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Most reliable SS or hybrid amp (by brand)


NeonVomit

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Posted

Right, I'm gonna upgrade from my GK 400RB in the next few months and I want to play around with some options.

 

My number one concern above all is reliability. The amount of cash I'm willing to spend should guarantee a good sound.

 

I've heard mixed comments about Ashdown and GK, which is disappointing because those are the two main brands I'm looking at (an ABM or Klystron from Ashdown, and a 1001RB from GK)

 

In this forum's vast amount of pooled experience, which is the most reliable brand? I'm looking for something over 500watts and below 1000.

 

I'll want a head that will pair well with my Ashdown ABM 2x10 and 4x10 cabs (total power handling 900 watts @ 4ohms)

 

Price isn't really too much of an issue but stuff like Mesa is out of my range sadly.

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Posted

If my Markbass doesn't keep working for the rest of my natural life, I'll be very cross indeed.:mad:

 

(So far so good incidentally);)

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Posted

I'm not voting, since I think a few of those listed are quite reliable...and you missed a few others. Mesa and Aguilar!!!

 

Of those listed, my top picks would be GK and Markbass.

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Posted

 

I'm not voting, since I think a few of those listed are quite reliable...and you missed a few others. Mesa and Aguilar!!!


Of those listed, my top picks would be GK and Markbass.

 

 

Mesa and Aguilar are out of my price range sadly.

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Posted

 

Mesa and Aguilar are out of my price range sadly.

 

 

Are you looking for something different sounding than the GK, or just an upgrade?

 

Personally, I'd go with the GK again, but if you don't like the tone you've got now...

 

What's the deal for your new amp???

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Posted

280watts just isn't cutting it anymore :D

 

Yeah, I like the GK sound, but to be honest I'm not uber-picky. As long as it sounds good and is loud! Anyway, sound is something I can go into a store with my bass and test out first hand.

 

I was thinking about a 1001RB or an Ashdown since I'm familiar with both and like them, but I've just heard of some reliability problems. And since it's highly likely my new head will see heavy use and will potentially be taken touring, I want something reliable above all.

 

Price isn't a massive issue, I'm aiming for buying it in Febuary, but Mesa is waaay expensive, as is Eden and Aguilar.

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Posted

Peavey may not have the best tone out there, but they'll never let you down.

 

GK strikes me as pretty reliable, too-I certainly hope so, since I've got one coming to me soon. :D

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Posted

Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity.

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Posted

Pft I can't believe theres been this many posts and no one has suggested it. Everyone knows HC is the mouthpiece of this company :p. And its not in your damn poll!! BOLAG I SAY!

 

Genz Benz. GBE750. or the 1200 if you dare. End of poll, no need to look further :)

 

 

EDIT: DAMMIT T. Alan you beat me, bastage :mad:. Overseas or otherwise, GB's customer service is second to none in foreign countries. And as far as I know, theres been barely anyone on here who has had a problem with one

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Posted

 

Walter Woods! Only amps I've had in the last 27 yrs. Not one problem with either of them, ever. Of course, very expensive.

 

 

what's up OT, long time no see!!

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Posted

in my experience, my '94 Mesa M2000 has about 1500 or so shows on her an not even a hiccup. Second by my Peavey gear.

 

My Ampeg, GK and Hartke were all in the shop at some point in their ownership. The Ampeg and Hartke were the reason I dropped the coin on the Mesa - I NEEDED reliability at that time. the GK 400rbIII was bought for size and weight to take the place of the Mesa in small venues. it was a problematic SOB

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Posted

How can your poll not have MESA or GENZ BENZ on it?

 

Price/availability issues :D

 

Need to track down the Peavey dealer here, see what their latest heads say...

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Posted

Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity.

 

EBS is up there with Aguilar and Mesa.

 

Edit: Actually not quite there. I thought they were though :confused: Maybe the prices went down a bit?

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Posted

Yeah, I suppose you can't go wrong with Peavey. I was just shooting for something a little closer to home for you just in case you needed CS. Peavey's Tour Series 700 head was a very nice head tho.

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Posted

 

Since reliability is your top priority, if you were here in the States, I'd say Genz Benz, but since your in Europe, I'd say Markbass. What about EBS? I know you want more power, but you absolutely cannot go wrong going quality over quantity.

 

 

Hmm, EBS are hard to find in this remote, godforsaken corner of the EU, and I can't find an online dealer. I'll keep searching though.

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Posted

Stop being cheap! Get up off the sock and spend the money!

 

I just bought a Warwick and an ABM4x10 :D I've also gotta save up cash for my postgrad studies which commence next year. It's amazing I still have GAS after all that!

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