Ashdown ABM 900 EVO III vs. Mesa Boogie Titan V-12 Big Block 750

JordanLanders · #1 06-05-2010, 09:23 PM

alright guys, i have the Mesa Boogie Titan V-12 Big Block 750, but i want to know the pros and cons of both this and the Ashdown ABM 900 EVO III. is it worth trading the Mesa for it? let me know, thanks.

Sten · #2 06-06-2010, 05:52 AM

Titan V12 and BB750 are different amps. V12 is basically a BB750 with two separate channels and two inputs and more power.

I think the Ashdown does not even come close to either of them, but it may depend on your sonic goals. You have one of the best amps on the planet, hang on to it

JordanLanders · #3 06-06-2010, 09:22 AM

sorry, i have the V-12 Titan. thanks a lot for your input!

pickles · #4 06-06-2010, 09:27 AM

The V-12 is mono (1200w), the EVO is stereo (2x575w), so they're going to configure pretty differently with your cabs. In terms of which has better tone, only you can decide, but I have to say the Titan is the best head I've had in over 20 years of playing bass.

Mesa also has the best warranty in the biz, while ashdowns have a bit of a rep for unreliability (not sure if it is justified or not).

RickenBoogie · #5 06-06-2010, 11:49 AM

Your Titan is a great amp, so I wouldn't lose that for anything.

KsPiNeSh · #6 06-06-2010, 07:23 PM

Is there something specifically that you don't like about the Mesa?

JordanLanders · #7 06-08-2010, 06:53 PM

well there are some dead spots, especially when i drop it to D. but other than that, i love it, it's incredible. it does short out past a certain volume. but i had it fixed. but it still did it. i replaced all the tubes and got some wires changed out. but nothing, it still shorts out. been to three dealers and still the same issue. any ideas? and i don't have the money or time between shows to ship it to mesa.

pickles · #8 06-09-2010, 10:45 AM

What's better a broken amp or one that works??? Get your amp fixed and borrow something else to use while you wait to get it back.

I also have no idea how an amp could have "dead spots"

**Ronny49** · #9 10-15-2010, 11:36 PM

Personally, I have tried various Mesa amps and cabs and have NOT liked ANY of them. I mean, they are ok, but I went down the Ashdown path and ain't looking back! It's really all in what you are looking for for your sound. Don't listen to others that claim one head is better than the other. They are NOT!! I don't care what ANYONE claims!! It is all in what YOU hear with your own ears and what YOU are trying to accomplish in the end result of your sound. I found mine with Ashdown and hey.,.. U2's bassist found his in Ashdown, so it can't be all bad... I also used to own Trace Elliot and loved it! Ashdown is Trace in a way, only more modern with a classic punch and bottom end galore!! Peace.

DavidooM · #10 12-27-2010, 04:02 AM

I own the Mesa/Boogie titan V12. I know they have had overheating problems, which has caused my amp to cut out, or short out live. Heres the problem, you need to have Mesa install another fan inside, as well as a new top lid to the amp which has a better venting flow, this will cool down the amp a lot and eliminate the problem. Also, keeping the head in the "sleeve" live in case causes the air flow to come down to a minimum. Best way to use this amp is in a rack.

KJung · #11 12-27-2010, 06:27 AM

The Ashdown 900 is basically two of their 500 series power amps in one big box. That head is 62 pounds

, and since it is the old fashioned 'head' design, you would have to protect it somehow (anvil case or whatever.. it is not rack mountable as far as I know), adding a ton of additional weight.

The head is also non bridgeable, which means you need two 4ohm cabs to achieve its full output.

It will sound quite different from your Mesa... smoother, rounder, punchier, fatter versus the more aggressive 'tubelike' tone of the V12. Even with the valve drive engaged, this series of Ashdown amp excels is a kind of old school, warm, fat R&B type tone (very nice... although you can get that in much smaller, lighter amps these days), while the V12 seems more voiced to grunt and rock when pushed. IMO and IME there.

I would HIGHLY recommend saving your pennies, borrowing or renting an amp, and sending your V12 to Mesa for a going over. They are great, and typically upgrade the amp to the current spec at the same time they are fixing any issues. GREAT service from that company IMO.