***What amp should I get for my (soon to be) AVATAR 153

StolenSpector · #1 06-16-2011, 10:54 PM

I'm getting a 1 cab rig and I need suggestions on what amp I should to use with my 4ohm AVATAR 153. I play a wide variety of music.

I need enough power to drive the 4ohm 153 and thats it (I'm not planning on expanding the rig in the future).

Looking to keep the purchase under $600.

Thanks a ton for your input it's all so helpful!

JimmyM · #2 06-16-2011, 11:07 PM

If I were in the market and could only spend $600, I'd probably go for an Ampeg PF500, and have a couple hundy left over.

okcrum · #3 06-17-2011, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

If I were in the market and could only spend $600, I'd probably go for an Ampeg PF500, and have a couple hundy left over.

+1.

lomo · #4 06-17-2011, 04:20 AM

GK MB500.

philter25 · #5 06-17-2011, 06:25 AM

Depends on the tone you are looking for. Any of the micro heads that put out 500-600 watts at 4 ohms would work well.

PF500, MB500, Shuttle 6.0, LMIII, F1, 700-RBII, WTX500, MAG 600H, Promethean, TC BH500, Carvin BX500, etc.

Or if you are willing to go used, then that opens up a world of possibilities.

Some of the above amps can go to 2 ohms, just in case you change your mind and want to expand the rig in the future, (which I cant personally imagine the need for).

jeff7bass · #6 06-17-2011, 08:53 AM

Since you play a “wide variety of music”, I would suggest top choices would be GB Shuttle, Carvin BX500, MB LM-III, or GK 700RBII.
Also, since Avatar offers deals on the GB amps with every purchase of a cab, I would lean towards the Shuttle. Many positives about GB amps. Great quality, somewhat transparent tone (flat), great service, versatile EQ.

tdub0199 · #7 06-17-2011, 08:54 AM

GK 700RB II

Doug Parent · #8 06-17-2011, 09:38 AM

Used Carvin B1500 for $450.

Sundogue · #9 06-17-2011, 10:02 AM

Carvin BX1500

$599. All the power (1500 watts bridged into 4 ohms) and tone control (Graphic and Parametric EQ's) you could ever want or need, all in a 10 lb. package.

rpsands · #10 06-17-2011, 11:22 AM

Think about the new Fender rumbles too. Pretty good price (350 or so with a coupon for the higher wattage version). They sound pretty damned good given the like 2 minutes I got to spend.

Amazon.com: Fender Rumble 350 Bass Amplifier Head: Musical Instruments

RickenBoogie · #11 06-17-2011, 11:27 AM

Pretty much, it's all a matter of personal preference. You can listen to what OUR picks may be, or you can go out, play some amps, and pick one based on YOUR goals. There is no right/wrong answer, only what YOU like.

jmercer91 · #12 06-17-2011, 11:36 AM

i'd try and stretch for a traynor yba 200

pbass2 · #13 06-17-2011, 11:43 AM

Get a used LMII--they can be had super cheap. Very versatile, simple no-nonsense controls, and tough(at least mine has taken some extended beatings and always comes back swinging. You'll have enough left over for some high quality cables, and a VT for those "tubey" gigs . . .

wardak · #14 07-21-2011, 10:34 PM

I'm powering mine with a GK RB 1001 mk ii, and Tech 21 VT pedal. It loves it. I also have an E210XST paired up with it, and with that the most I've ever needed is about 9 o'clock on the master (flat EQ, noon on the other levels)--with hard-hitting drummer and plenty-loud guitarist asking for the bass to be "turned down just a little"

You might never need to add a cab to your single 153. I'm hoping for an outdoor gig to "need" what I have, haha. As a recommendation, maybe the VT pedal and a GK 700 or 800--you should have some $ to spare after that if you go used.

Slackerprince · #15 07-21-2011, 11:17 PM

PF-500 or Streamliner 600 on sale.
Both would be decent choices.

S

babebambi · #16 07-22-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Parent

Used Carvin B1500 for $450.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundogue

Carvin BX1500

$599. All the power (1500 watts bridged into 4 ohms) and tone control (Graphic and Parametric EQ's) you could ever want or need, all in a 10 lb. package.

or the B2000

jeff7bass · #17 07-22-2011, 09:14 AM

The Ampeg PF-500 is a very good choice. So is the Carvin BX500 and the Markbass Little MKIII.
For a bit more money the GB Shuttle 6.0 is great. You could have purchased the package deal from Avatar for the GB when you bought the TB153. Great option there.
Yes the Carvin B2000 is a great amp and gives you the option of adding a second 4 ohm TB153 because it operates at 2 ohms!
Now Kustom even has a cool little micro and it's getting the ravs here at TalkBass!

BurningSkies · #18 07-22-2011, 09:17 AM

I personally would be looking at heads in the above 500w range 600-1000w. Not because you need that much power, but because that cab can stay clean and clear at very loud volumes, so you might as well get an amp that CAN do that if you need.

Handyman · #19 07-22-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

If I were in the market and could only spend $600, I'd probably go for an Ampeg PF500, and have a couple hundy left over.

I tried one a couple of weeks ago, and really liked it. Hell of a deal for $400. If you want something with more power, the Carvin BX1500 is $600, and can do 1500W at 4 Ohms. Its also 2 Ohm tolerant, if you every want to get REALLY loud and add a second cab.

500W is more than I'd ever need, but some folks can never have enough power.

4Mal · #20 07-22-2011, 10:44 AM

I liked the GK voice with that cab. Neutral with a slight scoop seems very close to what I want right out of the box. As I don't need truly gonzo volume, I would pick the MB500 and save the size & weight. A 700 RB II or 1001 RB II would do the trick as well though.