Aguilar AG500 vs. Ashdown ABM500

EAdanikDG · #1 11-18-2010, 11:51 PM

Can anyone provide stereo-typical tone differences between these two amps? I really want to like the AG500, but it has less features (apart from the saturation channel) and costs more than the ABM500. The only advantage is the weight. My head says ABM500 (no I haven't bought it yet

), but my heart says AG500. I haven't had time to A/B them yet.

gillento · #2 11-19-2010, 07:11 AM

The eq section on the ABM is far more variable, whereas the 2 mid controls on the AG can sound "boxy" when used more than one or two tads. They work in a rather thin bands.

The ABM sound bigger/woolier.

EAdanikDG · #3 11-19-2010, 03:28 PM

Thanks, I really like the look of the EQ on the Ashdown, very versatile. Why would the Aguilar be so much more? Craftsmanship? (The Ashdown is made in China, I think).

**Ronny49** · #4 11-19-2010, 07:33 PM

Just look for a good used EVO II. The new EVO III's are junk. And I am talking from experience.

jasonbraatz · #5 11-19-2010, 07:48 PM

Aguilar's made in the US, has the distortion channel, is proven to be ridiculously reliable, and has plenty of power for any situation. The EQ is plenty versatile, although I typically don't need to do anything other than kicking on the bright and deep switches. I can go play a jazz gig on my fretless one night, a metal show the next night, and an R&B gig on Sunday without even having to touch the EQ. It just sits perfectly for me, but that's with my bass.

Tonally, eh, no idea which one you'd prefer. On all the "factual" things I think the AG500 kicks the crap out of the ABM, but you'll either have to A/B them or take a chance on one and sell it if you don't like it.

emjazz · #6 11-19-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonbraatz

On all the "factual" things I think the AG500 kicks the crap out of the ABM, but you'll either have to A/B them or take a chance on one and sell it if you don't like it.

I don't agree with this at all, at least comparing the Aguilar to the EVO II. Both great amps that sound different. I have more experience with the Ashdown myself. I loved that amp. It sounds really big...fills a room in a very impressive way. To me it just comes down to a tonal preference. As was said, the Ashdown will sound bigger/woolier.

One day I'd like to get another EVO II and have someone wire up the inside with heavier wires and caps. I think the amp is great but could be even better with better parts.

bighead4G&L · #7 11-19-2010, 10:43 PM

Nothing about Aguilar is cheap, but that's the point..
I had an AG500SC and it was "no frills" on the outside. The "goodness" is on the inside.
Very muscular amp. Will get the job done in just about any situation.
Top shelf workmanship should prove to be very reliable down the road.

EAdanikDG · #8 11-19-2010, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronny49

Just look for a good used EVO II. The new EVO III's are junk. And I am talking from experience.

What's the difference?

gillento · #9 11-20-2010, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronny49

Just look for a good used EVO II. The new EVO III's are junk. And I am talking from experience.

Same advice here

gillento · #10 11-20-2010, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EAdanikDG

What's the difference?

The first obvious difference is the EVO3 being much noisier (electrical fan noise leaking into the outputs)

The added compressor doesn't give any decent sound (sounds too squashed)

As for as EVO I and II difference, the II is able to provide more tube gain (too mich for my taste).