Frontliner 2x8W 2x 8 Inches Extension Cabinet

I purchased this in early 2018 and have used it in practices and gigs with a couple of bands (rock-type music). I’ve given it 5 stars because of the quality and design; I love this thing but I’m not using it much anymore so I thought I’d explain since a bit more information might have helped me. (I guess I’m trying to help my fellow guitarists.) First, a little about me that’s relevant: I’m a mid-50’s male who’s played guitar a long time. I’ve had (and have) a number of great guitars and amps, and like many, I’m partial to tube amps. But now that I’m a bit older I’ve been looking for ways to lighten my load instead of lugging around a heavy combo amp like a Twin Reverb. My main rig is currently a Fractal AX8 and Quilter Tone Block 201. The Frontliner has a slot in the back that accommodates the Tone Block and locks it in place - no need to remove it for travel. The Frontliner seemed like it could be the perfect setup: none of the amplification gear weighed much so it was all easy to carry around. And I think it sounds incredible; it really is almost mind blowing that this thing is composed of just two 8” speakers. Unfortunately I think the small speaker size is part of the problem. I’ve had a number of astonished compliments from band members who can’t believe this (relatively) tiny cabinet is producing the sound I’ve gotten. But from talking level practice to playing in a bar, literally everyone in (either) band who has had this facing them has complained that it’s too loud. What they mean is that the sound is really piercing. According to Quilter, it’s designed to disperse the sound vertically but it doesn’t seem to spread the sound much laterally (horizontally). It’s a sealed cabinet so the directionality isn’t too surprising but given the sounds I’ve been putting through it, it can be a little shrill. To be clear, this really is a 5-star item. It’s possible with a different setup (on the Fractal for instance) I could alleviate or at least reduce the problem. But I got so sick of the complaining that I bought a different speaker cab (this one: Orange PPC212-OB 120-watt 2x12" Open-back Cabinet) and with that, I feel like I’m pretty close to aural nirvana. I love this little thing so much though that I’m thinking about working with it again because of writing this review. In the right setting, this cabinet is what you want. For music where you need to push more air though (hard rock type stuff at higher volumes for example), 12” speakers usually better. But this thing is sooooo close. If it *might* work for you, I think it’s worth checking it out. The pleasure of pulling off a couple of cables, putting the little cover on the amp, then *easily* picking it up and carrying it the vehicle at the end of the night is blissful after dealing with heavy, larger amps. In fact I just weighed the cabinet: covered (but no Tone Block) my bathroom scale read 25.6 pounds. 25.6 pounds! The sounds I get out of it are unbelievable for the size of the package. If it’s of any value, one thing that helped was turning the cabinet towards a wall so the sound is reflected. It still doesn’t have quite the meatiness of the 2x12” cabinet (which is not a criticism) but the indirect sound helped with the complaints. Again, if there’s a possibility this might work for you, I think it’s worth trying out. It really sounds great. (To be clear, I don’t think I’ve ever plugged straight in without the Fractal but since I’m just talking about the Frontliner, I don’t think that’s relevant since it’s able to produce a killer sound with the right equipment.) It really is amazing that something this small and lightweight can sound as fantastic as it does.

Product came quickly, packaged with serious protective intent, and has done all I expected it to - sounds good through a variety of modular and lunchbox amplifiers (tested so far w. Peavey Valve King 15, Mesa Translatlantic 15, and Vox Mini Super Beetle).

Outstanding !!!