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Bass amp versatility/performance/Value


bass_n_drums

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are there reliability issues with the GK heads? I hear mix stories.

 

 

The stories are probably about the Backline series or their cabs.

 

I havn't heard of anything more than a broken fan from a 6 hour jam sesh since they released them.

I mean everything has a possibility of being a lemon but I highly doubt the frequency of a GK lemon

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I use and am a big fan of the new Fender Pro series (400 and 800). I havent treid the newset ones with the tube pre's, but if they really are the TBP1 with the Pro series power amps, they probably kick serious butt.

 

I've liked the GKs i've played, but the Fender is warmer to my ears. I prefer an amp to have "the sound" when I plug in with everything flat, and the 800 Pro does just that. but YMMV :)

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So GK has "fixed" their problems and all is forgiven but Carvin, who's putting out the best bang for buck gear in the world right now, gets branded for life? I see...

As a mutliple time GK, Carvin, and Peavey owner I can tell you without hesitation that two great amps in the 600 to 700 dollar range right now are the Carvin BX1200, a truly bi-ampable head with two 600w amps (RMS), and the B1500, a 1200 RMS amp (@ 4 ohms) which would be an excellent amp at twice the cost.

I sold my GK 700RB for the BX1200 and it was a complete and total upgrade in every way except for the weight, it is heavier. It is however more versatile than any head I have ever played (or even seen) because you can dial up two completely different sounds using two different cabs.

Imagine this if you will. Run the BX1200 in X-Over mode so you can dial in AMP1 to send all the lows to your 15" cab. You control the cutoff freq with one knob. Add a distortion to EFFECT loop 2 so the distortion only goes to your second cab, a 2x10, which is controlled by AMP2. Now you have fat, clean lows coming out of the 15" cab and distortion coming out of the 210, each of which YOU control the volume because each has it's own AMP. When you have the perfect balance, use the MASTER for overall volume.

If you only have one cab, say an 8x10, the BX1200 can be set to full power by flipping the BRIDGE mode switch and you'll be pushing 1200w RMS into your 4 ohm cab.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't know of any other amp that can do all of this. If there are some, I'm sure they are very expensive and I'd be surprised if they sounded this good.

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Depending on my finances in the near future, I'm snagging a Titan V12 or the M6. Both really killer amps!

 

 

I hear ya.

I used to be dead-set on the V12 as my next choice, but the M6 seems just downright badass, and the M9 is getting a power upgrade plus some additional features from other amps in their line.

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For me...

#1= MarkBass LMII

#2= GK 800RB(not the headroom of the LMII)

#3= Boogie M6(bit more pricey)

#4= Carvin B1500(QC/CS rep?)

 

In the end, the LMII was the clear winner for me.

The 800RB is a classic, simple & elegant, great all tranny sound, musical EQ...only a bit shy on the headroom, by today's standards, that is.

The M6 is a bit more $$, but you get all Boogie quality, all the way around.

The Carvin looks great, feels great, and most importantly, sounds great. They've had not only quality control problems in the past, but customer service as well. Really, that's the only reason I put them last.

 

The Genz Benz Shuttle could be on this list as well, but I've yet to try it. Hell, if you can't find one of these that rocks your boat, your one nitpicky SOB.

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how does the ampeg svt 3 pro compare to the ones mentioned aboved? The reviews seem to be better than the GK.

 

The 3-Pro is the epitome of "meh".

 

I've had to "use" 2 or 3 in my lifetime as interim amps.

 

Immediately look away. ;)

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The 3-Pro is the epitome of "meh".


I've had to "use" 2 or 3 in my lifetime as interim amps.


Immediately look away.
;)

 

I have to agree. There are better solid state power heads available for that $$$. The 3Pro'll do the job...and paired with the right cab, it could be part of a decent sounding rig. It all depends on if you really dig its sound and the remainder of the signal chain(cab, instrument).

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So GK has "fixed" their problems and all is forgiven but Carvin, who's putting out the best bang for buck gear in the world right now, gets branded for life? I see...

As a mutliple time GK, Carvin, and Peavey owner I can tell you without hesitation that two great amps in the 600 to 700 dollar range right now are the Carvin BX1200, a truly bi-ampable head with two 600w amps (RMS), and the B1500, a 1200 RMS amp (@ 4 ohms) which would be an excellent amp at twice the cost.

I sold my GK 700RB for the BX1200 and it was a complete and total upgrade in every way except for the weight, it is heavier. It is however more versatile than any head I have ever played (or even seen) because you can dial up two completely different sounds using two different cabs.

Imagine this if you will. Run the BX1200 in X-Over mode so you can dial in AMP1 to send all the lows to your 15" cab. You control the cutoff freq with one knob. Add a distortion to EFFECT loop 2 so the distortion only goes to your second cab, a 2x10, which is controlled by AMP2. Now you have fat, clean lows coming out of the 15" cab and distortion coming out of the 210, each of which YOU control the volume because each has it's own AMP. When you have the perfect balance, use the MASTER for overall volume.

If you only have one cab, say an 8x10, the BX1200 can be set to full power by flipping the BRIDGE mode switch and you'll be pushing 1200w RMS into your 4 ohm cab.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't know of any other amp that can do all of this. If there are some, I'm sure they are very expensive and I'd be surprised if they sounded this good.

 

 

Well GK had one major issue with the 1001's almost 10 years back and has since produced nothing but quality with the US amp lines. They are, more or less, known for putting out amps of decent quality.

 

Carvin has put nothing but {censored} out for at least the last 10 years, they aren't known for quality bass amplification and just now started to put good stuff out apparently. This is the reason they still carry the stigma.

 

 

My choice is the GK Fusion 550, or you could wait for the 1050 which should be out fairly soon. I honestly can't see any situation that the Fusion 550 couldn't handle. It's louder than hell.

 

 

Dan

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