Product: Mesa/Boogie Powerhouse 610
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
09/12/2009
at
04:58pm
by
Dave
Features
:
10
6 x 10" speakers
Handles 900 watts
Special 3-way horn frequency selector swith & attenuator
134 lbs
Tilt-back casters and handles
Skid rails and Kick Plate included
Sound Quality
:
10
This cabinet really slams.
I have tried numerous other 610's, including the Epifani UL-2 (neo), the SWR Goliath SR, and the Eden 610XLT. This one blows them all away. I would have never considered this brand, however, I was in Guitar Center one rainy afternoon and they had the M6 Carbine head with a Powerhouse 410 cabinet out on the floor. I plugged into this setup with an MTD bass I grabbed off the rack, and oh my God!! I was blown away by the punchy tone out of that cabinet. Based on that experience, I ordered a 610 from the Mesa Boogie store in California. It arrived a few days later and sounded fantastic. I do a lot of fingerstyle, some pick playing, and some slapping. This cabinet can handle it all. It has a great mid-range and a really warm and fat bottom end. The tweeter control is very unique. You can select from 3 different frequencies, and then adjust the level of the tweeter with an attenuating dial. Turn it all the way off if you don't like the tweeter, but I find it adds a nice sparkle for slapping and pick playing.
Reliability
:
10
This cabinet it built like a tank. It is solid -- and also very heavy. I have only owned it a few months, but I can't imagine having any trouble with it. The hardware, grill and tolex covering are all top notch. I generally prefer the carpet covering that SWR, Eden, etc. use on their cabinets (I find the tolex tears very easily) but otherwise no complaints.
Customer Support
:
10
Very friendly customer support. The people I spoke with on the phone and via email were nice as could be.
Overall Rating
:
9
I've been playing bass close to 30 years. I have been searching for a 610 cabinet that can "do it all". The Mesa Powerhouse 610 is a real Godsend. This cabinet is not for everyone -- if you want portable, this refrigerator is definitely not the answer. However, if you live on the ground floor and have an SUV or other hatchback, it is fairly simple to move this cabinet around by yourself. Just tilt it back and slide it into the hatch (skid rails are included, unlike the Eden or the Epifani 610's)
This is also one of the last bass cabinets actually made in the USA. I applaud that, but I also paid more for that privelage. Still, it's about the same cost of the Eden 610, and you will not find a new one cheaper than the retail price, because contractually that is what Guitar Center has to sell it for. However, if you can find a used one for less, snatch that puppy up quickly!
