Eden WTB400 vs. Carvin BX500

[cyclomatic]

I did search and decided a poll was in order. It's not my intention to start a gigantic thread or a heated debate. Just a poll and a few experienced guys and gals thoughts. *Disclamer: There is no right or wrong choice. Hopefully just honest opinions.

Head to head let's note some differences:

Carvin BX500 $399, 300w~8ohm, 500w~4ohm/2ohm passive/active switch, mute switch, made in USA, 1yr warranty, 5.8lbs

Eden WTB400 $499, 400w~4ohm, made in China, 2yr warranty, 26lbs.(as per Eden, 15lbs elsewhere) incl. foot switch (Carvin opt.)

Similarities include compression, effects loop, tuner out, DI w/ground lift, headphone out, Speakon & 1/4" out and rack plate optional for both.

What does the experienced opinion say? Some people don't feel Carvin has been reliable in the past. Others feel weight is a major issue for them. I'd prefer to hear from those who know BOTH amps to some degree. It's taking me a long time to read through the BX500 threads (three massive ones) but I own the Carvin myself. I'm also picking up the Eden very soon. Now, I'm not asking anyone to decide for me. Of course I will do my own comparison and listen, touch, taste, smell etc. But until then I'd like to hear from those in the know..........Thanks gang.

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by cyclomatic

It's not my intention to start a ... heated debate. Just a poll and a few experienced guys and gals thoughts.

Not possible. This is the TB Amps forum.

[low2groove]

IMO everything carvin is made on the cheap side. You compare their redhead knockoff to the real SWR and you can actually hear the poorly made circuits from carvin.

Eden, made in China or not is many miles above anything carvin will ever produce.

[cyclomatic]

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

Not possible. This is the TB Amps forum.

I can hope, can't I?

[CrUiSeR]

why not buy a used us made eden?

[cyclomatic]

I'm only pointing at the China or USA manufacturing as a difference. Some people have little problem with the manufacturing of Eden now in China. Still stand by it. Others say the customer service has suffered. While others say, Carvin stuff is cheaply made. I want to know what you guys think comparing these amps to each other.

[Nicolay3535]

There is nothing cheap about my Carvin b1500 head, its one of the most well made pieces of equipment i've ever owned, better than any eden i've had in my possession. My Carvin sb5000 also happens to be better than any other bass i've ever had, and i've had almost all the name brands out there. As far as these two amps go, I can't comment I haven't played ether one. My advice is to hear them both if you can and then make a choice.

[CrUiSeR]

here's a little read you may be interested in
Eden Electronics Forum - Not all Edens are the same: Eden WT-400 vs WT-800
if i remember correctly i believe the manual i have for the wt400 states 12 pounds.

[cyclomatic]

Thanks much, the point on my head isn't sharp enough for that

[cyclomatic]

Originally Posted by Nicolay3535

My advice is to hear them both if you can and then make a choice.

That's exactly what I'll do. Sometimes other opinions give me a perspective to listen for though. Example; I like the Carvin better because I'm able to get a richer reggae tone with less hassle. Or, I like the Eden better 'cause it sounds louder/fuller paired with my Warwick cabs.

Those who know both of these specific amps may be few and far between but they're here somewhere.

[FenderBassist]

All the Carvins I've ever seen or heard, whether basses or amps, have been nothing but quality. I may not have the experience other have had, but having stopped in their store in L.A. I was nothing but impressed.

[jeff7bass]

Not sure what the one fellow means by "hearing Carvins cheap circuits" but I can vouch for the tone of the new Carvins and the customer service.
My BX1200 is built like a tank and my MB10, which is a class "D" amp (like the BX500) has had no issues other than a slight vibration in the face plate (fixed).

[impactwrench]

This ought to make the decision for you.

EDEN WTB400 $280

Act fast!

[cyclomatic]

Read the thread you linked...I already did. Hence, this thread and poll.
Thanks to a few TB'ers I learned some tricks and have taken price matching these "hot deals" to Music123.com for some "insane deals". But we'll save that for another thread.
Prices I listed in the opening are just regular prices.

[jeff7bass]

I can't find any reviews at all on the Eden, which worries me because it looks like a great deal and I got my finger on the button!!

[gjbassist]

Originally Posted by low2groove

IMO everything carvin is made on the cheap side. You compare their redhead knockoff to the real SWR and you can actually hear the poorly made circuits from carvin.

Eden, made in China or not is many miles above anything carvin will ever produce.

Curious as to how many Carvin products you have used? If you are talking about the old Redline series, yes they had some issues but those have not been made for years. You can find pages and pages of posts from very satisfied Carvin amp users here on TB!

[cyclomatic]

So far the poll is virtually even. I already know (my opinion) the BX500 is a good amp. I'm not asking for 15yr old opinions of Carvin or Eden for that matter. I'm really asking about these two specific amps in comparison. Anyone have helpful opinions regarding the WTB400?

[GrowlerBox]

Originally Posted by cyclomatic

I can hope, can't I?

So how's that workin' out for ya?

[mfromwhere]

Can't speak to Eden but I've got a 1200 watt carvin bx that I love. It's a no bs amp. It sounds good, has all the options you'd want, etc.

I've never had any qc problems with it.

[cyclomatic]

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

So how's that workin' out for ya?

Yeah, well...uh....I.....:...it' s only been day one.....still hopin' Growlerbox