[quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1373556159' post='2139030']
I find Acoustic Image's amps are better than their cabs, not that the latter are bad, just not outstanding. The BigE is a lot better cab than anything AI offer, in my opinion. But as a combo, the Ten2 is a nifty thing for all but the loud gigs
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I got the Mk2 AI combo a few years back, and ended up separating the head from the cab for more flexibility. The head is great, but so clean that it doesn't end up all that loud into either AI or EA cabs. The AI cab isn't exactly loud, but it's very natural sounding, to the point of being almost flat with electric bass. The thing with the cab is that, due to the downward-firing 10", the closer you are to it the more the sound flies past your feet, giving an impression of a not-so-good cab. Ask the punters at the back of the room, mind, and it's always 'the bass sounded amazing'! Brill cab for a more acoustic reinforcement application where you don't need too much onstage.
If I need more immediate volume then it's the forward firers. For myself I'm never quite so happy with the DB tone, but always had loads of positive comments from those out front.
Back OT, how are you getting on Laurence? I have a Schatten as my second pickup; fits in the wing slot like Underwood. Only use it on certain gigs where it's all basically too loud. I'm not as keen on the tone, especially bowed (pickup mounted higher up the bridge always seems to equate to more string noise and scratch) but it's much more punchy and cutting than the Realist. You can have a lend of that if you like.