Product: Avatar CB115H
Price Paid: USD 213
Submitted
10/31/2008
at
08:47pm
by
Doc Watson
Email: doc540 at yahoo<dot>com
Features
:
10
Bought this cab January 2, 2004 as an addition to my Avatar B210. I've used it regularly in a classic blues/rock band besides on other jazz, country, and rockabilly gigs. Preamp is a Tech21 RBI with QSC PLX1802 power with 500 watts per channel into both 4 ohm cabs. The CB115H features are right on the money with sturdy, black "carpet" construction, heavy plastic, fitted (no slip) corners, recessed handles and cable outputs. The speaker is protected by heavy, black metal mesh. It is Dave's original design rated at 350 watts and a Foster horn tweeter but is no longer available new. You should watch for a used one and snag it. I can think of no other features I'd want. It fits my needs perfectly when I use it as a single, stand alone 115H or in combo with my Avatar B210 cab. I'm proud of my "Avatar Stack".
The BEST FEATURE IS THE PRICE. It can't be touched by anything on the market today.
Sound Quality
:
10
I use two basses: an original 1969 Fender Jazz and an original 1978 Fender Jazz and have gigged with my Avatars playing blues, jazz, rock, country and rockabilly. The single 115 cab is plenty loud enough for small clubs with great mid's and plenty of clean bottom to suit my needs. I was fortunate to have the world class bassist, Trip Wamsley, help me set up my rig by having his Glockenklang and Alembic sit by side with my Tech21/Avatar rig and my '69 Jazz with TI flats.
It was hard even for me to believe, but after a bit of adjusting my Tech21 RBI and the Avatars' tweeter volume controls Trip got my rig in the same ballpark as his tone-to-die-for super rig! I was blown away. That was nearly three years ago, and I still use the same settings. The Avatars are just dialed in like Flynn.
Reliability
:
10
Never had a single problem with it. I've used it without a backup and never given it a second thought. It's a bullet proof workhorse. The internal components and speaker work perfectly after over 4 years of gigging, and the cabinet has held up better than I could have ever expected. TOTALLY RELIABLE.
Customer Support
:
10
I've NEVER experienced better customer support. Dave, the owner, usually answers the phone personally, is extremely helpful, and never hesitates to make things right. I had an input issue soon after I purchased my other Avatar, a B210. He quickly sent a replacement at no charge. Over five years out of warranty I had one of the 10's quit working. I called him from the gig, and again he answered personally. He offered me a great price on an upgraded replacement speaker. No hassles, no hesitation, no head games, NO PROBLEMS. Best customer support in the business!
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing bass professionally for nearly 40 years and have owned everything from a '59 Bassman to an Acoustic 360 to custom built rigs. I can't stress strongly enough how important it is to consider Avatar cabs when planning your next bass rig. DO NOT waste your money just to own an emblem or logo. My Avatars are the best cabs for the money I've ever owned. FOR THE PRICE I can't find a better built or better sounding cab. I would buy again in a heartbeat.
Product: Avatar CB115H
Price Paid: USD 188
Submitted
02/09/2008
at
08:45pm
by
Lee
Features
:
9
Purchased from Dave at Avatar in May 2003. The cabinet arrived quickly in perfect condition. Rated 600 watts with 15" Eminence with horn. I forget the model of the Eminence, although it is not the Neo. Horn attenuator on back with dual 1/4" inputs. Expanded metal screen allows you to see the cone and horn. Basic but very solid and reliable. This will sound picky but I see some reviews for the CB115 that describe having a speaker and horn. Well, I do believe that is actually the CB115H model, which I am reviewing.
Sound Quality
:
10
My cabinet is 4 ohms, driven by G-K RB400iii. Full, deep sound from the CB115H. Can handle a low B note. The tweeter is too bright for my taste when full on. I dial it in at around 20% and it adds just a bit of brightness. I've been using the cabinet and no other for nearly five years and it has never failed to deliver great tone. This is not only many hours of just jamming/practicing at home but numerous gigs, many in hot, humid Florida weather. The cabinet will take whatever I throw at it. I've owned a wide array of cabinets, including Peavey, Eden, SWR, Bag End, Acme, and while those were nice the Avatar is no less than the name brands and priced MUCH less.
Reliability
:
10
It's the only cabinet I've used for nearly five years. Always provides great tone so never had the need to replace or add to the stack. Keeps on ticking.
Customer Support
:
10
Dave is friendly, helpful, and responsive. Can't ask for more.
Overall Rating
:
10
The CB115H is built like a tank. Great sound and highly durable. Truly a fantastic bargain. There is nothing I dislike about it and would get another if the need arose. I've had many people, mostly other bass players, ask "what is that cabinet" and mention they like the sound.