An amp buying quandary.

[father of fires]

I have been searching for a new head and I have shed all of my elitist views about gear and I am considering everything regardless of brand or price.

I recently tried a used Ashdown Mag 300 R that has a really great tone to it. I know that it won't be loud enough for me (I mostly play loud hard rock and metal). I have been thinking that If I like the sound enough then maybe use it as a preamp into a nice power amp.

But this just seems wasteful and expensive.

It really is one of the best sounding cheap heads I have played.

I guess my question is whether or not any of you have bought a head based on sound alone knowing it wasn't loud enough for your needs.

[tdub0199]

I had a MAG 300 and play hard rock/metal... yes it had pretty good tone but volume is a different story.... I am currently using a Gallien Krueger 1001RB II along with an Ampeg 810E and it's a world of difference in volume.... I also run a VT bass deluxe in to the 1001RB II..... Tone and volume for days!!!!!

[4-string]

If you have enough cabs/speakers it might just be loud enough.

There's also the MAG600R, which AFAIK shares the exact same pre-amp as the MAG300.
Should be a bit louder, and sound about the same, at least on paper.

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by 4-string

If you have enough cabs/speakers it might just be loud enough.

There's also the MAG600R, which AFAIK shares the exact same pre-amp as the MAG300.
Should be a bit louder, and sound about the same, at least on paper.

All true. I do have options if I decide to go with a Mag (more cabs or 600 as you said). But for the price of the new Mag 600, I have a ton of other good amps to choose from.

This was more a question about peoples experience with using a low power amp as a preamp.

[playerunk]

if you already have a power amp and don't mind the extra weight go for it. But if you have to buy the power amp..you're better of with the more powerful head.

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by playerunk

if you already have a power amp and don't mind the extra weight go for it. But if you have to buy the power amp..you're better of with the more powerful head.

I have access to a Crest CA6. I should have mentioned that earlier.

[smgleitch]

SansAmp RBI and that power amp. Should be all you need.

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by smgleitch

SansAmp RBI and that power amp. Should be all you need.

You're probably right.

[lomo]

I have gone down that exact road with my Walkabout. 300 watts is plenty if you have enough cone area. Think 410 or better yet, Avatar TB153 nEarful in 4 Ohms, or another fEarful type cab (1212-6, 1515-6 or 4 Ohm 15-6).

[jeff7bass]

Anything less than a Glockenklang is a complete waste of money. : O

[craig.p]

Originally Posted by father of fires

I guess my question is whether or not any of you have bought a head based on sound alone knowing it wasn't loud enough for your needs.

Sure. My MB200. I knew 150 at 8 and 200 at 4 wouldn't be enough for most of what I do, but I bought it anyway. Why? To get the GK preamp section in a mini form factor, in the hope of having it work well into my QSC power amp.

It kills.

[smgleitch]

Originally Posted by craig.p

Sure. My MB200. I knew 150 at 8 and 200 at 4 wouldn't be enough for most of what I do, but I bought it anyway. Why? To get the GK preamp section in a mini form factor, in the hope of having it work well into my QSC power amp.

It kills.

I will give a lot if props out to the gk mb200. I bought one of these a while back. Cannot think of an amp that gave me a bigger surprise than this one. Great tone and a lot more volume than you would think. For the money the is the best amp you can buy. IMHO.

[bassguppy]

Bridge the CA6 & you'll get 1500 watts at 4 ohms. Get a preamp (Sansamp RBI, Ashdown RPM1, Ampeg SVP-CL, etc.). Get yourself an Ampeg 810.

Used you can find the Ampeg fridge at a decent price $400-$600 & the preamp from $225 to $400. Loud as hell.

A 100-200 watt head can rule with enough speakers.