$500 in my pocket...

APR Larry · #1 03-05-2011, 02:13 PM

...and I'm looking for a new amp head. I have a Hartke HA3500 and I feel that it's enough to drive my 4ohm 410 or 215, but not both at once, and I've never been overly thrilled with the sound anyway. (I play a G&L SB-2 and a Ric 4003 and prefer a growly, high-end sound.)

So I'm looking at 3 amp heads and trying to A) decide which will give me the sound I'm looking for and B) make sure it will be enough to drive both cabinets should the need arise.

I'm trying to decide between
Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II
Peavey Tour 700
Acoustic B600H

Does anyone have any endorsements or warnings about any of them? I appreciate your feedback.

tombowlus · #2 03-05-2011, 02:18 PM

If you like a growly, high-end tone, I would definitely check out GK. If possible, try both the 700RB-II and the MB500.

gjbassist · #3 03-05-2011, 02:21 PM

So you need something that will go to 2 Ohms? The Peavey is only going to go down to a 4 Ohm load. Don't know about the others. Look at Carvin amps like the BX500. It will handle a 2 Ohm load no problem,

Hawaii Islander · #4 03-05-2011, 02:23 PM

Your only option out of the three amps is the Acoustic 600H. It is the only head on your list that operates at 2 ohm minimum load. The other amps have a minimum load of 4-ohms.

SurferJoe46 · #5 03-05-2011, 02:26 PM

The Acoustic B-600H is 2Ω capable.

I have one - love it and it's the right price. Sometimes I run 2x B-410s on it or a B-810 and a B-410 at the same time.

Lots of power and lots of EQ-ability.

With a stompable/switchable notch filter and standby mode too, it's very nice to use in live performances.

I like mine - but that's gonna get some heat from the Ampeg/SVT guys. Never been a big fan of those other amps until the get really large and big watts.

I see some Carvins going back for trade-ins - a lot.

Rockmusician · #6 03-05-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

If you like a growly, high-end tone, I would definitely check out GK. If possible, try both the 700RB-II and the MB500.

+1

Floyd Eye · #7 03-05-2011, 02:28 PM

Find a cheap used power amp that has appropriate wattage ratings at 2 ohms and then buy a SansAmp. I play my Ric almost exclusively and prefer the same tone you describe and I am real happy with my RBI.

tombowlus · #8 03-05-2011, 02:32 PM

Ah, if you want/need to drive both 4-ohm cabs at the same time, then I'd be on the lookout for a used GK 2001RB.

LiamPodmore · #9 03-05-2011, 02:34 PM

The OP Says "4 ohm 410 OR 215 but not both at once" so he only needs a 4 ohm load. Personally, out of those 2 i would go for the Ashdown, but i do have a love for Ashdown gear. You wont go wrong with the Peavey either, especially if you want an indestructible amp.

Liam

Pollinator95 · #10 03-05-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiamPodmore

The OP Says "4 ohm 410 OR 215 but not both at once" so he only needs a 4 ohm load. Personally, out of those 2 i would go for the Ashdown, but i do have a love for Ashdown gear. You wont go wrong with the Peavey either, especially if you want an indestructible amp.

Liam

He then goes on (in another post) that he might run them both at once at times.

Bongofour · #11 03-05-2011, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

If you like a growly, high-end tone, I would definitely check out GK. If possible, try both the 700RB-II and the MB500.

Oh yes. GKMB500F

Floyd Eye · #12 03-05-2011, 02:45 PM

He says exactly that in the very first sentence in this thread.

LiamPodmore · #13 03-05-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pollinator95

He then goes on (in another post) that he might run them both at once at times.

Ah yeah, i must've skimmed over that bit. I stand corrected.

Liam

APR Larry · #14 03-05-2011, 04:20 PM

I meant to say (and I apologize for the confusion) that the Hartke can handle the 410 or 215, but not both at once. I do anticipate possibly running both at the same time in the future. I used to have a vintage Acoustic 200 or 250w and I loved it; the 600 might be the way to go. I guess I thought that I would need more than 600 watts to run two cabinets...

SurferJoe46 · #15 03-05-2011, 04:26 PM

I fill 40-acre BBQs and barn dances with the B-600H or even the B-450 combo with a pair of 410s or just the B-810 - so I don't think you'd need more than the 600Watts it has at 2Ω.

I don't think The Beatles had that much power at Shea.

JimmyM · #16 03-06-2011, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

I fill 40-acre BBQs and barn dances with the B-600H or even the B-450 combo with a pair of 410s or just the B-810 - so I don't think you'd need more than the 600Watts it has at 2Ω.

I don't think The Beatles had that much power at Shea.

nobody could hear them, either

SurferJoe46 · #17 03-06-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

nobody could hear them, either

Yeah - I wish I had 60,000 girls screaming for my bod too.