Amps: Combo or Head & Cab - which is better & why?

[Smarty]

Hi all

I have always wanted to know whether a head and cab is better over a combo amplifier. I've stayed away from 'separates' on the pretense that its more gear to carry (although on the flip side, if the venue is providing a cab or two you've only got to bring the head). However since being on ILF I've seen a lot of you guys running with heads and cabs. Have I been missing a trick or is it simply down to taste? Love to hear your opinions.

Thanks!

[John Matrix]

I play in a loud band so a 4x12 cab is pretty much essential. Also, I prefer moving around a head and cab. Heads are easier to carry than combo amps and cabs have wheels.

[D.o.S.]

easier to transport, easier to mix and match (i.e. only bringing half of your rig if it's a quiet venue, etc.), more options in general.

[Smarty]

Got ya - I guess smaller cabs, 2x12s, are (relatively) lighter on their own rather than them being in with the amp on a combo?

[GardenoftheDead]

I think it depends largely on your preference and style of music. Unless you play bass, in which case head/cab will always be better just because speaker cabs without a bunch of amplification shoved in have better low end response broadly speaking

[D.o.S.]

Got ya - I guess smaller cabs, 2x12s, are (relatively) lighter on their own rather than them being in with the amp on a combo?

Yes, and they're not nearly as ungainly. It may seem counter-intuitive, but head + cab trumps combo for mobility nine times out of ten.

[John Matrix]

Also, I feel like playing loudly out of a combo amp might be worse for the amp itself. I had a Beta Lead combo that basically rattled itself to death. After converting it to a head I haven't had any problems. I could just be talking out of my ass on that one though, I haven't really heard anyone else complain about this problem.

[HAVN]

I feel like I've also read that the sound waves blasting your tubes (combos) can put a dent in longevity. After buying NOS stuff I'm aiming to put off having to replace any of that business for a while.

[waltdogg]

for amp and tube life, head and cab all the way, for portability, head and cab all the way, for flexibility, head and cab all the way. the only thing a combo has over a head and cab is size factor.

[rfurtkamp]

That said, trusting a venue's cab...

...no fucking way.

[The Eristic]

I wish practically all my combos were heads at this point. Way easier to move.

[Iommic Pope]

for amp and tube life, head and cab all the way, for portability, head and cab all the way, for flexibility, head and cab all the way. the only thing a combo has over a head and cab is size factor.

Werd.

Got ya - I guess smaller cabs, 2x12s, are (relatively) lighter on their own rather than them being in with the amp on a combo?

Yes, and they're not nearly as ungainly. It may seem counter-intuitive, but head + cab trumps combo for mobility nine times out of ten.

Unless you get an Orange cab. Because they weigh about as much as a 412.
But fuck they sound godly.
get an orange 412, suffer the lack of wheels and own life forever.

[Muff_Diver]

Combo because twin reverb.

[rfurtkamp]

Or you can have whatever speakers you want and the same amp with a Dual Showman Reverb in head format!

[Muff_Diver]

Or you can have whatever speakers you want and the same amp with a Dual Showman Reverb in head format!

You can have whatever speakers you want with a twin too
edit. plus, dual showman reverb is ugly af.