any recommendations for 6x10 (or 6x10 sized) bass cabs? i know ampeg is the go-to but i want to keep my options open since i'm definitely going used and want to get a good deal.
I highly recommend you try out a Greenboy design cab (fEARful and fEARless range) if you get a chance. I built a fEARful 15/6/1 and it's a BEAST. They tend to be fairly pricey when buying from an authorised builder, but they're well worth the money. Cured my cabinet GAS permanently.
Here's a quote from the FAQ: "A 15/6 is as loud as most 310 cabs with one watt input, and more extended in response. With a lot of watts it can get as loud or louder than a 610 driven to its limits, and will sound fuller and more responsive while doing it."
If you have some very basic idea of which way around a saw goes you could build your own, too. I used a handsaw, drill, electric jigsaw for the cutouts, some clamps and a hammer to build mine. The 3015LF driver was the most expensive part, they're getting quite rare due to the neodymium shortage.
If I were to do it again, I would actually build a 12/6/1 with Alpha mid driver, the 15/6/1 is more than I need and the 12/6/1 can be built a little bit cheaper. Plenty of volume, small and light and easy to transport. Can do duty as a PA or keyboard cab, too
The plans are free:
http://greenboy.us/fEARful/http://greenboy.us/fEARful/DL/The fEARless range are authorised builder only, though.
Here's a nice article on them:
http://vpub.boyd-printing.com/publication/?i=118550&p=54The graphs are a little outdated now, though, since there is a new 3-way crossover design that eliminates the spike around 4kHz for the 15/6/1 and gives smoother response on both size designs.