Carvin BX500 vs. Eden WTX500

JazznFunk · #1 03-01-2011, 01:43 PM

So I currently own an Eden WTX500 and like it a lot... it's been very reliable and I love the tone. Like most though I've found it to be a little finicky when you start pushing it, at least when it comes to clipping. Outside of that, I really like it. I started looking at the Carvin BX500 a while back and really like what it offers. It has a load of extra EQ features that I really like, plus the fact it has the tube in the preamp stage, etc. etc. In short, I'm wondering if there are any factors that would make the Carvin an amp worth switching to. In terms of power and features it seems to trump the WTX500 in many ways, but I'd like to get other folks' opinions.

craig.p · #2 03-01-2011, 03:33 PM

If all you're trying to fix is its power output, consider a used power amp instead, and feed it with the Eden's effects send or direct out.

You could also throw a fan on the Eden to keep it running cooler under heavy load. Might be just enough to keep the temp protect circuit from stepping in and cutting back your power.

JazznFunk · #3 03-01-2011, 03:44 PM

Well, temperature isn't the problem... It's never gone into thermal shutdown or power reduction... it just begins to clip the power section protect circuit a little sooner than I expect sometimes. The Eden does have a built-in fan already, and the WTX500 has never once felt hot at all to me.

craig.p · #4 03-01-2011, 06:04 PM

Fair enough. Nevertheless, you say you like this amp but wish only for more power. So, the power amp solution is still a viable option, yes?

If I ever need a thousand-watt version of my MB200, which I love as much as you love your Eden, there's no question it'll get jacked into a power amp. I've already tried it and proved it to work.

Plenty of good used power amps available these days.

tsunami1052 · #5 03-01-2011, 07:05 PM

Ya welcome to the new and improved Eden. First we take a great sounding amp, put the worlds worst compression circut in it, totaly f-up the pre-amp so you cant use the gain above 50% without it clipping. Tell you its 500 watts - when its actually 390 watts, and totaly leave you hanging if you need any warrenty work or customer service.

And I have used Eden Amps for 9 years.

babebambi · #6 03-01-2011, 07:12 PM

your Eden and that Carvin sound nothing alike
better to just get yourself a more powerful Eden

tsunami1052 · #7 03-01-2011, 07:25 PM

Eden & Carvin - two different flavors. You could try the WTDI into a power amp of your choice. I will try mine (NIB) to see if it clips like the wtx amps.

oldbassplayergu · #8 03-01-2011, 07:35 PM

I like the carvin. its loud, clean, its has a tube pre, the comp is smooth, and plenty eq options. I've heard all sorts of carvin stories, both good and bad, but the 2 or 3 months I've had my bx500 has been a pleasure. I have never liked GK heads in the past. God know in the 80's every studio in newyork had one. The RB1001 was an ok head, just not my style. I don't want to sound like a GK hater, I just think the bx500 is the best buy in the micro head market. LET THE CARVIN BASHING BEGIN

jeff7bass · #9 03-01-2011, 07:41 PM

Every gigging bass player needs two heads. The Carvin is painless cost-wise and delivers huge, somewhat uncolored sound. Get the Carvin and if you like it better, use it and keep the Eden as a backup (or visa versa).

tsunami1052 · #10 03-01-2011, 07:52 PM

The WTDI does not seem to clip like the front end of the WTX - it will distort slightly after 2:00 on the gain knob, but not clip like the WTX. It sounds just like the WTX in tone and very close to my WT400. I carry one with me as a back-up DI (DI is post eq and not pre eq). You have to use the compression very sparingly or it gets ugly in a hurry. I bypassed the pre on the WT400 and used the WTDI as the preamp - sounds like an Eden!

Jarrett · #11 03-02-2011, 11:44 AM

I have a BX500, like it

Gearhead17 · #12 03-02-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazznFunk

So I currently own an Eden WTX500 and like it a lot... it's been very reliable and I love the tone. Like most though I've found it to be a little finicky when you start pushing it, at least when it comes to clipping. Outside of that, I really like it. I started looking at the Carvin BX500 a while back and really like what it offers. It has a load of extra EQ features that I really like, plus the fact it has the tube in the preamp stage, etc. etc. In short, I'm wondering if there are any factors that would make the Carvin an amp worth switching to. In terms of power and features it seems to trump the WTX500 in many ways, but I'd like to get other folks' opinions.

I use two BX1200's and they are different world of tone compared to the Eden. Eden heads have a certain "fatness" to them while Carvin heads tend to be brighter and a little more transparent. The midrange response on Carvin heads is very smooth sounding - not nasally at all. The new tube in the pre-amp section of newer BX heads is not adding a lot tone wise. Warming up the signal a little bit, but not much else. Eden head plus a power amp might be the way to go if you do not want to lose the Eden tone.

If your Eden head is clipping a bit too early - why don't you grab something with more wattage? http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamps/bassheads.php

$550 plus shipping is a pretty good deal for a high wattage head that sounds great. That is why I have two of them!

sebastian · #13 03-02-2011, 01:09 PM

I have used a Carvin BX500 for about 6 months now and I have used it for a wide variety of genres. It has never failed me or given me any issue. The tone is smooth and very tweekable with the EQ options. It is one helluva bang for the dollar. I have not used Eden products to a great extent, they are just not my tang.. Different strokes for different folks..
If you want to keep the Eden tone get a higher powered head or the WTDI/ power amp combination. The Carvin delivers a clean stong tone that is easily manipulated by the parametric and graphic band EQs... I likes my BX500

JazznFunk · #14 03-02-2011, 04:51 PM

That's the response/insight I needed. I was wondering if there was ANY tonal similarity between the two heads, given their similar power ratings and the fact that they are both Class D. I also wondered about the effectiveness of the tube. I don't WANT to switch to a different head, I was just wondering if, in terms of actual wattage and tonal character, the Carvin might be a wise move. If the Carvin is inherently brighter that might not be my cup of tea... I'm not a fan of sizzle at all. Sounds like it would be a more lateral move in some aspects as opposed to an overwhelming upgrade. I have 2 Eden/Nemesis heads already (an NA320 Nemesis and the WTX500) and it might be nice to have an amp that offers a significantly different tone to have as an option. The price helps make that feasible as well. Thanks to everyone for their input!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

I use two BX1200's and they are different world of tone compared to the Eden. Eden heads have a certain "fatness" to them while Carvin heads tend to be brighter and a little more transparent. The midrange response on Carvin heads is very smooth sounding - not nasally at all. The new tube in the pre-amp section of newer BX heads is not adding a lot tone wise. Warming up the signal a little bit, but not much else. Eden head plus a power amp might be the way to go if you do not want to lose the Eden tone.

If your Eden head is clipping a bit too early - why don't you grab something with more wattage? http://www.carvinguitars.com/bassamps/bassheads.php

$550 plus shipping is a pretty good deal for a high wattage head that sounds great. That is why I have two of them!