The Simon Of OZ

About 5 pages ago I mentioned I had a noisy value drive on my new ABM. Thought I would provide an update for anyone who encounters a similar issue. Given I bought it interstate and the Aussie distributor is near me, they looked after me. Wasn't just a value replacement fix. They had to send off for parts from Ashdown, but it still had issues so ended up getting a new Amp. You guys often mention how helpful Ashdown is in the UK, had a similar experience here in Oz with their distributor.

Thanks, hopefully it is just a new valve then. I will contact Ashdown as it is new and I am not sure what happens to the warranty if I open it up. Using this to justify another head purchase with the wife (need a backup - worked for bass guitars, although they quickly grew from one to four). Ampeg PF or Ashdown RM as a light backup will be the new dilemma.

Tonight I have noticed a hum when the valve drive is engaged on my ABM - signal is clean when it is off. Not sure if it is a new thing, although I have been playing about a hour a day since I got it and haven't noticed it before. It is not loud and I can't hear it when playing but it is noticeable in-between songs. Is the valve drive usually noisier or do I have a issue I need to get checked out?

Got myself sorted for now. Thanks for the advise. Ended up travelling to a shop with the above STV112, a PF112, and Rumbes' 115 and 210. So got to try a few cabs out. No ABMs anywhere near though.

I did think about a Rumble 115, cheaper and lighter than the other options discussed. However, for all the positive reviews there are also quite a few negative ones. I asked JeezyMcNuggles on Youtube about standalone cabs as he has vids on the ABM 115h, 210h and SVT112. He prefers the 210, over the Ampeg and then the 115, which was interesting. I was concentrating on the 115 as I initially was looking at the sealed Neo and thought the 115 would be a better match to that design. I will now choose between the SVT112 and ABM210 (non-Neo), both of which I can add to later on as needed. Thanks for all your help, especially given I can't just rock into a store and compare, and I will let you know which way I go.

@BassAdder60 would a SVT112AV be a better idea than a ABM cab? I am only practicing at home at the moment and could add another later if I need more volume. I am a very late beginner so not expecting to gig at any stage, but hopefully will do some jamming eventually.

Sorry, it has a MAG head and 250w cab so I thought it was a MAG cab as well, but all it has is RM 210T on the back. Sorry again for the confusion, still getting my head around all the permutations.

I am not wedded to Ashdown, but here in Australia it is well priced relative to other pro gear - for example the Ampeg SVT212AV is around twice the price of the ABM cabs. I did think about the SVT210AV, but it is not really a pro cab. I have considered other options, but nothing stands out in the price range I am looking at. However, I am happy to be proved wrong if anyone has a good suggestion.

Yes I in Australia, so not much Ashdown in the shops to try. Makes me a bit far away from @alexa3020 as well. Looks like the consensus if for the non-Neo cab, which is good in a way, I have found a discounted 115h EVO IV. Was hoping for the lighter weight of the Neo, but tone is more important and 25kg isn't that heavy for a cabinet. There is a ABM 115 (non horn and rear ported) new old stock that is cheap, but at 33kg, a bit heavier that I would like to go. Interesting @DGBass mentioned the MAGs, a Evo I MAG 210H has come up second hand. It looks like it is sealed so may have the same issues as the NEO. Unfortunately it is over a an hour away, so unless someone can vouch for it I will let it pass. Really appreciate all the input.

I just bought a ABM 300w Evo IV amp and thinking about cabs. I like the light weight of the ABM Pro Neos, but wondering if the ABM Compact will have a better sound. None around me, so can't A/B them. Have contacted Ashdown but no reply. Can anyone give a rundown the tonal difference between the two? Thinking of getting a 115h.

Looking at upgrading my set up. Thinking of pairing a ABM 300 IV amp with a 115, either a ABM pro neo or the RM cab. Middle aged newbie, so home use with potential jamming in the future. From the specs the ABM amp is wider than the RM cab, can anyone comment on how it would look? Given both cabs are lightweight ply and the metal grill is neither here nor there, how different are the pro neo from the RM speakers? Unfortunately, none near me so can't try before I buy.