Best bang for the buck....Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0/GK MB 500/PF-500

streetknight · #1 07-31-2011, 02:21 PM

These are the heads that look good to me on paper, probably gonna have to order without playing first.

Opinions please?

cableguy · #2 07-31-2011, 02:30 PM

Best bang for the buck is the PF-500 based on price alone. Power/tone's pretty good as well. I prefered the MB Fusion to the MB500. The shuttle gets a lot of luv on TB and well deserved. Don't think you could go wrong with any one of these heads. Just to add more to your decision. Dont forget the Tone Hammer 500 and the Carvin BX 500. All great heads depending on what sound you want.

bal704 · #3 07-31-2011, 03:43 PM

I just had this decision myself. I got a good deal on a Shuttle 6 from MF on a price match, so I went with that. However, all good choices IMO.

streetknight · #4 07-31-2011, 04:23 PM

I've not been able to play thru any of my options here. I did play thru a GK MB series combo that I thought sounded great, but read about some reliability issues, so right now the GK's at the bottom of my list on paper.

The Shuttle sounds SO good in the few youtube videos I've seen, but so does the PF-500. I need something versatile though. Gonna be playing Country with one band and hard rock with the other, is it even possible lol

Jazzdogg · #5 07-31-2011, 06:29 PM

I owned a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0, and although it was a nice little head, I ultimately traded it because:

1. GB attenuated the low end in an effort to prevent the 6.0 from damaging its diminutive companion cabinet; even with the bass cranked, the sound it produced always lacked "testicular fortitude" through my full-size cabs;

2. Compared to my other amps, the Shuttle 6.0 always felt conspicuously underpowered; even with the 6.0 cranked to eleven, it ran out of gas trying to push two 8-Ohm cabs at an outdoor venue without PA support; other amps with comparable or lower wattage ratings produced more useable volume.

If you plan to use a high-sensitivity cab with baked-in LF roll-off and maximum output in the mid-range frequencies, the 6.0 may be a good choice.

bassguppy · #6 07-31-2011, 06:33 PM

I'll say the Ampeg PF-500 only because at $399 it could easily be priced (IMO) at $499 for what it gives. But all are fine amps and the Ampeg may not be tonal bliss for some.

I hope Ampeg doesn't read this thread.

CLMSHQ · #7 07-31-2011, 06:49 PM

I'm torn right now. I have been using a MarkBass LMIII for over 2 yrs, and I do not like it in all set ups...it is right on some nights and other nights I am not happy with it, especially in 8ohms, it just sounds different.

I did try a PF500 and liked it, there are no GB dealers near me in CT, and I have owned 3 GK heads over the span of 18yrs.

For me it is a toss-up between PF500, GK MB500 or GKMB Fusion...Like I said, wish I could try a GB Streamliner or 6.0 Shuttle, just no dealers near me.

blindrabbit · #8 07-31-2011, 07:16 PM

I just went through this process myself, following the sale of my SWR Redhead out of a need to get into some lightweight gear.

I loved the price of the PF-500 and even its looks, but I could not get a tone out of it that I liked, which was a bit weird for me because I had enjoyed playing through some SVT heads.

GK heads have never done much for me. I must admit that I didn't try a MB Fusion and probably should have as I did give the bigger Fusion head a test drive and found it to be ok. Anyway, the MB500 (and MB200) did not make my ears happy.

I loved the sound of the Shuttle 6.0 as soon as I plugged into it, and it seemed like no matter what I did with the settings, it always sounded good. The same held true with the other GB amps that I tested (ShuttleMax, etc). Needless to say, I bought a Shuttle 6.0, and I'm extremely pleased with it.

You don't list the SWR Headlite...for what its worth, I tested that one out too, being a longtime SWR user, and enjoyed it, but I got a ridiculous deal on the Shuttle and to be honest the Shuttle still would have been my choice, irrespective of price.

These are all fun amps to be shopping around for. Enjoy your hunt!

jeff7bass · #9 07-31-2011, 08:35 PM

Carvin wins this game with the BX500, 379.00 for freaking loud 500w amp (at 4 or 2 ohms), or the B2000 which is 2000 watts at 2 ohms (1300 @ 4) for 600 hundred bucks. The MB Little Mark III is going for a good price these days.

Jeff Scott · #10 07-31-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetknight

Gonna be playing Country with one band and hard rock with the other, is it even possible lol

I was recently considering new micro amps for myself and all those amps were on my shortlist, along with the Streamliner 600/900 and the Aguilar Tone Hammer 500. This is what I got and it will do what you are looking for, perfectly. Sounds great, versatile tone, just the needed features with no unnecessary bells & ...

jeff7bass · #11 07-31-2011, 08:46 PM

I wanna hear me a Tonehammer. I'm sure they're nice. Aguilar does everything well it seems. Not cheap though!

DWBass · #12 07-31-2011, 09:01 PM

I agree with the assessment on the Genz Benz. I only use mine on indoor stuff. Outdoors, I use my Markbass LMIII. Plenty bass and volume into 2 Epi PS112's.

Epidrake · #13 07-31-2011, 09:10 PM

Love my Genz Benz. The tube preamp alone is worth the price of admission. You can get a great grindy tone if you want it as well as a hi-fi tone. I'm playing through Mesa Boogie Diesel cabs, 15 and 2x10 run at 4 ohms total. VERY loud.

modulusman · #14 07-31-2011, 09:41 PM

Another vote for the Shuttle 6.0. I have been using my 6.0/12t combo for my gigs with a classic rock band and have plenty of volume. I usually use the DI in bigger rooms to keep the onstage volume down.

Jeff Scott · #15 07-31-2011, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Aguilar does everything well it seems. Not cheap though!

The price is not really out of line with the other contenders, just at the top of that heap, and well worth it, too.

Highfox · #16 08-01-2011, 01:28 AM

Not sure about Bang for buck, but on the sound stakes..
I just picked up a GB shuttle 6.0 and paired it with a GB NeoX 212T and finding it to be a great match, lot's of bottom end and clarity throughout and damn loud if needed. Think it would cover any venue I'd ever play.