Anyone have any experience with Avatar 212s?

[Disintegrated Skies]

I'm currently using a Recto 212, but it's kind of weak sounding, lacking a little in the low end department, and VERY directional. I realize this is a Mesa forum, so I'm probably asking in the wrong place, but I'm hoping to get some open minded people here! I don't have a lot of money (being a college student) but I can swing $500. I don't want a 412, as with my current rig set up it doesn't really justify owning one. I'm using a 6505+ 112 combo, so I'll basically be using a 312 set up. I was looking at the Avatar Contemporary 212. It seems to be a few inches taller than the Mesa 212 with similar build quality, and I can mix and match speakers, which would work out well because I was going to ditch one of the V30s anyway (a bit too harsh with 2 in the mix).

So anyone with experience want to chime in? I just want a solid product at a great price.

 

[EtherealWidow]

Avatar gets rave reviews here. I myself play thru a Boogafunk. They do 2 x12's as well. I have one of their Thiele designs that sounds TERRIFIC. Mesa's cabs are too expensive for me.

 

[Riff Blister]

I've never heard the Recto 2x12 cabinet described as weak sounding or lacking in the low end. Time for some new tubes maybe?
Your are right about them being directional though.
On the other hand I do hear a lot of good things about the Avatar cabinets. I like your thinking in terms of swapping out the V30s too.
They seem to be everywhere but not always the right match for some amps. My Stiletto for example.
Good luck

 

[Disintegrated Skies]

I've never heard the Recto 2x12 cabinet described as weak sounding or lacking in the low end. Time for some new tubes maybe?
Your are right about them being directional though.
On the other hand I do hear a lot of good things about the Avatar cabinets. I like your thinking in terms of swapping out the V30s too.
They seem to be everywhere but not always the right match for some amps. My Stiletto for example.
Good luck

The tubes are still in pretty good shape, the amp has beastly low end through my 412, almost too much so. When I plug into the 212, it just kinda gets zapped away and sounds harsh.

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[gonzo]

got a vintage 1x12 closed back, i really dig it.

 

[mefgames]

I have a 212 with Hellatone 30's. Sounds excellent !! The build quality is great. I built a 212 cab with Vintage 30's for my son, and it actually cost about the same. Avatar builds a great cab. Mine is an open back, but the one I built is a closed back. That could make a difference in the low end. You can find Dave selling some stuff on ebay that is a bit cheaper than if you order it depending on the bids, and you can still mix and match speakers.

Good Luck

Mike

 

[CoG]

Avatar cabs are good for the money (I have owned 1x12w, 2x12s, and a 4x12) but none of them is going to be an improvement over a Recto 2x12. You'd be better off trying different speakers in the cab you have.

 

[allphourus]

Are you sure about the impeadence match between the amp and cab, could drain your power and dimish that low end thump if they are miss-matched.

I've been think of going to Avatar for a couple single ten cabs so I'm interested In the replys here too.

BTW I've read that the Bogner two twelve cab blows the recto cab away, there are currently two such cabs on Craigslist locally here in Vancouver, WA area for $500 each.