
You might also consider a 1x12 cab with an EV speaker, a little less bulk than a 2x12.
If you have a dolly you could wheel in/out both pieces at once...
A combo is probably easier to get into a taxi? Maybe a 1x12 combo with EV speaker as a stand alone solution and then adding a 2x12 extension cabinet for larger gigs.
thiswaythatway
Well-known member
I can speak for Mesa combos that one negative they have is they weigh a TON. But since they're built well you don't have to worry about them rattling anything loose inside, at least I haven't had that problem.
And you can always mix and match a combo with cabinets since you can unplug a combo's internal speakers and just plug it into a 4x12 or 2x12 cabinet.
I prefer Mesa combos over Marshall. The Electra Dyne and Royal Atlantic are pretty cool. And the widebody Mark IV was much better sounding than the smaller version. Those narrow open back combos didn't sound good to me.
And you can always mix and match a combo with cabinets since you can unplug a combo's internal speakers and just plug it into a 4x12 or 2x12 cabinet.
I prefer Mesa combos over Marshall. The Electra Dyne and Royal Atlantic are pretty cool. And the widebody Mark IV was much better sounding than the smaller version. Those narrow open back combos didn't sound good to me.
H
Heritage Softail
New member
I like heads and cabs. Mix and match thing. I have only one small amp. A Zinky Velvet 1x12 combo. But it sounds better thru a 4 or 2x12 
It seems that speaker cabs have a huge effect on how an amp sounds. I have a few speaker around as well. And the idea of an EV 1x12 thiele cab is solid. Great portable blaster.
It seems that speaker cabs have a huge effect on how an amp sounds. I have a few speaker around as well. And the idea of an EV 1x12 thiele cab is solid. Great portable blaster.
Gainzilla
Well-known member
Shiny_Surface":esxhppmi said:
I lean towards the head/cab route myself but the JVM 2x12 sounds awesome.
Shiny_Surface":esxhppmi said:
I do, its a neccessity..
Shiny_Surface":esxhppmi said:A combo is probably easier to get into a taxi? Maybe a 1x12 combo with EV speaker as a stand alone solution and then adding a 2x12 extension cabinet for larger gigs.
NYC cab trunks are pretty damn big, Ive put 4x12's in them so a 2x12 combo or head/2x12 cab is a piece of cake..
As far as the 1x12 goes, Ive never played a 1x12 combo that I could work with or feel good enough to gig with... Ive seen it done plenty of times but it just doesnt work for me..
Audioholic
New member
Head and cab for me. Just have preferred that plus it's easier to swap out a different head or cab in the equation, or better sounding cab then u would get with the whole combo thing
kiff
New member
I can just imagine the look on the guy's faceGainzilla":2dey95y9 said:
oh yea, like danyeo mentioned, with a combo you're pretty much stuck w/ open back. I use an older boogie 2x12, that originally came w/ open top half, but sounded way better when I sealed the top half.
Badronald
New member
Depends on the amp. For big rock amps I prefer head and cab. Lighter. Easier to swap the head out. Sounds better typically.
If you need a Twin for a specific application the you get a Twin. Heavy but nothing sounds like it. Same with a Deluxe or Super.
If you need a Twin for a specific application the you get a Twin. Heavy but nothing sounds like it. Same with a Deluxe or Super.
Greazygeo
Well-known member
Combos tend to be too heavy for me. I prefer to split up the weight if I can. With 2-12 cabs for me they need to be partly open in the back. With placement I can dial in the low end the way I want and still have some dispersion.
The Hoff
Active member
It has been pretty much covered but yea, I prefer 2x12 cab with a head over a combo. It's easier to change out speakers. Also you can obviously try different types of cabinets. Also-combos tend to way A LOT!
stephen sawall
SEMI ERECT MEMBER
Both have advantages .... but I like separate better in most cases.
metalmaniac93
Well-known member
I prefer heads and cabs due to being able to try different cab combos. I do own a Bogner Shiva combo that I have plug into my Bogner OS
2X12 or my Dr Z 2 X12 for a fuller and different sound. Combos are convenient for gigging because you do not have carry separate pieces of equipment, but they are heavy. Carrying a 4X12 cab is also heavy!!!
2X12 or my Dr Z 2 X12 for a fuller and different sound. Combos are convenient for gigging because you do not have carry separate pieces of equipment, but they are heavy. Carrying a 4X12 cab is also heavy!!!
GuitarGuyLP
Active member
I have had good luck in the past with both. A combo is very limited, but at the same time a good powerfull 112 combo with an effiecient speaker is loud enough to gig with, and I used to have a small bag I would velcro onto the back of the cab on the inside for a bag with cables, strings, spare tubes etc so that I can remove it at the gig, but easier to transport. I have also put handles in the sides of heavier combos (Mark IV).
I did have an idea a while back, but since I am not gigging any more I have never gone through with it. Basically the idea is to build a 212 vertical sealed cab where the sides extend past the top of the cab, and have rack rails on them so that it is basically like a 212 rack combo all in one, just wheel it in, plug it in, and play.
I did have an idea a while back, but since I am not gigging any more I have never gone through with it. Basically the idea is to build a 212 vertical sealed cab where the sides extend past the top of the cab, and have rack rails on them so that it is basically like a 212 rack combo all in one, just wheel it in, plug it in, and play.
jlbaxe
Banned
Active member
+1 heredanyeo":17oiaqap said:
I luv my XTC but the cab weighs 110 lb. If I was playing out I would choose my Mesa III combo, great amp and loud.
My friend use to play in the 90's with a Dean Markley CD120w tube 1x12 combo amp and it sounded awesome on stage.
It is all personal preference and what you want to lug back and forth.
mightywarlock
Well-known member
I have never understood why people complain about the weight of a combo, when a head and cab alway will weight more.
If I bring a Mesa 2x12 cab, it weighs like 80 lbs...and the head, weighs at least 50+....but a combo weighs 100lbs. and has casters.
The only problem is you are stuck with the built in cab...but this is still not an issue, because you can always use another cab with a combo.
I just recently picked up a Mesa Roadster closed back 2x12 combo, as I have been wanting to simplify my live setup for some time, and after not being happy with a Tremoverb open back combo, I knew I wanted a closed back one. I was initially heading for a JVM 410c I saw for sale locally, but for the same price I was able to get the Roadster, so it was no contest.
If you are only going to use a 2x12 cab, and get a 2x12 combo, I don't see the issue.
But if you are planning on using a 4x12 for bigger girth in the tone, then it can be an issue, and makes the combo a little silly.
Although the Combo gives you the best of both worlds....easily portable by itself or can be expanded to full rig.
And for easy speaker swapping, I don't see the hassle there either...just pop the combo back off and swap speakers?
So weight to me is non-issue since it basically weighs as much as one cab alone. speaker swapping non issue. Cab compatibility non issue.
Easier to use live, check. just wheel it in and turn it on. only one trip to the car instead of 2.
If you can get the tone out of the Combo that works for you, then by all means, go for it.
If not, then go with what works best For You, opinions be damned!
If I bring a Mesa 2x12 cab, it weighs like 80 lbs...and the head, weighs at least 50+....but a combo weighs 100lbs. and has casters.
The only problem is you are stuck with the built in cab...but this is still not an issue, because you can always use another cab with a combo.
I just recently picked up a Mesa Roadster closed back 2x12 combo, as I have been wanting to simplify my live setup for some time, and after not being happy with a Tremoverb open back combo, I knew I wanted a closed back one. I was initially heading for a JVM 410c I saw for sale locally, but for the same price I was able to get the Roadster, so it was no contest.
If you are only going to use a 2x12 cab, and get a 2x12 combo, I don't see the issue.
But if you are planning on using a 4x12 for bigger girth in the tone, then it can be an issue, and makes the combo a little silly.
Although the Combo gives you the best of both worlds....easily portable by itself or can be expanded to full rig.
And for easy speaker swapping, I don't see the hassle there either...just pop the combo back off and swap speakers?
So weight to me is non-issue since it basically weighs as much as one cab alone. speaker swapping non issue. Cab compatibility non issue.
Easier to use live, check. just wheel it in and turn it on. only one trip to the car instead of 2.
If you can get the tone out of the Combo that works for you, then by all means, go for it.
If not, then go with what works best For You, opinions be damned!
blackba
Well-known member
I much prefer a head and 212 cab, most of my setups are a head with a 212 cab. I own one combo, but I do have a head cab for that. Its currently in the combo shell right now. Here are my thoughts on why:
1. A head and cab break up the weight. Sure they weight more totally, but I would rather make 2 trips.
2. If I want I can always use a 112 cab and then only have to haul the head versus the heavy 212 combo
3. Most of the combos I have owned, I have changed out the stock speakers. Then you are left with what to do with the stock speakers, depending on what they are sometimes you can sell them, sometimes you can't easily (IE specially made speakers for the combo). Most 212 cabs have speakers you can sell if you want to replace them.
4. Most combos are opened back, I would rather pick a cab where I can choose opened or closed back or better yet get one that is convertable. There are some who like ported cabs too, never seen a ported guitar combo.
5. Combos in general are tougher on the tubes and more prone to rattle.
6. Some combos have heat issues. The Marshall DSL401 and 6101LE I had both were known for heat issues, where the similar model marshall heads were not known for heat issues.
Both combos and heads have their place. I love the one trip of a combo and having everything there. They go on stands easily to be tilted back and you don't have to find a place to set the head. Not having to seak out a matching cab is nice too, but in general I prefer heads/cabs.
One wish I have had is that they would bring back the Fender piggy back idea, where you can attach the head to your cab and therefore lean it back or carry both in one trip.
1. A head and cab break up the weight. Sure they weight more totally, but I would rather make 2 trips.
2. If I want I can always use a 112 cab and then only have to haul the head versus the heavy 212 combo
3. Most of the combos I have owned, I have changed out the stock speakers. Then you are left with what to do with the stock speakers, depending on what they are sometimes you can sell them, sometimes you can't easily (IE specially made speakers for the combo). Most 212 cabs have speakers you can sell if you want to replace them.
4. Most combos are opened back, I would rather pick a cab where I can choose opened or closed back or better yet get one that is convertable. There are some who like ported cabs too, never seen a ported guitar combo.
5. Combos in general are tougher on the tubes and more prone to rattle.
6. Some combos have heat issues. The Marshall DSL401 and 6101LE I had both were known for heat issues, where the similar model marshall heads were not known for heat issues.
Both combos and heads have their place. I love the one trip of a combo and having everything there. They go on stands easily to be tilted back and you don't have to find a place to set the head. Not having to seak out a matching cab is nice too, but in general I prefer heads/cabs.
One wish I have had is that they would bring back the Fender piggy back idea, where you can attach the head to your cab and therefore lean it back or carry both in one trip.
1
1923ford
New member
i prefer a combo...
less individual pieces to carry around.
you still have the opportunity to mix n match external cabs if you want.
dual handles and caster make them very easy to transport and move around.
i feel they sound bigger on stage, and in the studio. the sound comes from everywhere not just out the front.
a quality built combo will not rattle itself apart, but i'm sure some less quality ones would/could.
less individual pieces to carry around.
you still have the opportunity to mix n match external cabs if you want.
dual handles and caster make them very easy to transport and move around.
i feel they sound bigger on stage, and in the studio. the sound comes from everywhere not just out the front.
a quality built combo will not rattle itself apart, but i'm sure some less quality ones would/could.
Atropos_Project
New member
mightywarlock":2gl4ydja said:
Because seperates = conning someone else to help you, hence it weighs less
But yeah, the mix / match aspect of seperate heads makes them better in my eyes.
blackba
Well-known member
1923ford":2ptgpx70 said:
When you say this "i feel they sound bigger on stage, and in the studio. the sound comes from everywhere not just out the front.", you do realize that they make opened back speaker cabs which will sound just as airy as an opened back combo. Other than that, you captured the advantages of a combo, but neither wins in all segments IMO.
