Evaluating Markbass LMT800 and SWR SM-400s

[rybass309]

So I just pickup the markbass lm tube 800 for a really good deal and I am considering replacing my long time SWR SM400s workhorse with this 6 lbs beauty. I would love to hear some feedback from fellow TBers that may have had experience with these 2 amps. I play through a 4x10 goliath and need the versatility to run everything from an electric upright to popping on my ken smith 5.
First impressions are that the MB tube pre is not anything like my SWR. I can crank the gain on the SM400 and get some really great tube overdrive anywhere from subtle to complete OD. The MB just seems to sound like digital clipping with the gain cranked with the use of the the tube pre only. It isn't necessarily a bad thing because I like a clean crisp sound but it is making me think that I might need to keep the sm400 and not let it go. Love to hear some thoughts.

[Mr. Bright Side]

If I were you I would just use a pedal with the LMTUBE when you want more tubey grind. Perhaps the VT Bass?

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by rybass309

So I just pickup the markbass lm tube 800 for a really good deal and I am considering replacing my long time SWR SM400s workhorse with this 6 lbs beauty. I would love to hear some feedback from fellow TBers that may have had experience with these 2 amps. I play through a 4x10 goliath and need the versatility to run everything from an electric upright to popping on my ken smith 5.
First impressions are that the MB tube pre is not anything like my SWR. I can crank the gain on the SM400 and get some really great tube overdrive anywhere from subtle to complete OD. The MB just seems to sound like digital clipping with the gain cranked with the use of the the tube pre only. It isn't necessarily a bad thing because I like a clean crisp sound but it is making me think that I might need to keep the sm400 and not let it go. Love to hear some thoughts.

What's the benefit of a 6lbs head when you're using a 90lbs cab? When you already have that much weight to move, I say use what sounds best. If the LM does sound better then sell the SWR head and cab and buy a nice lightweight cab.

[rybass309]

Both are great suggestions. I thought someone would realize how ridiculous the weight argument is when I am still lugging around that 90lbs+ cab. Truth is that I have had both that SWR Cab and Head since 1995 and really never had a bad case of G.A.S. Now the weight is an issue and the new gear can deliver the same punch and power without requiring 2 sets of hands and regular visits to the chiro after every gig. I was originally thinking of selling the old rig to help me afford 2 2x10 cabs of some sort. Maybe MB, TC, or SWR Golights.

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by rybass309

Both are great suggestions. I thought someone would realize how ridiculous the weight argument is when I am still lugging around that 90lbs+ cab. Truth is that I have had both that SWR Cab and Head since 1995 and really never had a bad case of G.A.S. Now the weight is an issue and the new gear can deliver the same punch and power without requiring 2 sets of hands and regular visits to the chiro after every gig. I was originally thinking of selling the old rig to help me afford 2 2x10 cabs of some sort. Maybe MB, TC, or SWR Golights.

I had GK MB115 combo that I liked. I had to return it to pay for surgery for my dog. Now that they have the MBE115 cab, I may eventually get one of those to use with my SM400S. Even though the head is a micro (I think the SWR is like 15lbs). I don't think it's too heavy to move (unless it's racked). It's the cabs that I hate moving.