Amp GAS... Help me decide

Killens84 · #1 07-11-2011, 02:09 AM

I'm getting the itch for a new bass amp rig. I currently have a great one, so I don't know if I should go for a new one or not. I would just like something with a little more warmth. Reliability is also a big deal to me. My current rig is a Markbass TA503 head (which is discontinued now) and a Markbass Standard 104HF 4x10" cabinet. If I get a new rig, there are two I'm deciding between...

#1 - Genz Benz Streamliner 900 head, Genz Benz GB410T-UB-4 Uber Bass 4x10" cabinet. Estimated cost is $2158

#2 - Ampeg SVT-7PRO head, Ampeg PN-410HLF 4x10" Neo cabinet. Estimated cost is $1900

So please tell me if you would personally choose the Genz Benz rig, the Ampeg rig, or if you suggest I keep my current Markbass rig. I know it comes down to my choice, but I'm just simply curious what you would do if you were deciding between those.

Melvin7822 · #2 07-11-2011, 09:10 AM

You need a little more warmth than a head that contains a tube pre and an analog power section? Have you tried using the VLE? I would really recommend you hold onto the Markbass rig. But if you really wanted a new rig, I'd go for the Genz Benz.

Venom of God · #3 07-11-2011, 09:14 AM

If I were in your shoes and GASing for a new rig, I'd keep what I've got as a nice, light portable rig and then get a big all tube set-up (maybe with an 810!) and have the best of both worlds. Why replace what you've got with more of the same?

DattaGroover · #4 07-11-2011, 09:25 AM

Depends a lot on your axe. I have owned all 3 of the sets you mentioned above (m/l: my SVT was an SVT 3). I found the GB and the MB both great for my MM Sterling (which is pretty edgy) but for for my higher-end (and high fidelity) Barker Vertical Bass, the GB UB is far superior (in my opinion). I recently went back to MB, 'cause I needed another combo, and found I didn't like nearly as much as my GB combo (6.0-12T).

T. Alan Smith · #5 07-11-2011, 09:56 AM

I'd keep your current rig until you stumbled across one that inspired you more.

Killens84 · #6 07-11-2011, 02:39 PM

I like my Markbass rig, but the sound isn't quite as focused and tight as I would like. And I've played a few different basses though it.

BuffaloBob4343 · #7 07-11-2011, 03:39 PM

How could I NOT vote for the first choice? It's the rig I play and love!

Alex1984 · #8 07-11-2011, 04:37 PM

I'd keep it, and save for an all tube rig. Or maybe the SVT7-Pro + the GB cab.

ToneFreak11 · #9 07-11-2011, 04:38 PM

I'd go with the Ampeg rig. The SVT-7 has a huge amount of power, lots of features, versatility, reliability, a great tube preamp and weighs just 7kg (sorry, I'm portuguese, but that must be around 15 lbs., I think). Your rig is great though, you might not want to spend all this money...

KsPiNeSh · #10 07-11-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killens84

I like my Markbass rig, but the sound isn't quite as focused and tight as I would like. And I've played a few different basses though it.

I'm not sure that I'd consider either the Streamliner or 7Pro more "focused and tight" than your MB head. You might be better off going with something like a Mesa Carbine - tubes in the DNA, but a fast response and a low end that can be either big or controlled.

To the OP - where are you located?

Plays_For_Dog · #11 07-11-2011, 04:53 PM

I have the SL-900, Uber 210T and an Uber 115T. It absolutely dominates! Plus it's a lot lighter then any other rigs I have owned.

I see SL-900's in the classifieds here that are basically brand new going for $750ish. I would guess if you contact the right dealer, you could get the cab for around 1k.

Just checked out Rocket Music, once you drop the 410 in the "cart" it's automatically discounted to $1043. Do the same thing with the SL-900 and it's discounted to $849. So, your entire rig if ordered through Greg at Rocket would be $1892 shipped to you.

I've bought my SL-900 and the Uber 210T from Greg. He's a bass player and is a hell of a nice guy to work with. Rocket Music - Genz Benz Bass Amps - all

Hope I helped. I know the Ampeg stuff is great gear too, I just don't have any first hand experience with it other then messing with it in GC. Just wanted to share my experience with the Genz Benz stuff.

noahw1 · #12 07-11-2011, 05:07 PM

If you love your current rig why get something new?

Also, why wouldn't you at least try out the amp with the cab you currently have?

That being said, I own a GB Streamliner 900 and love it.

Killens84 · #13 07-11-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

I'm not sure that I'd consider either the Streamliner or 7Pro more "focused and tight" than your MB head. You might be better off going with something like a Mesa Carbine - tubes in the DNA, but a fast response and a low end that can be either big or controlled.

To the OP - where are you located?

I'm located in Mississippi.

Melvin7822 · #14 07-12-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killens84

I like my Markbass rig, but the sound isn't quite as focused and tight as I would like. And I've played a few different basses though it.

Your amp should have no problem sounding tight and focused. I think the problem may be the cab. The 104HF is a nice cab, but the lows can be hard to control sometimes. A 104HR should get you a tighter sound with more definition.