Do I Really Need 900W (Streamliner Content)

[4StringsEnough]

OK, before the search warriors get on their high horses, I am aware there is a lot of Streamliner content on TB. Much of it I have read though, given I have a life outside of TB there's also some I haven't.

I'm looking at getting a Genz Benz Streamliner. Now, with the gigs I do, I really don't need 900W. If or when I do, that's what the PA is there for IMHO. So I should get the 600W version, right?

Well, there's a relatively small price difference between the 600 and the 900 so, assuming I'm always operating the head at the sort of volumes the 600 can deal comfortably with, is there any reason to get the 900?

I don't mind splashing the extra cash, but only if it actually does something for me. More power is not required. More tone is often worth paying for, but will there actually be any difference between the two heads?

[noahw1]

From my understanding (I own a 900 and have read most of the gazillion threads on the Streamliner) there's no tonal differences between the two heads and the only difference is the amount of power.

[Rickett Customs]

What's your current cab situation?
after that, What is your total impedance?

Just curious.

[recreate.me]

If the gain control works like a real tube amp, it might be hard to really push the tubes and keep the master in the optimal range ( not sure if SS heads have this but I know tube heads sound the best around 5-7)
You could end up being to loud or just to clean.

[DWBass]

Well, the 900 will afford you to use a nice 8ohm 4x10 or 2x12 and not have to worry about underpowering it. If you need to get louder (really?), just add another cab and have at it!

[Mojo-Man]

If you don't think you need the 900, get a 600.

I have a 600, and have never needed to play volume past one o'clock.

If you have a good cab, the 600 will do it's job, and then some.

[pedroims]

IME Genz Benz amps are not that loud when you think about watts, I had a shuttle 6 and I can say it is not as loud as my Markbass II, so this time I got a Streamliner 900 just to be safe and I am very happy with it.

[koobie]

For most applications, 600 watts is a lot of power. The efficiency and max spl of the cabs you use is the key.

[RickenBoogie]

it really is more to do with your speaker cabs than the extra 300 watts.

[DWBass]

Originally Posted by pedroims

IME Genz Benz amps are not that loud when you think about watts, I had a shuttle 6 and I can say it is not as loud as my Markbass II, so this time I got a Streamliner 900 just to be safe and I am very happy with it.

I learned the hard way that the Genz Benz gain and volume structure is not quite the same as other amps. I put the input and gain volumes between noon & 1 o'clock and the output volume anywhere between 10 o'clock and noon and I'm pretty loud. If I need more I just notch the input vol., gain and output volume just a little more.

[jerry]

I'd rather have the juice and not need it, than need it and not have it. I even use the 900 on duo gigs paired with either a UL112 or UL210.

[Toastfuzz]

As I shamelessly post all over these forums, my 450-watt Ampeg SVT3Pro is more than enough for anything I've ever needed. At practice I run just a single 8 ohm cab so its only 275 watts, again never had to crank it to the max.

HOWEVER! If I had known then what I know now, I probably would have bought a higher powered SVT pro amp, since like the GB its not much more $$ to get alot more watts. It opens up some additional possibilities when it comes to cabs, as you'll never not have enough power. I'm looking to build a set of fEARfuls this summer, even though my amp might be alittle weak for them... if thats the case, the amp will be out the backdoor and a stupidly large power amp + bass pre combo is in the works!

[Munjibunga]

An old drag racing lemma: There's no substitute for cubic inches.

Get the 900. You never know.

[svtb15]

I always go for the more horsepower.. You can always turn it down.....

[4-string]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

it really is more to do with your speaker cabs than the extra 300 watts.

+1. Then again, watts are cheap.

I'd go for the 900, would probably be easier to sell one day, too.

[4StringsEnough]

Thanks guys. You've just reinforced what I thought: there's no real difference in sound (unless you start pushing the 600) and the only reason to go for the 900 is that 'you never know'... 20 years ago most of us were happy with 200-300W. It seems the power thing has gone to our heads and now 500W is the bare minimum! Same thing with cars... those with 'insecurities' feel the need for more power! I best get the 900W then! No, seriously, thanks to everyone for their help. I'll get the 600W. I may not be saving much dough, but there's no point spending it if I'll never use it.

For those interested, I'm using a 4-ohm 4x10 or a pair of 8-Ohm 112's.

[andertone]

I got the Streamliner 600, and run it through a Berg HT112 for lower volumes, and add the EX112 for a 4 ohm mini stack.

Plenty loud, plus I play in bluegrass/latin/folk bands so 900 watts is headroom I don't need.

Only reason I would get the 900 watt model is if I had an 8 ohm
cabinet with the high excursion 15 or 12 that needs 500 watts
to open up, or anything Acme (Low B2 or Flatwound)

[BassmanPaul]

The other thing to consider is that, both pushing that same 600W, one amp is straining while the is just cruising along.

[tink9975]

so can the SL900 do quiet, bedroom volume levels? or would I be better off with the 600?
I'd be running it into an 8ohm TB153

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by DWBass

I learned the hard way that the Genz Benz gain and volume structure is not quite the same as other amps. I put the input and gain volumes between noon & 1 o'clock and the output volume anywhere between 10 o'clock and noon and I'm pretty loud. If I need more I just notch the input vol., gain and output volume just a little more.

On my Shuttle 6.0, I run the preamp controls at 3/4 or more of maximum gain. They're built to work well even when diming the preamp controls. The Shuttle is incredibly loud.