Genz Benz Shuttle 6 or Streamliner quandray

Highfox · #1 09-25-2011, 12:25 AM

Hi.
Just wanted to share my wows.
I have been using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6 through a GB NeoX212t and been pretty happy with the sound I have been getting.. But just last week the Shuttle started to make some some kind of crackling wooshing sounds through all the outputs even if the bass wsn't plugged in, I tried plugging it in at a few different places just in case it was electrical earthing but the same problem, I'm guessing it was the tube.

Anyway the Shuttle is still under warranty (only had it a couple of months) and has been posted back to where I bought it, unfortunately no local or National music shops holds any Genz Benz stuff in stock

I now have to decide if I want to wait for the Shuttle to be repaired (no idea how long that may take! They told me it would be sent to Genz and that I would have to wait for the repair) or I have the option of changing amp model and getting a new one sent out straight away.. I was thinking to change the Shuttle over for a Streamliner 600 firstly and mainly to save the pain of having to wait and secondly reading reviews I think I might like the new voicing in the Streamliner. Any thought from anyone that has compared the 2 amps? I have another couple of days to make my decision.

rodl2005 · #2 09-25-2011, 12:50 AM

If ya like the sound of the Shuttle,
wait for it.
The STL is a VERY different amp, I like my Shuttle 6.0, tried a STL but couldn't get it to work for me. Ymmv of course, but I know what I'd be doing!

steve_rolfeca · #3 09-25-2011, 01:27 AM

The Shuttle is quick, bright, clear, and accurate. the EQ is very powerful (considering it's not full parametric). Everything that's good about solid state gear, but like most 1-tube hybrids, there's not a lot of "tubeyness" going on.

The Streamliner is very fat, round, and full-sounding down low, and has a beautifully smooth top end. The power management circuit gives it a pretty convincing "tube sag", in a good way. Almost everything that's cool about tube gear, without the weight. It has a very musical EQ section, and unlike the Shuttle, even extreme knob settings won't result in really ugly sounds.

However, the Streamliner also has a very pronounced tone colour. It is it's own beast, not just a miniature version of an SVT. It can sound tubby with some cabinets, and even with heavy manipulation of the tone controls, it never gets quite as "quick" and bright-sounding as the Shuttle.

When we're talking about two very good amps with such different tone colours, no-one else can really make your mind up for you. However, I realize how tough it is when you live in a country where access to gear is difficult, and my best suggestion would be to listen to Ed Friedland's clips on YouTube.

Also, while Ken Jung hasn't done any Shuttle clips on YouTube, IME his Streamliner videos relate pretty well to what mine sounds like in person.

mkrtu9 · #4 09-25-2011, 01:39 AM

I've had both of those amps. I would keep the 6.0 over the streamliner. I thought I would like the fatness of the streamliner but found that it didn't have the brightness that I was accustomed to in the shuttle.

In my opinion they are completely different amps but give me a shuttle any day of the week.

Highfox · #5 09-25-2011, 02:10 AM

Thanks for your replies guys.
I do like the brightness and clarity of the Shuttle, but also run it with the bass boost button in to fill out the bottom end.
Maybe I should go with what I know and how well the Neox212t and shuttle work together for me.
Thanks again.

Edit: I'm thinking I may try to get them to swap it to a Shuttle 9 for a little more €

Doug Parent · #6 09-25-2011, 06:43 AM

I had the same issue with my Shuttle 9.0 and sent it directly to GB (which I advise anyone to consider vs through the retailer) GB fixed the issue and turned it back around in a few days. It turned out to be an issue with some component coming loose. I have not had a recurrence since that time.

Red Planet · #7 09-25-2011, 07:25 AM

IMO one needs one of each. One Shuttle and one Streasmliner.

I hope that helps.

Can you not buy a 12ax7 tube in Finland?

Strange.

Highfox · #8 09-25-2011, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Planet

IMO one needs one of each. One Shuttle and one Streasmliner.

I hope that helps.

Can you not buy a 12ax7 tube in Finland?

Strange.

Yes, I suppose I could of got another tube but not 100% sure thats what the problem is! It's gone back now anyway..

Having both would be nice but not an option unfortunately

I'm almost certain I'll go for the Shuttle 9 if I can make the exchange.

Red Planet · #9 09-25-2011, 07:56 AM

Sounds like a tube to me. That would be a 3 minute fix but it's gone now.

Good Luck.

NWB · #10 09-26-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highfox

Yes, I suppose I could of got another tube but not 100% sure thats what the problem is! It's gone back now anyway..

Having both would be nice but not an option unfortunately

I'm almost certain I'll go for the Shuttle 9 if I can make the exchange.

That sounds like a very good choice to me.

rodl2005 · #11 09-26-2011, 03:03 PM

Never a bad choice- having more power on tap.
Good thing us bassists know how to use that ol' volume control

randysmojo · #12 10-10-2011, 03:24 PM

I know how to use the volume control! Turn up until they say I'm too loud. Then play softer the first half of the first set! Once everyone's ears have been beaten by sound waves for half a set, they won't notice the difference!