Bugera amps + Bi-amping what is it, and how is it done?

BenNor · #1 10-23-2011, 01:36 PM

Hello!

I am on the lookout for a new bass amp to replace my Warwick Xtreme 5.1 head and 411 Pro + 115 Pro cabs. (Why? GAS, I guess...)
I am in the process of selling my amp, (I live in Norway, the market isn't that huge for Warwick amps, so it's taking a while)

I recently saw Bugera amps online, and started doing some research. I see that they have three models, two of which a Norwegian store sells. The BVP5500 and the BXT3600, both of which are in my price range. I have a few questions though.

I currently use a 500 watt head, pushing 500 watts at 4 ohm through a 600 watt 8 ohm cab and a 300 watt 8 ohm cab. I'd like to have even more power.

I see that the BVP5500 pushes 550 watts at 4 ohms, which is barely more than I currently have. Would running this amp with for instance 2x 600w cabs give me more power? Am I using the full force of my 500 watt head right now?

I find the BXT3600 quite interesting. It surely looks like it's gonna blow me off my feet when turned on, which is something I like a lot.
Here's where my questions about Bi-amping comes in. I understand that it's all about pushing the signal in stereo.
I took a look at the back panel of the amp on Bugera's website: http://bit.ly/niIyX2
I (think I) understand that using Output A/Low and Output B/High is what runs the head in Bi-amping mode. Does it split the signals? Sending the high frequencies through Output B and the low through Output A?

If Bi-amping is not what I need right now, can I simply connect one 4 ohm or two 8 ohm cabinets through the Mono Bridge to pull the 3600 watts out of the head? In which case, what cabinets would you recommend?

And last, does anyone use these Bugera heads? Or has anyone tried them? How do they compare to other amp brands? (EBS, Warwick, Ampeg, MarkBass, Eden etc.) <- These are amp brands that I have tried, and like a lot, but are pretty much out of my price range.

BenNor · #2 10-23-2011, 01:39 PM

Oh, and these Bugera amps, the BXT3600 is a Solid State amp through and through, where as the BVP5500 is a hybrid, or am I mistaken?
I didn't find the full answers at Bugera's website.

Zoa · #3 10-23-2011, 01:46 PM

The wattage ratings of your cabs mean nothing as far as what you are getting out of your head. One thing that would help a good bit would being replacing your 15 with an identical 410. This will get rid of cancellation issues, and increase your volume.

Second, Behringer/Bugera is notorious for overrating the power of their heads. I seriously doubt that the Bugera "550" watt head is more powerful than your Warwick, and it is probably lower quality as well.

BassmanPaul · #4 10-23-2011, 01:51 PM

Bugera and Behringer are basically the same company. Both made in China. They are rumoured to copy designs from other manufacturers.

IMO bi-amping is no longer needed since the advent of high power crossovers in cabinets.

BenNor · #5 10-23-2011, 01:53 PM

I had no idea Bugera and Behringer were the same company, that'd explain the low price tag, I guess.

GrowlerBox · #6 10-23-2011, 01:55 PM

Yep. If I were in your shoes and could only afford Bugera/Behringer, I'd be hanging on to my Warwick rig.

bassmeknik · #7 10-23-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

Yep. If I were in your shoes and could only afford Bugera/Behringer, I'd be hanging on to my Warwick rig.

1+ and also to dumping the 115 in favor of a matching 410, you will get a louder rig and (like many) find the whole 115/410 idea just doesn't work so well after comparison.

BenNor · #8 10-23-2011, 02:06 PM

Well, I've been looking in to EBS' T90, Ampeg-heads, Eden-heads (And matching cabs) But they all end up bursting my budget with cabs and all. I was just amazed by the price of Bugera, and not having heard much about the make, I decided to come here to ask. I know Behringer tho, and I don't wanna touch that stuff with a stick (Afraid it'll break...)

Also, a very friendly music shop here in my city has a Hartke-rig that Jack Bruce played when he did a concert here some weeks ago. It's 2x HA3500 Cs and 4 HyDrive cabs.
I wonder if the HA3500Cs will come short when it comes to power for my part (Of course I'd only be getting one)
But the Hartke LH1000 paired with two HyDrive-cabs seems very interesting. Any inputs here? I've never really tried Hartke amps..

Jazz Ad · #9 10-23-2011, 02:06 PM

Dumping a Wrwick rig for a Bugera is just crazy.

BenNor · #10 10-23-2011, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Dumping a Wrwick rig for a Bugera is just crazy.

Yes, well thanks to TalkBass, that will never happen!

bassplayerbob · #11 10-23-2011, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenNor

Well, I've been looking in to EBS' T90, Ampeg-heads, Eden-heads (And matching cabs) But they all end up bursting my budget with cabs and all. I was just amazed by the price of Bugera, and not having heard much about the make, I decided to come here to ask. I know Behringer tho, and I don't wanna touch that stuff with a stick (Afraid it'll break...)

Also, a very friendly music shop here in my city has a Hartke-rig that Jack Bruce played when he did a concert here some weeks ago. It's 2x HA3500 Cs and 4 HyDrive cabs.
I wonder if the HA3500Cs will come short when it comes to power for my part (Of course I'd only be getting one)
But the Hartke LH1000 paired with two HyDrive-cabs seems very interesting. Any inputs here? I've never really tried Hartke amps..

Lh1000 and matching 410 is main rig these days. Plenty loud too!

Mr Antt · #12 10-23-2011, 02:15 PM

Doesn't Victor Wooten use the LH1000 and HyDrive cabs?

I also looked at both these Bugera heads, reading that they were Behringer's 'Boutique' brand.. Then realising that I could get much better quality gear for the same price, I opted out. And, backing everyone up, I advise you do the same.

Anthony.

seamonkey · #13 10-23-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Bugera and Behringer are basically the same company. ...

So?

Scion and Lexus are the same company.

Ampeg and Crate are the same company.

Bugera and Klark Teknik are the same company
Klark Teknik

Bugera and Midas are the same company
Midas Consoles

Jazz Ad · #14 10-23-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Ampeg and Crate are the same company.

Bugera and Klark Teknik and Midas are the same company.

No and no and no.
Being part of the same financial group doesn't make you the same company.
Bugera amps are Behringer, made in the same factories with the same quality and same business model.
Regardless, Bugera amps can't compare in any way with Warwick quality.

seamonkey · #15 10-23-2011, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

No and no and no.

So you have the inside scoop into what's made in what factory where? I doubt it. Got any proof?
From what I've heard, Eurotec China makes stuff for several labels that don't have their own factories.

jdwilliams · #16 10-23-2011, 03:28 PM

I will say this.. I use the BVP5500 and love it.. 0 issues so far.. I picked it up for 200 bucks used very little.. im at the 5 month mark with it so far.

rodl2005 · #17 10-23-2011, 03:35 PM

If you could get the Hartke LH1000 amp & run it into 2 410 cabs, you've got a huge sounding rig.

But, I'd 1st recommend swapping your 1x15 for a matching 410 & see how that goes.
Then get the LH1000 if you need/want later.

RickenBoogie · #18 10-23-2011, 04:36 PM

HUGE +1 to the idea of losing the 15 for another 410. Keep the amp and 410 you have, add another and be done. Aside from the Hartke rig, which I know little about, all the other moves are downgrades.

Jazz Ad · #19 10-23-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

So you have the inside scoop into what's made in what factory where? I doubt it. Got any proof?
From what I've heard, Eurotec China makes stuff for several labels that don't have their own factories.

Then you heard wrong. Behringer have their own factory (city actually) where they make their own products as well as Bugera. No 3rd party involved.
MIDAS and KLARK TEKNIK are brands owned by Music-Group but production is done independantly.

These insider informations were extremelly difficult to find. I had to go to behringer.com then clicked on Our Story.

billfitzmaurice · #20 10-23-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

Then you heard wrong. Behringer have their own factory (city actually) where they make their own products as well as Bugera. No 3rd party involved.

Yes, and no. Behringer builds everything they sell. But they don't make every part.
Where the electronics are concerned Behringer is pretty much as good as anyone, because they source their electronics from the same places...Panasonic, Toshiba, for instance...as everyone else. They have to, there aren't that many sources for electronics, especially DSP chips.
Where the mechanicals are concerned there are many sources at many price points, and that's where Behringer goes cheap. So if it's a signal processor, like the DEQ2496, with few mechanical parts, Behringer is a good brand. If it has mnay mechanical parts, especially potentiometers, you may have problems. Their mixers, for instance, have a well earned reputation for being good for only a year or two before the pots wear out.