Which amp head should I buy?

[rabidgoatboy]

I currently have a GK backline 600 that I am not happy with, and I'm looking at getting a new amp head. I can't seem to get the volume I need from the backline and I don't care for the harsh tone. Right now I'm torn between the Carvin BX500 and the Acoustic 600h. Does anyone have an opinion on either amp or any other suggestions? I don't have a lot to spend so I'd like to stay around $500 or less. I currently have 2 8 ohm cabs (a 1x15 and a 4x10) both rated at 400 watts.

[CL400Peavey]

What kind of cab are you planning on using? That will change your volume more than the head.

[rabidgoatboy]

I have 2 8 ohm cabs (a 1x15 and a 4x10) rated at 400 watts each

[Bass_Pounder]

Ahh..............the dreaded bad mix of a 1X15 and a 4X10


Given those two choices - I would go for the Carvin before ever buying the Guitar Center "house brand"

[WingKL]

Before you get rid of your Backline, you may want to send it to a really good tech to scope it out and check to see if the amp is biased correctly. If the amp is not running at the correct operating point it will sound harsh and may have less volume.

[CL400Peavey]

I say ditch the 115 cab, and get a second 410. It will get plenty loud.

[rabidgoatboy]

Would it be better to just get 1 4 ohm 4x10 cab?

[CL400Peavey]

I would say go with two 8ohm 410's

more speakers equaling more volume.

Edit: with your current head if you decide to keep it...

[Vintage Guy]

Get a used Carvin RL810 to go with the BX500 head. Already a 4 ohm cabinet.

[rabidgoatboy]

OK, well maybe you guys can help with my setup. I understand that running 2 8 ohm cabs in a parallel will give me 4 ohms, correct? This may sound stupid, but bare with me. I originally only had the backline 600 and 1 backline 410blxii cab. The head has 2 outputs, both of which are individually labeled 150 watts at 4 ohms (the amp is 300 watts at 4 ohms). The cab only has 1 input and supports up to 400 watts at 8 ohms. I connected one of the outputs to the input on the cab, and I was not able to get enough volume out of the amp to be heard with my band. So, I assumed that it would need to purchase a 2nd 8 ohm cab to get the full power of the head. I played a few gigs like this with few problems, but at our last gig, I could barely hear myself. I was told by other bass players that were there that my head was not powerful enough to push enough volume out of both cabs. They suggested I should use only the 4x10. I explained the connections on the back of the head, and they suggested that I get a 1/4 y cable to connect both outputs of the head into the 1 input of the 4x10 cab to achieve a louder sound. Are they full of it, is there sound logic to this, or is my amp just falling apart and needs repair?

[jumbodbassman]

doesn't make any sense to me. More speakers = more volume. 4 vs 8 ohms more power.... the backline has 2 speaker outs. 2 8 ohms cabs into it or daisy chained will get you the max volume. Keep in mind the backline is only 300 watts.

[fenderslaper]

I have the Carvin BX500 running through two 8 ohm Goliaths. It can get stupid loud, has lots of tone shaping capibilities, and sounds very good to my ears. Got mine for $250.00 used.

[chuck norriss]

buy my genzbenz shuttle 3

[xxjazzbassist]

I don't have the acoustic but i'm not a big fan of my carvin bx500. its just an annoying head to work with sometimes

[rabidgoatboy]

So, if I am not getting enough volume with both cabs, I should probably get a more powerful head? Will 500 watts @ 4 ohms be sufficient?

[WingKL]

Check out the FAQ. If you need more volume get rid of the 15 and add another identical 410. A 410 and 115 is a mismatch despite it being a popular combination. The speaker outputs on the BL600 is internally parallel as there is only one power amp section, so connecting both outputs with a Y to one cab is a waste of time unless you're using wires that are too small in gauge. You are using speaker cables to connect your cabs to your amp, and not instrument cables correct?

[rabidgoatboy]

Yes, I use very heavy gauge speaker cables. The head does seem to be a bit unreliable so I think it would be a good idea to upgrade it. Regardless of the cab I use, the volume seems to fluctuate and cut out a lot. I don't think replacing the 115 will help. I understand now that most players seem to oppose the 1x15 and 4x10 combo. I think I will look at upgrading cabs when I have a better head. Does anyone have any heads they could recommend other than the 2 I mentioned?

[CL400Peavey]

300 watts into two 410 cabs should be louder than with a 410 and 115. A higher wattage head with your miss matched speakers wont increase your volume, just the current going through all the speakers. What kind of settings are you using on your head? pre/post gain and EQ to be specific.

[MyMusic]

Carvin BX500 is my choice. I've been using mine for a year with no problems. It offers a lot of variety as far as eq.

[slaphappychappy]

id try a second 410 first.