What are you thoughts on Avatar cabs, in particular...

[civicbud]

I am thinking of buying a new Avatar 2x12 Contemporary cabinet. Not for the "Orange-look," mainly because it looks very sturdy and well-built for a closed-back cabinet. I am guessing the bass tones will be very focused, but that is just based on looks and past experience. Any opinions worth noting out there? Also, I am not the gear-junkie and have never had Celestion speakers before, but what is the consensus on V-30s? I hear they must be broken-in before they sound great, but other than that I don't know much. I have a Mesa Boogie Roadster head that is fairly new, and I can finally afford to look for a good cabinet with good speakers. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, did those with Avatar cabinet experience have any trouble with shipping from Avatar? I ask because I don't know their reputation. Thank you!

-Bud

I am pretty sure I am going to buy this cabinet based on other reviews that I've heard and read, but now I want to know how Mesa Boogie users feel.

 

[droptrd]

played thru a 112 at a shop once. Not sure what was in it. Sounded good. They seem as good as anything out there.

The V30 is one of the most used guitar speakers in the world. Some love em, some hate em. Most people dig them though.

All speakers sound better once theyre broken in. The V30 is no exception.

 

[greg_moreira]

I own a standard 2X12 avatar that my ladyfriend bought me 2 years ago at this time. All around Im satisfied with it. No complaints about shipping, its well built, and I use the heck out of it. Its actually become my main cab(ive retired my 4X12 for the most part.....only use it when I really need it).

I like the V30 speakers as well. They have a decent middy/gritty sound, which I think pairs well with a rectifiers natural scooped nature(I dont like the majorly scooped sound).

Its not as edgy and "nasty" as my 412....but i find that it sits in a typical band mix better than my 412 does (when using a flatter sounding speaker). The V30's bring it out a little better, and the lack of bass, when compared to a 412, also helsp clean up the mix. Its well built, sturdy, and i havent had a prob in the 2 years Ive owned it.

You cant beat em for the price Id say!

 

[Silverwulf]

I love V30's with Rectos, but you have to break them in good to get the best out of them. Brand new V30's can sound harsh, and I think that's where the criticism comes from those that that dislike them.

I played in a band with a guy that owned an Avatar 4X12 a few years ago. Wasn't my favorite cab, but it seemed to be built pretty well, sounded pretty good.

 

[Anonymous]

Actually, I bought an Avatar 2x12 Contemporary about this time last year. Shipped pretty quickly and arrived safely.

I prefer G12M greenbacks to V30s, but I don't hate V30s. I think in a 2x12 with the Roadster, the greenbacks - at 25 watts each - are impractical, so the V30s are a good choice.

As for the cab, well, it was solid. Honestly, it didn't sound incredible, but I think the only 2x12 that can even come close to a 4x12 is the Bogner OS. About the same price as the Avatar if you get one used. I bought the cab initially because I needed something small and portable, but eventually just wound up with the 4x12 anyway because it sounded so much better.

I sold the Avatar to a bandmate and he uses it with a Peavey 6505. He's got it loaded with a G12T-75 and V30 and I've got to say it sounds pretty good! His amp into my Bogner 4x12 with G12Ms sounds significantly better, but if you're on a really tight budget or need it as a temporary solution, the bottom line is that the Avatar is not a bad deal at all!

 

[brungio]

In general they are pretty good for the money. I used to play one with Eminence speakers that were clones of the Vintage 30 and GH12. They were pretty articulate and with a partially open back, they were a little looser than closed back cabs with the same type speakers.

I replaced mine with the recto vertical 2x12 that Mesa makes. I really felt there was a big difference in the bottom. Mostly because the speakers point up and down rather than straight out and the cab is closed.

But for standard 2x12 configuration they are a good manufacturer. They shipped across country and arrived without a mark on them.

So I highly recommend them.

 

[LerxstLee]

I bought a 1-12 cab, spur of the moment, I am not sure at that time if they had the three options of
1-12 cabs, but I ended up getting that CUBE, cabinet is fine as far as simple craftsmanship, but I truly
dislike a 1-12 cab that is completely square. I am not sure how I missed that. It is in the closet and
that is where it sits, not sure if it is worth selling due to the shipping on it. Might pull the speaker and
add it to the burn pile. :?
/cheers