Generally speaking, B8 cymbals are cheaper and of lower quality (sound wise). I'm not very familiar with Meinl, but I assume that like the other major cymbal manufacturers, they make high-end as well as low-end cymbals.

That said, there are plenty of B20 (standard alloy for higher-end cymbals) cymbals out there that sound horrible.

I recently became hip to a brand of cymbals by the name of Dream. They're made in China, but they're entirely hand-made, and sound very good. They're not for heavy-hitters, but the sound quality is excellent...very rich and complex...while being very affordable. I recent traded in my Zildjian Z Customs (considered "high end", or professional-grade by most folks, regardless of whether they like them or not) toward new Dream crashes and hi-hats.

The crashes, ranging from 16" to 18" averaged around $100 each, while the hi-hats were selling at around $150. Given the choice of Sabian B8s at the same price, I'll gladly take the Dreams.

The store I was at didn't have any Dream ride cymbals, but there just happened to be a used (but modern) Zildjian K Custom 22" ride that, sonically, matched up perfectly. That should give you an idea of the sound of these cymbals.

I strongly suggest you check out the Dream cymbals--regardless of whether you're on a budget or not. Plenty of other drummers will vouch for the sound of these cymbals. :)

~Jon

Jon - thanks for the reply and info. I'll keep my eye peeled for some Dream hats. The research on my Meinl Ambico Camber is that it's a lower end cymbal - Meinl made a lot of cymbals for others, too - so I imagine I'm going to put some rivets in it for the sustain and just keep hitting on it. It was also suggested to look at the Sabian AA or Zildjian A line of cymbals - wanting to try and stay older in keeping with the age of my kit, too. thanks

I have a Dream Bliss ride 22". I love that cymbal. Paid $135 for it. My buddy loves the way it sounds too. He uses Zildjian. I sold a 16" Meinl Classic that I got on sale for $80. I regret selling it. Very nice crash, sustain for days.

If you are going really old school 50's 60's hats sound the dreams are great,although as they are made with a lot of handwork there is a bit of variation between cymbals. I would want to hear them or at least a sound file of them first along with mellowed out medium weight sabian AA's or HH's,some lighter 70's early 80's Zil new beats would work too.All of these can be had in the 125.00 150.00 Range.

thanks for the tips - helps me learn & shop