Powerhouse 1000 value -- your thoughts?

[vermillion]

I have a bass 400+ (a great amp) and I run it through a GK Backline 2x10 for practice but I don't have a gig-worthy cabinet.

Today I saw a powerhouse 1000 for $599 at a store. (about $1400 pro-net) It is used and scraped up from load-ins and load-outs but I figured it would sound okay and I'd buy it on the spot. I was very wrong. I plugged it into a fairly new Ampeg SVT-3 and the 15" speaker was farting/rattling like it was blown out (??). The other 10" speakers sounded fine. The manager of the store offered a price reduction to $399 when I pointed out the condition. This means he is ready to get rid of it asap and probably can be talked down some more. :?

I see that mesa pro-net pricing on a new 15" speaker is $299

Here comes my questions:

1) Can I use any old decent 600W 15" speaker? (an eminence 300W 15" is $100)

2) In your opinion, what is a fair price for the cabinet? (as is)

3) I don't have any gigs lined up -- should I just be patient and wait to find something else? (ebay? music stores? mesa forum?)

 

[FC Spoiler]

Get it before I do, I'm on my way to the airport now

Is it the old style cab? I think the speaker is an Electrovoice EVM 15L and there's a possibility it can be repaired for much less then the cost of a new one :wink:

 

[vermillion]

It is the new style cab -- tolex covering, not a road-ready cab.

I'm not sure what speakers are in it.
I do recall that all four of the 10 inch speakers looked the same.

It weighs a ton.