Which speakers/cab for dooooom?

[Fikealox]

Hey guys,

I realise this is similar to another thread, but it's a bit different, and I didn't want to hijack. As I mentioned in another thread, I'm planning to get an HT5, but I can't decide whether I want the combo or head, and which cab and/or speakers I want to go with in either case.

My main concerns are: sound (obviously), cost, and size. I know very little about what (real) difference different types, sizes, and wattages of speaker, different numbers of speaker, and differently constructed cabs make, so don't be afraid of patronising me.

I have a view to playing things ranging from Evergrey to Opeth to my own strange brand of proggy cthulhu-themed doom metal. As such, I'm a bit concerned the combo's open-backed 1x10 might not cut it bass-wise, but if there're 10" speakers that I could upgrade to that might do the job decently, I would prefer not to spend mega-bucks on a cab with 12" speakers - cause I still need to buy some C-pigs. I should note, too, that this is mainly for use at home, so we're not talking 5150 volumes, lol.

So, in summary: which speaker(s) do I want for doom metal at low(ish) volumes?

Thanks!
-Liam

[morgasm]

my experience with 10' speakers has not been great... i have tried a few good quality combos with 10' speakers and in one particular case the same exact combo with a 12' speaker. the difference was massive. if you are looking to play the sort of music you outlined i would look elsewhere, as you will in my opinion lack the bottom end needed.
morgan

[murraymurray]

just get a 1x18
http://acoustic.homeunix.net/twiki/bin/view/Acoustic/GuitarCabinetOrBassCabinet406
may get the bottom end you need  :D

[MDV]

Very large speakers dont do what you expect with guitars- they lack the lows needed to drive the lows they're capable of.

Matamp cab and low wattage speakers seems the best way to me - you'll get them distort easier, and speaker excursion, more than what speaker, is a big part of the doom sound. Maybe h30s?

[dheim]

i've bought an HT5 as a low volume - small size amp, and chose the combo version (even if the head is much sexier and tempted me till the last second) for its portability and because i'm keeping it at home... its tone is absolutely adequate for your genre (that incidentally happens to be more or less the same as mine... :) but i have some prog element less and some more death metal), but the small speaker it's of course an handicap. mind that combo has got exits for any cab you want so you can use it like an head if you've got a cab or detach it if you want. that's why i chose it.

[Fikealox]

Thanks heaps for your replies, guys - and sorry for my slow reply, it's been assignment hell here. You've given me a lot to think about :) It's good to hear that the 10" speakers aren't terrible for heavy music. For the sake of my budget I should probably satisfy myself with the combo or mini-stack and just keep an eye out for cheap aftermarket cabs if I feel the need to upgrade.

Do you guys think the mini-stack is a gimmick, or is there a justifiable benefit to having two 1x10" closed-back (I think) cabs instead of open-back 1x10" combo?

[MDV]

They are sort of gimmicky, yeah.

The two 1x10 closed back format has its own sound that you may well dig, but they dont sound like one 4x12, or a 2x10 or a, well, anything else. They are gimmicky in that theres undoubtadly a component of the decision to make them that they look like a mini-stack and its sorta cool (and sorta gay).

Long story short - if you like them you like them, if not, you dont :D. (Captain obvious to the rescue). I'm not discounting them for their gimmickyness, but they are gimmicky.

It wouldnt be my first choice for doom.

To maintain portability and keep cost down, that would be a 2x12.

[Fikealox]

haha, i totally agree that they're sorta cool and sorta gay :lol: Thanks for the info, too. Since I wont really have a chance to try out the various options before i buy, I think I'll just get the combo (since it's the cheapest option) and then from that starting point figure out if I need to tweak anything speaker-wise, while keeping my eye out for a cheap 2x12 (though they seem rare in Aus :().

[dheim]

combo has 3/4 closed back...

[Will]

I have a Martamp 2x10 (open back) loaded with Sidewinders. The speakers themselves are as tight as the 4x12 variation, but the treble is a bit 'quicker'.
The open back makes it have a bit of sag and a 'roomy' feel. Aren't Opeth a tight metal thing? Maybe you should go for a removable half panel in the back or something to chop and change for different styles.