The best-sounding bass rig

[TigerInATrance]

Godzilla amp and Meyer enclosures that included a 218

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by two fingers

If funds weren't an issue, I would probably have a custom tube job built from the ground up (all Class A).

For a tube amp Class A is completely impractical above 10-20W.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

OK, if you had unlimited funds and could buy one amp head and up to two speaker cabinets, what would you buy to be sure you had the best-sounding bass rig possible?

For pure tone and nothing but pure tone, I'd say probably a Bergantino IP112ER + HT112ER, with something like a Summit Audio or Kern tube preamp. Either that, or a pair of Bergantino HT112ERs, plus maybe a Tecamp Puma 900 head?

MM

[nukes_da_bass]

I'd hire a "professional acquisition manager" to "acquire" Mesa Strategy and Prodigy heads for me. I'd also contract Jorg Schroeder to build a second 12/12BMF as well.
Plus a crew of female cambodian roadies.

[nubs]

i really been diggin my practice rig lately, a SVT4pro and ampeg 215, been thumpin my Gibby Tbird through it and its awesome!!!

[Hillsidebass]

What I have now: Tone Hammer 500 with two SL112s.

[NWB]

Originally Posted by Passinwind

No idea whatsoever, and by the time I could get around to auditioning all the likely prospects my idea of "best possible" would undoubtedly have changed anyway.

That's about where I stand too.

[HolmeBass]

Originally Posted by ~ignited~wings~

Probably a hellborg amp/preamp, on one of the larger PJB cab setups.

Hellborg pre into Hellborg power amp, and a fEARful 15/6 and 15/6/1 stack.

[RockBobby]

I Must be doing OK then. I have a few of the above mentioned. 72 Ampeg V4, Sun 2000S, GK 2000RB, GK 800RB, Berg NV215, and Eden D410XLT.

My best combo so far is Jazz/Flats > VT Pedal > 800RB > NV215.

I don't know what I would pick. Prolly the V4 and NV215 if I could only keep 1 setup.
Maybe the 2000S>NV215, but I haven't tried them yet.

[Bassmec]

That's the pre amp and compressor sorted.
Now for an eq:

Then a nice tube power amp with about 4 times the number of 6550 output tubes you get in an SVT, just in case:

Now I think I might need a pair of cabs with some power handling.

[Zentner]

I'm familiar with the EQ, and I've seen the cabinets before, but I forget the name...

Who makes the Pre and Power? Truly a dream rig.

[spiritbass]

I've been fortunate enough to find my perfect combination with a Walkabout and ML-112. I don't play out anymore, but if I did and needed more volume, I'd like to try a Valkyrie with one or two ML-212's.

[Floyd Eye]

SVT 4Pro + Ampeg 810

[stuhammfan]

Mungi I'm surprised that Gk is your best sounding rig, seeing how u have used super high end stuff- glock, Walter woods etc.

[stuhammfan]

I'd have to get a glock heart rock, or a Walter woods ultra, or maybe an ebs fafner 2. And I'd pair matching cabs respectively. Tecamp would be considered too.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by Zentner

I'm familiar with the EQ, and I've seen the cabinets before, but I forget the name...

Who makes the Pre and Power? Truly a dream rig.

Yup the pre amp is an RCA BA6a.
Come to think of it, I might add an RCA OP-6 high gain pre amp in front of that for a bit more overdrive just in case.
The power amp is the awesome Audio Research servo:

The cabs are Clair Bros S4's
Come to think of it I might have to double up on the power amp as I will probably want to run them active.

[jad]

Hmm, impossible to answer without having tried MANY more amps and cabs than I been able to thus far. So, I'll say that the rig that I'd most like to try would be a Matchless Thunderchief into an EV loaded Mesa RR215. Then try that same head into about a dozen other cabs.

[RockBobby]

Originally Posted by Bassmec

That's the pre amp and compressor sorted.
Now for an eq:

Then a nice tube power amp with about 4 times the number of 6550 output tubes you get in an SVT, just in case:

Now I think I might need a pair of cabs with some power handling.

I like the pull down door so you can access tubes without un racking! Nice RCA knobs!

[JimmyM]

Naturally the cabs will be stacked vertically with all matched drivers in a column by showtime, right?

[Freight Train]

I got it, after years of searching. Bassman 100T with Bassman 410 Neo cab. Only thing I'd do is add a second 410 Neo. Just cause it'd look cool - haven't needed anything more than the single 410 in any gig so far in our power trio. For the first time in over 40 years I have no interest in trying any other amps or cabs.

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

OK, if you had unlimited funds and could buy one amp head and up to two speaker cabinets, what would you buy to be sure you had the best-sounding bass rig possible? Just tell us what you'd buy, there's no need for deep discussions leading to bile and vitriol. No scathing diatribes, either. Just let it be.