480 Watts vs. 500 Watts

[Bass-4-God]

Anyone have a comparison of the GK 700RBII to the
Carvin BX500 as far as the volume goes?

[KJung]

That is a valid question, but should not be based on marketing spec watts, since different manufacturers use different testing procedures, different distortion levels, and use various power amp limiting designs, making the comparison of wattage across manufacturers a losing game.

In general, the GK stuff seems to be on the high end of their 'marketing power spec' (i.e., relatively conservatively rated). Not sure about that specific Carvin though... I know the B1500 thunders. I'm sure others will answer that.

[agreatheight]

GK 700RBII is a very loud 480. Should be plenty for nearly all apps. The Carvin I am not sure about.

[impactwrench]

Originally Posted by KJung

In general, the GK stuff seems to be on the high end of their 'marketing power spec' (i.e., relatively conservatively rated). Not sure about that specific Carvin though... I know the B1500 thunders. I'm sure others will answer that.

I dumped my "350watt" ampeg B-2R because the tone and volume of a 300 watt GK backline 600 was way more. so I agree with GK being rated conservatively compared to Ampeg. However Ive never played a carvin either. Most people say the 700RB-II is plenty loud, and a lot say the 1001RB-II is too loud.

[Bass-4-God]

Yes I know this is subjective to the listner but I just want opinons. As I explained in a previous post my church maybe moving into a new sanctuary that seats between 200 to 300 people. I may not have PA assistance so I wanted to know which one may be the best choice. Opinons are O.K. what does the majority say.

[4Mal]

pick up a used 1001 RB II from the GFS here - you'll never lack for headroom and as they are built like tanks, you don't have to worry about it taking a dive on you ...

[jnewmark]

Are you going into a 4 ohm load ? If so, I would give the nod to the GK. I've owned both and the GK, for reasons unknown to me, seems to have more of that " wump " than the Carvin did. At 8 ohms, probably a wash.

[Bass-4-God]

I will be using a 2 ohm load.

[BigOldHarry]

I predict that you will have a full-on apples/oranges experience if you tested these heads side-by-side. One is class D, one is not; One is new tech, one is not.

If I had to choose, I'd take the GK. I'm partial to them, as I have an old 400RB as a backup head.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Bass-4-God

I will be using a 2 ohm load.

I don't believe the GK amps are 2ohm safe. The Carvin is. I'd also consider the Genz Shuttle Max 12, if you have the cash... it has two separate 600 watt amps, which are perfect for driving two 4ohm cabs without getting into the 2ohm issues. It is a very lightweight, puts out at least the wump of the GK700, and higher quality than the Carvin IMO. Hard to beat that little Carvin though if you need to do 2ohms and are on a budget.

[BassmanPaul]

I use 4Ω cabinets so I looked for an amp that could handle 2Ω loads. I went with the Carvin BX1500 because it's capable of handling a 2Ω load per channel. I just run a pair of cabinets one per channel but if I wish to use all four of my cabinets I have no worries. Into a 4Ω load the amp puts out about 450W per channel.

[eastcoasteddie]

I use the BX500 @4 ohms into a pair of 1x12 cabs. It is STUPID loud. Too loud for "quiet practicing".... probably loud enough to play metal, though.

[BigOldHarry]

Originally Posted by KJung

I don't believe the GK amps are 2ohm safe. The Carvin is. I'd also consider the Genz Shuttle Max 12, if you have the cash... it has two separate 600 watt amps, which are perfect for driving two 4ohm cabs without getting into the 2ohm issues. It is a very lightweight, puts out at least the wump of the GK700, and higher quality than the Carvin IMO. Hard to beat that little Carvin though if you need to do 2ohms and are on a budget.

That amp is a whole 'nuther level of $$ - - I suspect the OP is looking for a... "Fiscally efficient" means to get his volume on, and while the GB SM1200 is a fine amp, cheap it is not.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

That amp is a whole 'nuther level of $$ - - I suspect the OP is looking for a... "Fiscally efficient" means to get his volume on, and while the GB SM1200 is a fine amp, cheap it is not.

+1, hence my 'if you have the cash' comment. If you get one during on of MF's 15% off sales, it isn't too bad.

That being said, 2ohm on a budget... Carvin it is!

[chucko58]

I cannot speak to the BX500 specifically, but Carvin has historically been a tad optimistic with their power output specs. E.g. tricks like measuring distortion at 90% of rated power.

[Bass-4-God]

Correction I meant to say a 4 ohm load, I know that the GK 700RBII does not support a 2 ohm load. Sorry about that.

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by chucko58

I cannot speak to the BX500 specifically, but Carvin has historically been a tad optimistic with their power output specs. E.g. tricks like measuring distortion at 90% of rated power.

I disagree with you 100%. ALL of my Carvin amps have met or exceeded their specified ratings. I measured them all except the BX1500. I haven't had the time to put it on the bench.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Bass-4-God

Correction I meant to say a 4 ohm load, I know that the GK 700RBII does not support a 2 ohm load. Sorry about that.

Ah.. no problem. Either head is considered a good value.