Paper vs. Aluminum cones?

4003360man · Post by **4003360man** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 3:41 pm

I'm seeing more and more bass cabs with aluminum cones as opposed to the old standard paper ones.

Anyone have any dirt on these? Everything I've ever used was paper cones. Supposedly the aluminum ones are a bit more rugged, but I wonder if it has any effect on the sound at all.

Thoughts?

charlyg · Post by **charlyg** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 3:45 pm

I like the aluminum, but I switched from 2x10 to 4x10 at the same time so can't give you a definitive answer on the effect. I like the aluminum!!!

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:20 pm

Same here, I've been using a Hartke with 2 10's and an 15" bottom for about 10 years. All metal cones and I've NEVER had a problem! I love them and wouldn't think of getting rid of them.

Before that, I had old KUSTOM 200w head with 2 paper cone 15's? I don't remember. TOO long ago! But it was HUGE!

throw_this_away · Post by **throw_this_away** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:38 pm

I like my paper cones... but then I don't have much experience (aka none) with aluminum. I always heard that aluminum cones tended to be less rugged and harsher sounding... I would like to hear other (more informed) opinions. People like to dump on hartke.

With that being said, we just did a show and a second band shared my Traynor amp and cab... and their drummer decided to place his water bottle on the amp. Of course he knocked it over at the end of the show... getting water on two of the speakers (didn't go in the amp thank god). Pisses me off... I'll share an amp for convenience but I was effing ******.

jnbass · Post by **jnbass** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:29 pm

had a Hartke w/2x10 aluminium cones.

now it sports 2x10 JBL E110s

just my preference...

delberthot · Post by **delberthot** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 1:00 pm

I had a Behringer BA410 4x10" cab briefly. I say briefly as in the middle of a gig, the speakers decided to part company and completely splintered.

I'm going to stick with my paper Trace Elliot Kevlar 15" Celestions

fran4001 · Post by **fran4001** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 2:06 pm

When Hartke first introduced the aluminum cones, the premise was they provided a quicker attack, hence their "transient attack" trademark. I have a Hartke with aluminum and an Ashdown with paper and frankly, I can't hear the difference. As far as them being more rugged, I suppose it's possible, but the aluminum and paper have the same wattage ratings. I imagine if you overdo it, either one is going to blow at the same time! They look cool though.