Carvin BX1500 vs B2000

[eastcoasteddie]

I searched and there isn't really a thread dedicated to this topic, only a few posts in another thread regarding info on these amps.

I'm looking to sell my SVT2-Pro and might be looking into one of these 2 carvin amps for the future.

So, those of you who have experience with both, which would you choose and why. I'd like technical comparisons of each regarding the B2000's class A/B amp vs the BX1500 class D amps.

I currently own a BX500 and really love it, so it may seem that a BX1500 is the right ticket for me, but the B2000 is just as alluring due to its simplicity and sheer power.

Some questions I have regarding these amps are:
Why does the B2000 not have a compressor?
Can you use both of the power amps of the BX1500 in parallel in full range mode? (not necessarily in bi-amp mode utilizing the x-over)?
Reason I'm asking is that I have a pair of 4-ohm cabs that I used as a 2-ohm load with the SVT. But I'm confused whether or not I can use each cab powered by one amp in the BX1500 in full range mode, or will I have to bi amp with the x-over...

anything else anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[BassmanPaul]

Originally Posted by eastcoasteddie

Can you use both of the power amps of the BX1500 in parallel in full range mode? (not necessarily in bi-amp mode utilizing the x-over)?
Reason I'm asking is that I have a pair of 4-ohm cabs that I used as a 2-ohm load with the SVT. But I'm confused whether or not I can use each cab powered by one amp in the BX1500 in full range mode, or will I have to bi amp with the x-over...

anything else anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

This is how I use mine with a pair of 4Ω Acme B2s. My only comment on the BX1500 is that I find it overly bright even with the EQs set flat.

[jeff7bass]

The B2000 warms up real easy without losing definition. Unless you plan on using the bi-amp functionality on the BX1500, the B2000 is the better choice IMO because it a “quick adjuster”.

The BX1500 on the other hand is a virtual PA system for your bass and is VERY transparent with settings flat. It’s also a great head for mismatched cabs, like a SUB + full range cab.

[5port]

B2000 / If your an old school player

Many of the old school amps didnt have built in compressors, Bi-amping, etc. Just set up and play.

BX1500 / If your a new school player

If you like a swiss army knife of amplifiers OR use it as a very strong mono block amp with huge power.


I use the BX1500 and one of its specialites is being able to use two compeletly mismatched impedance cabs, one on each channel while running full range mode. You dont have to worry about 2.67 ohms crap. OR you can run 2.67 ohms on one channel and still get about 700W out. Each seperate channel will run at 2 ohms. See? Swiss army knife.