A General Amp Thread

[losergeek]

Just for fun...

 

3 Parts:

 

What amp do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

 

What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?)

 

and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you?

 

Please discuss sound, features, weight, etc...but try to be concise .

[Droplaw621]

In my rack I got a Carvin DCM 1500, Peavy Max Bass preamp, 462 sonic maximizer, Korg DTR-2 tuner, my cab is an SVT 8-10E.

 

I got the perfect sound that I love, I use a zvex wooly mammoth, and a RAT deucetone to give the heaviest distortion and fuzz ever.

 

My whole rig is super heavy, My eight space rack is all full except one space and that thing weighs about 70 pounds or somewhere around that, everbody knows how much the fridge weighs but its all worth it.

 

It takes a while to get everything dialed in, but when I get it all right the tone that comes out of the Ampeg will rip your face off.

My band, except my drummer because we are the rythem section from hell, always tell me to turn down. Sound guys hate me because I will always cheat them during soundchecks, and then I am way to loud, but my whole band does it. The only thing I need is some sort of a rack compressor, because I have always wanted one they make everything sound better to me. Also need a new bass. I get paid in a week so I'm sure I'm off to Apple Music in Portland.

[illidian]

Originally posted by losergeek Just for fun... 3 Parts: What amp do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?) and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you? Please discuss sound, features, weight, etc...but try to be concise .

 

Amp I have now: Gallien-Krueger Backline 600. I like the tone, the EQ, the reliability, and the weight. I don't like that it doesn't run two ohms, and runs four ohms loudly (only heard this, yet to try it).

 

Reasonable upgrade: Genz-Benz GBE600. Goes down to two ohms well, everyone raves about it! I haven't made the move because I don't have the money.

 

Dream amp: Haven't played enough high end amps to say.

 

 

The Backline 600 is working out great. While it doesn't have lots of headroom (~200 watts at eight ohms, it's either 210 or 180, can't remember), it has been getting the job done and has/had an attractive pricetag. With the side handle on the amp, I can get all my stuff to the gig in two loads easily: one with my amp, bass, and backpack (packed with extra cables, tuner, and my pedals); the second with my rather small cab.

[Sixgun77]

My current rig is a presonus tubepre, a ross 31 band eq and a QSC RMX 1450.

 

I love the wicked midrange and muted high end it gets running through my 4-12. I love how I can get the exact same tone in every room I take it to. I love having that wonderful warm tube sound that's still clean.

 

What I don't like is that it's not so shaky and punchy at low volume. I don't like the fact that I haven't played anywhere where I get to crank the amp up more than 1/4 of the way.

 

Reasonable upgrades: Moving to an Ashly 31 band eq and adding a Rolls tube compressor. I'm also going to have a 2-12 and a 1-18 cabinet built. That'll give me a lot more shake(70 hz and below!) while keeping a bunch of that early Stones midrange. Just waiting on the money.

 

unreasonable upgrade: I'd have fender make me the old bassman amp, only with 2 neutrik outs at 300 watts RMS each. And none of that "pull bright" crap. It'd also have a loop that was 100% wet so I could run my 31 band and compressor in it. And there would be NO DI out.

[der oxenrig]

Current Amp: Sunn Sceptre 2x6550 all-tube head. Not sure of wattage, probably between 60 & 100 watts. Damn loud, though. Great gritty sound when pushed, though bass knob must be kept at 2 or below, otherwise low end gets overwhelming for almost any cab i've tried it with (hope schroeders will solve that problem). Cab is Univox 2x15 with weber speakers. Ok cab for practice, low end doesn't project as well as i'd like.

 

Reasonable upgrade: I'm perfectly happy with my head right now, though i'd like to upgrade my cabs to a pair of Schroeder 1212s, for portability, projection, & volume.

 

Dream rig: A wall of Hiwatt CP103s, DR201s, & 4x12s. DUH.

[oldivor]

A 71' Ampeg V4-B( ), an Ampeg SVT 3 PRO(don't use the 3 alot), an Ampeg SVT 115e, and a Genz Benz LS410T.

 

A Berg 425(310 and a 115 in ine box)

 

A SVT through a berg 425 and my V-4B through a 212.

 

Or a SVT and 215 and the V-4B and a 610.

[takeout]

Current: Ampeg SVT-II. Like the tone, don't like the weight.

 

Reasonable upgrade: Trace V6 or V8, or a Peavey Classic 400 (they are, in fact lighter). A couple of Hiwatt 200s would be nice. A vintage SVT, while still weighing a ton, would sound better than my current beast, so I could live with it. I gotta have tubes. Money is the limiting factor.

 

There aren't any unreasonable ones for me. Most of the amps that are exorbitantly expensive don't have a sound I enjoy anyway.

[der oxenrig]

I'm pretty sure the Classic 400 is about 98 lbs or so, I don't think it's lighter than the SVT2

[fngob]

What amp do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

 

Well I have two amps, My practice rig is an Ampeg b100r. I like it it works and sounds good for what it is and I can use it for small gigs if need be (plus it fits in the trunk of my car). What I don't like is - no tubes....

My big rig is an Ampeg SVT CL through either the matching 4-10 cab or my Bergantino HT210 cab for smaller gigs. This setup is perfect for the old school sound that I'm into. Big, Fat, Round Thunder. What I don't like is the weight. Other then that it's what bass is supposed to sound like.

 

 

What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?)

 

I don't think there is an up grade for what I'm playing through. I saved for a long time to get the SVT and matching cab (I played with No Amp for a YEAR till I could get what I really wanted). And the b100r and the Berg 210 I got deals on.

 

 

and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you?

 

Well I feel I've got my dream amp. I knew I wanted the SVT. I tried out a bunch of other amps and knew that I wouldn't be happy with them so I played with no amp for a long time till I had the dough to get my SVT.

[gazman]

What amp do you have now?

Eden Preamp, Eden Poweramp, Eden 210.

 

What do you like about it?

Everything, the power, the versatility, the clarity, the grit, the mud, the warmth, that sweet top end, that juicy bottom and the chewy middle that we all just love.

 

What don't you like about it?

nothing. previous owner said it was too heavy, but it doenst bother me in the slightest.

 

Upgrades? ha, i don't think so. I may get an additional cab box, but at this stage im just gonna DI should the situation arise.

 

This is my dream amp, why i like it so much? I dunno maybe coz:

 

Eden Pwns All.

 

In terms of features, I'm pretty sure everyones aware of what eden has to offer. But i just leave it flat and play with the tube variance knob. and that gives me clean to grit that i need.

[nicebigstrings]

I've got an '83 Mesa Boogie D-180. It's all tube, runs about 200 watts and give me all the volume, warmth and body I need. My speaker set-up needs some work though. I've got it running into a Kroth 1x15" but I want to add a 2x10" cab. So right now I'm debating whether to get a Yorkville or an Avatar (now that they have a distributor in Canada). Suggestions?

[Darkstorm]

Mini rig is two Peavey Minx110's. Run in stereo. Excellent budget level system sound. Easy portability. No reason or desire to upgrade it.

 

Large rig is Eden Nemesis 210 combo amp and eden nemesis 115 ext cab. Excellent high end sound, excellent portability at just 42 & 32 pounds respectively. No reason or desire to upgrade it. The regular edens are way to heavy and the small diff in sound has me favoring the Nemesis line sound wise too.

 

Zoom Proccessors. Would like to see Zoom come out with new bass processors at elast comprable to the player 3000B. But the gfx3 & gfx5 make good bass processors too as alt to my player3000.

[BEAD]

What amp do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

 

Now I have a Fender Bassman 300. I like how loud and wooly it is. I get quite a bit of tonal variation, but nothing terrible clean. The clean tone is very warm. I have more EQ knobs than I need, which is nice. I like how loud it is a lot. Dislikes: It's heavy, but I don't really mind. I'm trying, but I can't think of anything I don't like about this amp... or any feature it feel it lacks.

 

What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?)

 

As far as reasonable upgrades... I don't think there is one. I coulda bought a vintage SVT for this price. While some day I might buy a second tube amp just to have another (Orange... Marshall... ) or a sterile accurate dealio for jazz type gigs or something when I'm 40, right now I have no reason to swap amps.

 

and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you?

 

I think my reasonable upgrade stuff already covered some unrealistic territory. I guess I could go even more unrealistic now, but I don't think I'll bother.

 

Please discuss sound, features, weight, etc...but try to be concise .

[T. Alan Smith]

What amp do you have now?

 

SWR 350.

 

 

What do you like about it?

 

Simple-n-elegant.

 

 

What don't you like about it?

 

Not quite enough power.

 

 

What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade?

 

Well, if I were to get another hybrid, I'd give serious consideration to the Mesa Big Block 750, SWR 750, and the Genz Benz 600. However, what I plan on doing is simply adding an all tube amp like an SVT or Mesa 400+ to the 'collection.'

 

 

Why?

 

More power, fine balance of simplicity & elegance('cept I understand the GBE600 is pretty flexable and the Mesa's pushin' it in the too many knobs catagory). However, I know the sound of the SWR, the rep of the Mesa, and the sound as well as the customer service of the GenzB. Simply adding an all tube amp will take care of all my power concerns as well as offer my the tube color w/o giving up my hybrid. FWIW, I also plan on adding an all-tranny like a classic GK800RB to my collection some day. I want to have the best representation of each- all tranny/all tube/hybrid.

After all, these are all just colors in the ol' crayon box. It's all about inspiration.

 

 

Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?)

 

Yeah, money...but I'm not in a situation where more power is necessary yet either.

 

 

and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you?

 

See above.

[BEAD]

(I'm going to do this again... but with my cabs

 

What cab do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

 

sunn 215 - folded horn 2x15. I like how warm it is. It's really, really warm. It sort of sits under the mix in most situations, even though I can make it a bit brighter in a pinch. Dislikes: I wish I could fit it in my car. I wish it had a greater power handling than 300 watts. I wish the speakers that were in it were better suited for the cab (there are a few notes I can play that will peak the volume a bit more).

 

eden 210 xst I like how low it goes, and how articulate it stays. I like that it comes with a horn. I like how portable it is, and how loud it is for a 2x10. It's loud enough to gig with alone, which is important. Dislikes: on some level I wish it was a 4x10. in loud situations I catch myself wanting to turn up too high with too much bass in my signal. The speakers will say "ouch" instead of making sweet loud bass sounds. This is my only issue with this 2x10 though... it is perfect for what I use it for: to hear an articulate reproduction of my bass tone from atop my 2x15.

 

What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?)

 

I've fiddled with the idea of swapping a high end replacement for my 2x15... something that would fit in my car, handle more power, something. While I may someday go for this, the 2x15 I have now has so much character... I can't imagine not using it. I guess a reasonable upgrade would be to pick up two bag end 15s to replace it. I can't think of anything to replace the 210 xst.

 

and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you?

 

unreasonable? fine. I want a bag end bassault for lows and a sunn 4x15 for wool.

[L. Ron Hoover]

Originally posted by losergeek Just for fun... 3 Parts: What amp do you have now? What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? What amp do you think would be a reasonable upgrade? Why? Why haven't you made the move yet? (Money? Don't really think it's necessary? Space?) and What's your unreasonable upgrade or "dream" amp? What makes it especially worthy to you? Please discuss sound, features, weight, etc...but try to be concise .

 

1) 1976 Ampeg SVT, Bergantino NV-610.

2) Best bass amp on the planet. It's just got that sound. Loud, punchy, lots of grindy midrange..... It always sits perfectly in the mix.

3) It's pretty damned heavy, but the sound is totally worth it.

 

Upgrade? There is no upgrade from this (IMO and all that..), except maybe a second cabinet, maybe an NV-215.

[bassplayinguy]

What amp do you have now?

Ampeg SVT IV-Pro into an Eden 410XLT

 

What do you like about it?

Its got the ampeg CL tone (somewhat) while still maintaining more punch and clarity/sharpness than a full SVT CL

 

What don't you like about it?

the fact that the power amp is busted on it right now and needs to be repaired (sucks but i havent been able to send it out to get repaired yet, its been sitting in my basement collecting dust, ive been using an SVT-CL in the meantime)

 

Upgrades? Probably an SVT-II or maybe just a newer IV, i like the way it sounds now, i played an SVT-II last weekend at a gig and it sounded great (thru an Ampeg Pro4x10). But i wouldnt mind adding a Eden 2x12 to my cab setup, they would kick some serious ass together

[Benjamin]

Now:

Trace Elliott AH300 SM-7 into a custom 600W 4x10 @ 4ohm.

 

Likes:

Good professional tone with great variation. Clear and punchy yet nice and warm enough. Great features, compression, DI and useable EQ. The cab is deep for a 4x10, with great punch, a really nice match for the amp.

 

Dislikes:

Not quite warm and grindy enough. Could do with a little more power. I dislike nothing about the cab, other than the cheaper Motorola piezo horn I used, with no attenuator. If more solid state amps could go to 2 ohm I wouldn't be lamenting the decision to go 4 ohm on my cab, that way I could pair two.

 

Upgrade:

I would go for a Trace Elliot V6/V8 and another clone of my 4x10. In the meantime possibly an Ashdown EVO II 500.

[Tlaloc]

Now:

Peavey Deltabass into homemade 1x12 cab.

 

Likes:

this is probably one of the most portable setups I have ever had. Pretty decent sound, very smooth with a nice hint of punch. loud enough to keep up with a drummer or a guitarist (i dont know about both though...). Doesnt have 4 million useless knobs. Volume, 3 band eq with mid shift, and contour. just enough tone shaping.

 

Dislikes:

the cab doesnt have a front grill, so it looks a bit shady, but that will be solved eventually. It's probably not exactly loud enough, because I want it to be loud enough so I dont have to play my fingers out when jamming with a guitarist and a drummer.

 

Upgrade:

I'm going to build another cab to go with it. As a head upgrade, I was thinking either a Firebass or a GK 800 RB.

[J.]

Fender BXR300C

Pros: Loud, reliable, simple, easy to use

Cons: Big and heavy, mediocre tone

 

Behringer Ultrabass BX1200

Pros: Cheap, portable

Cons: Not loud enough, lame low end response

 

Peavey Mark VIII XP

Pros: Loud, decent tone, tons of features

Cons: Heavy

 

Music Man 1x15 cab w/Zomax 15

Pros: Light and portable for a 15 cab

Cons: No extended lows

 

My dream rig right now is a Genz Benz NeoX400 combo with matching extension cab. It would do it all - portability, great tone, flexibility, etc

[MageZ]

1. Ampeg SVT-200t. (bought from My Bass In Your Face, whou bought it from Rippin' Robin).

 

+: very nice sound, good EQ, reliability, design

 

-: not the most powerfull 350W amp, weight, single top hande

 

 

Eden 210t cab

 

+: warm, tight, punchy, articulated, loud

-: a bit more low end would be nice (but it's still great for a small 2x10: cab)

 

 

2. I would swap it for SVT-3 Pro without any hestiation - more power, less weight and tubes in pre-amp. Or used Trace Elliot. But I think Genz-Benze GBE600 would be better choice.

 

But I'm 100% satyfied with my current amp, I don't anything ampwise right now. And also I don't have the money and GB doesn't have distributor here.

 

I would love to add Eden 210 XLT or 212 XLT cab to my 210t.

 

3. Genz Benz GBE 1200. {censored}load of power, cool design. Ampeg SVTCL/SVT II-PRo or Trace Elliot V-6/V-8. I would kick the new 1000w Trace Elliot from my rig either.

 

 

For the Genz Benz I would go with GB6x10" cab, for the rest with Edens, or Ampeg cabs.

[Markee]

I have a SWR 4004 sitting on top of a 4ohm 15" Avatar. This is my practice rig and will suffice for gigging until I upgrade to a GBE600 or GK RB800 and 4X10. And, the SWR/Avatar sounds really warm and deep.

 

I'm an old school player and have no desire to play like Victor Wooten though he sure is fun to watch and listen to.

 

I like my practice rig just fine. I could build an all tube amp if I chose but I can't see/hear a reason to go to that extreme. The good gear today does such a marvelous job.

 

Happy 4th! Cheers

[BEAD]

bump

[jpo259]

Current Amps:

 

SWR SM-400

QSC PLX-3402

QSC RMX-850

Demeter HBP-1 Preamp

Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro

 

Cabs:

Aguilar GS-212, 2 ea.

Avatar B210 w/ new crossover

Avatar SB112 w/ new crossover

 

Genz-Benz M Line 200 112T combo

 

I can't think of anything that I don't like about this junk*. I use the Demeter and either one of the QSC amps with one or two of these cabs depending on the gig. I use my old SWR with one cab (any one of the above) at smaller gigs. THe amps' I have range in power, depending on weather I use them bridged or stereo, from 430W to 1100W. All my cabs' are 4 ohm, too. All this gives me PLENTY of flexability when it comes to power and headroom. All depends on the gig.

 

With this stuff, I get GREAT tone and clarity!! And that little Genz-Benz combo is great for small gigs!! And, I have been using the POD Pro with either poweramp and various cabs' for over two years. I have the FBV Shortboard for it, and it is fun to use, and has more tone and effect options than I'll ever use!!! So, with no major dislikes at all, ......

 

.......I have no dislikes to report!!

 

Upgrade??? Nah. Don't have any incentive at all to get anymore gear. The stuff I have can handle any gig I curently have and any concieveable gig in the future. I don't chase after the newest thing. I most certainly don't NEED anything else. Im my mind, I have any concieveable gig covered: POD to house, combo w/ DI, SWR w/ one Avatar cab, Dem./QSC w/ two Aggie cabs. Dem./QSC w/ both Avatar cabs for a KILLER smallish stack!!!

 

Even if I had money lying around, I don't have any desire to spend anymore on gear. At least not on amp gear. Might get a really nice DI like a Radial or Avalon. But definately no more amps'/cabs'. Well, on the other hand, I HAVE been thinking of replacing the SWR with a Genz-Benz 600! Mainly because I've had that SWR since I got it new in 1989. It's beat. It runs hot as f*-%!!!!. And GB 600s' look cool!!!!! No, really, after using that little GB combo, I am really digging GB EQ ability on their amps. I just might................................

 

And that's it.

 

 

* On re-reading my post, I see that I DO have a problem with my old SWR!!!!!!

[SunRaFan]

Have :

 

SWR 750

 

I've had it for a little more than 5 years as my only rig and up until now it's been completely reliable. It's been giving me problems lately, but assuming I can get that worked out I don't see getting a new amp.

 

If I did it would probably be an all-tube ampeg, but they are so heavy that I doubt it will ever happen.

 

While trying to figure out what's going on with my 750, I've been playing through a Sansamp RBI -> QSC power amp setup. It sounds okay, but not as good as the SWR.