Author Topic: "Big Ben" testimonials, please. (Read 818 times)

jags · « **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2007, 09:09:58 AM »

yup i would say one piece at a time. grab your big ben first.(i say not to overlook a triad,1x15,1x10,plus a horn,it would be great next to ben!). dont forget power is more or less the same,so the longer you can wait on that,the better deal you should get.if you have an alembic rack or two,then i say just look for the cheapest tube power available. you'll have enough almebic elctronics to make any tube power amp sound killer. trust me there

keurosix · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2007, 11:47:06 AM »

Hey Joey,
Your points are well taken. I agree that a big power amp is best. But I beg to differ with you about how effective it would be running the Big Ben with the TNT amp. I frequently use my SWR Workingman 12 combo (160 watts) to run the Big Ben as extension, and it really puts out. The output compared to the 12 in the combo alone is significantly greater. Sorry, I have never measured it, but my ears feel a big difference. Also, remember, Marks' initial intentions: To support the low end for under $600 bucks. He has been using only his TNT amp to play, so ANY additional cab should make a difference. I have confidence in the Big Ben cab. It won't be a bad investment.
Kris

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2007, 05:44:14 PM »

Joey, Kris, John, Paul, and all you other guys, thanks again so much for you comments and help. I really appreciate it.

From what I've heard, I've concluded 3 things. Please correct me if these conclusions are incorrect.

(1) The Big Ben IS a high-quality, high performance speaker that would, with additional components, be much more powerful and LOUD than my Peavey TNT... double or triple the power/volume.

(2) I should be able to get it and use it with my TNT and get at least SOME noticable increase in volume/power.

(3) If/when I do get an amp or head... that's what I'd need, right?... it would be a step or two up in power and performance from my Peavey TNT.

If these conclusions are correct, I'm going to get the Big Ben.

At this point, I like to know what the starting price (lowest price) would be for the amp/head component needed to really power up the Big Ben to it's maximum volume. What would be the lowest price I could expect to easily purchase that component for? $500? $1000? I don't know.

Could I use the famed Alembic rackmount -is it the FB2?- to power the Big Ben?

Unless I get discouraged, I'm probably gonna try and get that Big Ben soon.

HOWEVER... if there were any REALLY GOOD alternative... something that TOTALLY DOES JUSTICE TO THE LOW B STRING... that's also under $1000 (the less the better) I'd be interested in considering it. But it would have to be a lot better than the Big Ben -if it were more than the $600 or so I can get a Big Ben for.

The Big Ben seems to have a very solid reputation as a low-cost/high performance/volume speaker... something that would (with additional needed components) be MUCH more powerful & LOUD than my Peavey, and something that could play along with drums and still be heard. This is why I want it.

Thanks again, all you guys. I always try to help out with others when they ask for information I'm knowledgable about, and I sure appreciate everyone doing the same for me with my areas of ignorance!!!

David Houck · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2007, 07:52:49 PM »

I don't know if any of the following will be helpful to you.

- The Big Ben is essentially a subwoofer. I don't think you would want to use it by itself. My guess is that ideally you would use this cab as part of biamped rig with a crossover.

- The F-2B is a preamp. It will not drive a speaker cab. If you wanted to use an F-2B you would also have to have a power amp.

- A head is a preamp and power amp in one unit.

- SWR rates the Big Ben at 400 watts at 8 ohms. It will take, and want, a lot of power.

I think my suggestion at this point is that you should continue researching rigs and put off making a decision.

keurosix · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2007, 07:53:40 PM »

Mark,
You're on the right track.
(1) Correct.
(2) Correct.
(3) Correct, and you have so many choices, that you can't go wrong. A really good idea here would be to replace the TNT with a high quality high power combo that would be powerfull enough to stack on top of the Big Ben for loud performances, and as a stand alone for practice, studio, or intimate gigs. SWR is only one company of many that makes a perfect match to the sub. Here's two: Super Red Head 350 watts with 2x10's and horn (List $2,071.41)
http://www.swrsound.com/products/search.php?partno=4420100000
The Black Beauty: 350 watts with 1x 15 and Horn
(List $1,571.41)
http://www.swrsound.com/products/search.php?partno=4420300000
The Black Beauty would sound most similar to the TNT being a 1x15 cab, but the preamps in either combo here are markedly different than the TNT. I once saw a used Super Red head at GC for around $1,600.00. I was very tempted. Don't get me wrong, SWR is not your only choice. There are sooo many amps to choose from. I just happen to like the SWR sound. Eden makes some killer combos too. Etc, etc, the list goes on. IF you want an Alembic preamp like the F2B, you will need a seperate power amplifier. QSC, Crown, AB, Yamaha, etc., etc. Again, many choices. To go this route, you will also need a high frequency speaker cabinet. A 2x10, or 1x15, or 1x12, or any other combination. Again, many choices. Your ear will need to do the final selecting. But if you do this in steps, you can get one item at a time and add to your rig with big happy grins at each new addition. You will have fun! I know it!
Kris

keurosix · « **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2007, 08:02:06 PM »

Dave,
My Big Ben is run full range next to or under my Goliath 4x10 cab. For an 18, it really does have some mid frequency character. My JBL K151 18's absolutely need to be crossed over at around 400 hz cuz there ain't nothin above that but mush. The Big Ben is really a high fidelity loudspeaker. I really get excited about it, and don't often play without it. I can't imagine anything close to it when considering Bang-for-buck. IMO, Mark just can't lose investing in one. It will stay with him for many happy years.
Kris

David Houck · « **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2007, 08:22:56 PM »

Kris; you have one and I don't. So I think your opinion here carries more weight than mine.

the_8_string_king · « **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2007, 08:54:58 PM »

Well, I appreciate your adding your thoughts, regardless, Dave. Thanks!

paulman · « **Reply #38 on:** March 02, 2007, 12:16:28 PM »

Form what I've read the Big Ben is a fine sub, really fine. However keep in mind, one 18 generally is not enough cone/speaker to move the appropriate amount of air to launch the low B properly.

At that point it's a gear/spec head thing, and most people will probobly not even notice (at least not until they have to hold their beer glasses on the table to keep them from vibrating off).

willride3 · « **Reply #39 on:** March 12, 2007, 10:11:00 PM »

I've got to get in on this. I once used a large Peavey 18 sub under a 4-10 driven by a Peavey Megabass Bi-Amp with a Peavey bass. In a large room or theater, that is the stuff. But, with my Alembic 5, I have had great success with an Ashdown ABM C-115 500 with a 2-10 or single 15 extension cabinet if needed. The 500 watts is good to have for plenty of thump. Also, the Ashdown has a sub out signal that you send to an amp spkr. I use an old Acoustic 2-12 powered bottom for the real lows. WOW. And when I'm in the mood, I will use an Ampeg Pro 4-10 cabinet loaded with Eminence Pro Kappas driven by a very old Alembic F2B and a new Carvin 900 watt PA amp. It will really get your sound out there in a large room or outdoors as well. Years of looking and trying things has been fun. Good Hunting. willride3