@nBass

I used to have a HA3500 but recently picked up an Ampeg pf350 as I wanted something a bit more compact. It doesn't have all the features of the Hartke but I'm surprised at how much I like it. I seem to be able to get the tone I want easily and so don't miss the added tone and eq control of the Hartke. My suggestion would be to go and try as many as you can, you might be pleasantly surprised. I'd always got on well with the Hartke and had no complaints but the Ampeg just felt right, you may find the same with a streamliner our something completely different.

Collective wisdom rules! I managed to pick up another pf210 for £220 on gumtree and it's mint! They look great together and now I have the headroom I need without compromising on tone. Well worth the time and effort - I'm really glad I didn't rush into getting a cheaper new alternative. Thanks for your responses.

Thanks Conan - fair comment - I guess best/better etc are totally subjective and ultimately meaningless generalisations. I last had a Hartke HA3500 running into a 4x10 Transporter cab and I much prefer the sound of the Ampeg than what I recall from the Hartke stuff (I still have a Hartke A70 practice amp). That said I have not been able to try a wide range of gear as locally there are only guitar shops who don't stock bass amps other than cheap combos (apparently bass players don't spend enough money to justify them stocking the gear - to which I pointed out that if they don't have any gear how are we expected to spend the money!). If I had £370 I'd buy a PF410 but that'd be a few months away at best which is why I am considering possible alternatives to increase my headroom before the next gig. So, given that is the case, I guess I am really asking what can I expect to get for my money with TC Electronics BC series. Would I be simply exchanging one mid-price cab for 2 cheap ones (not really interested in doing that) or are the BC series really good value that should definitely be considered (by that I mean driving for miles to try them out). So I am interested in people's experience with these and any other 2x10 or 2x12 in this price bracket.

Hi I am new to the forum and getting back to gigging after a number of years away - so apologies if I sound like a complete novice! I have an Ampeg PF350 amp with the matching PF-210HE cab. I love the sound and portability but I am not really comfortable with the lack of headroom at gigging levels (probably running at over 75% of max). I think the amp has plenty of power but I just need to move more air (and with another 8 ohm cab I'll get the full 350W). So I am trying to decide what the best cab combination would be to suit my needs and budget. I would prefer 2 smaller cabs (rather than say a 4x10) for portability and flexibility. So what would be the best way to go? The options I have available are To complement my PF210 with either another PF210 or a PF115. Pros: I love the look and the sound. Cons: These cabs are hard to find second hand and it'll be a few months before I can afford new. To sell or p/x the cab for a pair of cheaper 2x10s or similar. I was thinking that maybe a TC Electronics BC210 and a BC212 would work well or 2 x210s. Pros: I could do a deal quickly and probably more cheaply, the 2x12 may give a bit more bottom end. Cons: I may sacrifice some of the great sound and regret it in a few months... I bought the Ampeg on reputation without trying it (against my better judgement) but no regrets. As for the next move - I would value your collective wisdom! Cheers, Sam