Went out to the drummer's house this afternoon to try out the KappaLite 3015. When I said he was "giving them away" meant he was going to sell them to me for $100 a speak - not "give" for free.
A little history you can skip: This guy also has been building and running sound systems since the 80s and has built a LOT of systems and bass bins for PAs over the years. I have never heard his gear in action or heard him run sound in a room or outside, so can't judge personally how good his gear sounds or his prowess as a soundguy. He is a welder by trade and, until very recently, was also employed by Hardin Optical, makers of telescopes and precision lesnses. Just saying this to say the guy has/had a LOT of money to spend at his sound "hobby" -- and spend he did.
I took the 215S out to his shop today to try these Eminence 3015s. We pulled them out of his PA bins and couldn't find anything on the neodymium ring, or stamped into the basket that said 3015 or anything other than the Eminence logo, Made in USA, and a Kentuky address. On the paper cone were some stamped numbers = 451532-5/ 10188. Other than that no model number ID. He bought these about 5 years ago, but didn't keep the receipt so couldn't get the numers that way - he just said "These are the speakers all the bass players want." So I don't know.
Put these into the 215S running with the 200s and they didn't sound very good to my ear. Very deep, lots of lows, but couldn't get any presence out of them. Even with the "Hi Boost" switch engaged. Was running a modified Fender P (modded into a J-P-J pup configuration) with passive Duncan Quarter Pounders and running all pick ups full treble couldn't get much attack. Just sounded really woofy. Sounded a little better running with the Concert head, but couldn't really get a tone I was happy with - not even close. Too too boomy - even with the "treble boost" switch engaged.
Then he brought out a pair of JBL 2220H. We put thse in and they sounded so sweet! Very warm, very LOUD. With the 200s was the tubey distortion that sounds of the 70s = Mel Schacher, Jack Bruce, Tom Kriss (James Gang). It just sounded so dang good!! Had the amp up to about "4" and it was rattling the tools and walls of his large shop. These speaks and cab also sounded really sweet, clean, and punchy running through the Concert head. Very clean, clear, and warm AND LOUD! Had the Concert up to "3" and it was really LOUD. These speakers weren't even breaking a sweat - no distortion (except tube with the 200s) - very clear.
I could be very happy with these speakers. He's letting these go for $75 a piece and I'm really, really tempted to take him up on the offer. I didn't pee my pants, but I admit I dribbled.
If someone has an opinion as to whether these speaks are a wise choice as far as bass guitar appilcation or not, I would be interested to hear. I could be talked out of buying these for technical reasons, but DAMN they sound nice in this cab!
