750 Watt head... how "loud" or powerful is it?

[SteveHeissner]

I own the GK RB1001 II and love it. I also have an Ampeg SVT 7 PRO. Both amps are pretty close volume wise, although the tones are different. I never have to turn the volume on my GK more than 50% up. I highly recommend the GK. Good luck!

[BassSurfer]

Originally Posted by KJung

Did not mean for this to get into personalities, etc.

I think the thread has run its course. Sorry to those (including JimmyM) if my 'trying to provide more accurate info' to the OP was a bit heavy handed.

Not a problem Ken. This is the problem with the internet sometimes. You just can't tell the way a question, statement, or response is presented or said. No hard feelings sir.

[Jack]

This is one of the major problems with TB and it's not our fault. Amps are marketed and sold on power in the same way cars are sold on horsepower, like it's the single most important thing. It can be important, but usually it's not even in the top 5 most important things.

We sit and talk about watts all day and and they're not really that important and even if they were as has been mentioned there are so many other variables that it's a pointless minefield.

But then, what would we talk about on a bass forum?

[FretlessMainly]

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

The 1001RB-II is rated @ 700 watts @ 4 ohms - not 750 watts (reckon by the wattage of the main or woofer amp - not the combined wattage, including the integrated tweeter amp). Same deal with the 700RB-II: Its rating is 480 watts @ 4 ohms - not 530 watts.

Either of those two RB amps, with either a single 8-ohm GK Neo 2x12 cab, or two of them, makes one fine rock rig - at one of the most competitive price points anywhere. If they haven't both become classics by now, they soon will be.

The 700RB-II will allow you to drive the power stage harder, at any given volume point, in order to yield a little dirtier, snarlier, growlier tone - but won't offer as much headroom. The 1001RB-II stays cleaner - but offers more headroom. Both of 'em get LOUD. Really loud.

Yep. I have a 700RB II with an 8-ohm Neo 2x12. Thus, the head is pushing 320W and that puppy is more than loud enough for any club I've played around Boston. For something bigger, I have an 8-ohm 1x12 that I run in parallel w/ the 2x12 which splits the full 480W between the two cabs.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by georgestrings

IMO, Ken is pretty much always on the mark - Jimmy is entertaining at times...

- georgestrings

I'm always on the mark, too. You're all just jealous that I can gig with practice amps

[wcriley]

The difference between 450 and 700 watts would only be noticeable if the amps are pushed to, or near, their limits.

I think most bass players would be surprised at how little power they're actually using after the attack phase of the envelope (which only lasts a few milliseconds) has passed. I laugh when I read/hear a bass player talk about needing huge power "for the headroom", then goes on to add that he/she uses a 1- or 2- knob compressor to squash the attack.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by wcriley

The difference between 450 and 700 watts would only be noticeable if the amps are pushed to, or near, their limits.

I think most bass players would be surprised at how little power they're actually using after the attack phase of the envelope (which only lasts a few milliseconds) has passed. I laugh when I read/hear a bass player talk about needing huge power "for the headroom", then goes on to add that he/she uses a 1- or 2- knob compressor to squash the attack.

Ya, really!

[B-string]

Originally Posted by wcriley

The difference between 450 and 700 watts would only be noticeable if the amps are pushed to, or near, their limits.

I think most bass players would be surprised at how little power they're actually using after the attack phase of the envelope (which only lasts a few milliseconds) has passed. I laugh when I read/hear a bass player talk about needing huge power "for the headroom", then goes on to add that he/she uses a 1- or 2- knob compressor to squash the attack.

Come on Bill you gotta have something for that compressor to do after spending the cash

[4stringsrenough]

I use a rb700rbII and play in a loud rock band and never run it past 9 o'clock lots of head room also run it thru a 410 mbx gk cab Hope thus helps you make your decision

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by KJung

Did not mean for this to get into personalities, etc.

I think the thread has run its course. Sorry to those (including JimmyM) if my 'trying to provide more accurate info' to the OP was a bit heavy handed.

Just admit that even though we have polar opposite tastes that I'm a genius and all is forgiven

[wcriley]

B-string,
I haven't used a compressor in my instrument chain since I stopped playing skinny-string 15 years ago.

The only compressors I currently use are in my PA rack...and two of those are for downward expansion.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Just admit that even though we have polar opposite tastes that I'm a genius and all is forgiven

In your own special way, you are the definition of genius

When I finally get that SVT 7Pro, you will be not only genius in the general sense, but the true 'genius king of bassdom'

[MEKer]

OK, OP---------just get the 700 watter and don't look back. Match it up to the GK cab(s)rated for it and that deliver the tone you like best and be happy. Consider the first bucks you gig-make as getting your dough back from not getting the less costly 480 watter.

Will you have a great rig..Yes. Will the amp size satisfy your bass manliness...Yes.

Then save some bucks and get the best practice amp you can (Not a Fender Rumble, please) on the side.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by KJung

In your own special way, you are the definition of genius

When I finally get that SVT 7Pro, you will be not only genius in the general sense, but the true 'genius king of bassdom'

You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I'm always on the mark, too. You're all just jealous that I can gig with practice amps

IMO, you impart alot of good knowledge - but I wouldn't say "always on the mark", sorry... I'll readily admit that many of your gigs sound like great fun - but I'm not the least bit jealous of your volume situation, tbh...


- georgestrings

[B-string]

Originally Posted by wcriley

B-string,
I haven't used a compressor in my instrument chain since I stopped playing skinny-string 15 years ago.

The only compressors I currently use are in my PA rack...and two of those are for downward expansion.

PA rack is only place I have used one

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by KJung

Again, trying to answer his question regarding if the higher powered model is 'louder' than the lower power model. I did not see in his post that he has chosen a cab yet, so again, trying to provide information regarding the unfortunate real answer that 'it depends, based on the cabinet you eventually choose'. No free lunch, since there is more weight and size and money involved.

If he chooses a relatively high efficiency, tightly voiced 4ohm 410, the answer is most likely 'don't waste your money on the heavier, higher powered unit, it will matter very little'. If he chooses a deeply voiced 8ohm 412 cab, the answer is 'ABSOLUTELY choose the higher powered head etc., etc., etc.

Again, trying to put some of the other posts in context on this thread, where posters are saing 'well, I have a 300 watt amp and only run the master on 3 and it is plenty!. It can be helpful (I hope) for others and also those who post that kind of stuff to have a basic understanding of why that sort of information can be quite misleading to an OP who is trying to figure this out and has a limited amount of funds and a limited choice of options. Many posters don't really understand this stuff, and hopefully appreciate a bit more detailed info on the relationship between master volume setting, power, and volume (which is pretty much zero).

Ken.

[arai]

I, for one, always appreciate KJung's post.
I like the fact he gives a pretty unbiased opinion on gear, unlike some.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by georgestrings

IMO, you impart alot of good knowledge - but I wouldn't say "always on the mark", sorry... I'll readily admit that many of your gigs sound like great fun - but I'm not the least bit jealous of your volume situation, tbh...

It's gotten better on our non-Bowzer gigs.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by arai

I, for one, always appreciate KJung's post.
I like the fact he gives a pretty unbiased opinion on gear, unlike some.

+1 on all of the above...


- georgestrings