Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 vs. SWR workingpro 700

drdunwoody · #1 06-11-2010, 07:31 AM

I currently power an Aguilar GS212 with an SWR 350x. I really like the sound I get from the combo but I'm lacking headroom and at big gigs I just need more head. So, I'm considering the SWR Workingpro 700 because I like the SWR sound. However, it doesn't have a tube in the preamp like my 350x so I'm concerned it will sound a bit sterile. The Genz Benz shuttle 9.0 is so light AND it has a tube in the preamp. Any opinions on how these compare and how they would do driving my Aguilar? My GS212 is a 4ohm cab and rated at 600 watts. The GB puts out 900 at 4ohms and the SWR 700 at 4 ohms. Looks like I can get the SWR head for about $570 and the GB for $670. Opinions appreciated! Phil

drdunwoody · #2 06-11-2010, 10:18 AM

23 people have looked at this and no one has an opinion? I need some help here people...

Sav'nBass · #3 06-11-2010, 10:23 AM

Get the Benz.. save your back. More headroom.. I am thoroughly sold on GB since I got my 6.0.

lomo · #4 06-11-2010, 10:26 AM

The difference between 700 and 900 watts will not be audible-better to get more cone area if it's more volume you seek.

minus3db · #5 06-11-2010, 10:33 AM

I don't have the Shuttle 9.0 but I do have the ShuttleMAX 12.0.
It's a great amp, very versatile... I imagine the 9.0 would be somewhat similar.
Plus, GB has a rep for unbeatable customer service. I phoned one day to inquire about rack ears and Jeff Genzler himself answered the phone.
Do you have the option of A/Bing the two amps?

svtb15 · #6 06-11-2010, 10:37 AM

I have never played the SWR so i can not compare... I am a Genz endorser though.. But i endorse them because they sound great and they last . I am very rough on my gear.. and stress it to the max... If it works for me all the time it i will work for anyone.And i have never had an issue with my shuttles... And they are light , easy to move and keep tickin'

drdunwoody · #7 06-11-2010, 11:00 AM

I've got no way to A/B them. Thanks for the opinions. I've read good things about the GB shuttle but haven't played through one. The portability of the GB, plus the tube, and rep for good service, make it really appealing. Now, to get it without my wife noticing...

svtb15 · #8 06-11-2010, 11:09 AM

Well, Its alot easier to hide the tiny shuttle 9 than the SWR..

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

Now, to get it without my wife noticing...

Burlington · #9 06-11-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

I just need more head. l

I have a 9.0 and love it. Sadly the only SWR experience I have is with my 6x10, which I love, and my 350(?) red face head, which wasnt enough power for me. Sounded great tho.

jaywa · #10 06-11-2010, 11:21 AM

I have the 400-watt version of the WorkingPro and it's OK but definitely nothing special. When I front it with my SansAmp BDDI it sounds OK but on its own, very bland. And doesn't get very loud at all for the amount of wattage it supposedly has. I used to have a 350-watt Hartke head and that thing blew the SWR away on volume.

I'd recommend the Genz-Benz.

lomo · #11 06-11-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

I've got no way to A/B them. Thanks for the opinions. I've read good things about the GB shuttle but haven't played through one. The portability of the GB, plus the tube, and rep for good service, make it really appealing. Now, to get it without my wife noticing...

I bet you won't be able to tell the difference in volume, although the 9 sounds better IMO.

noahw1 · #12 06-11-2010, 12:58 PM

I played a SWR SM400 for about 15 years and just switched to a GB 6.0 and don't miss the SWR at all.

BabyWhiteTiger · #13 06-11-2010, 01:14 PM

I use a 6.0 as my main head and definitely prefer it to the Workingpro that's in a backline at a venue I play frequently. Haven't tried the 9.0 though.

Adam Bomb · #14 06-11-2010, 01:22 PM

I had a WorkingPro 700 - it was the head that, when combined with my Avatar 210s, formed the rig I'd named "Street Justice" - and I liked it fine.

Maybe didn't get as loud as I'd have expected. I say maybe because I now know more about EQing than I did then, and also because I may have thought I was pushing its limits when I wasn't even coming close (like, a Limiter light or something would come on and that scared me). But it sounded great, wasn't too heavy by 2007 standards, reliable etc. But then I became obsessed with weight and traded in Street Justice (plus $$$) for twin GK MB210s - same wattage, same speaker config, half the weight.

I've never played through any Genz gear, but wanted to chime in since I did have that exact head. I'm not a tube guy but, yeah, I would guess that the WorkingPro 700, being SS, does sound at least a little different than the 350x.

Good luck--

--Bomb

J Schroder · #15 06-11-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noahw1

I played a SWR SM400 for about 15 years and just switched to a GB 6.0 and don't miss the SWR at all.

What do you like better about the GB?

John

noahw1 · #16 06-11-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Schroder

What do you like better about the GB?

John

Some people on here say that they think the GB is sterile or modern sounding but to my ears that pre-amp tube really gives it a nice warmth. It can go clean or a little gritty or just warmed up a tad.

When I had the SM400 I started using a VT bass to help "warm" up the tone a little bit and when I started using it with GB I found the tone I was getting with the VT and the GB tone were very similar. I could barely hear a difference so I stopped using the VT, although I have since started using it again for different tonal variations but not as an always on pedal which it was before the GB.

The weight and size of the thing are also amazing. I bought the carrying case for it and now put it in my gig bag.

Also, the features are really useful and maybe because my SM 400 was so old it didn't have them but the tuner out is very useful, the mute button is great for silent tuning and because I switch instruments during sets. The headphone jack is perfect for those nights when the family has gone to sleep and I want to jam and along with that there's the Aux In for plugging in an iPod for more practicing. The DI is also really nice with the option for pre or post eq'ing.

Even the indents are nice for remembering exactly where you had set a specific knob.

Some people disagree but I also like the signal shaper and usually leave the low boost on as it adds oomph but also tightens up the lows too.

I use 2 2x10" cabs and have enough power for loud gigs when I use both cabs (i've never even come close to not having enought power) or for the quieter gigs I can roll in with my basses on my back with the head in the gig bag and cabinet in one hand. A one trip gig!
I'm very happy with it.

drdunwoody · #17 06-12-2010, 08:54 AM

Very positive reviews of the GB! Ok, that settles it. I'm hoarding my pennies for the GB Shuttle 9.0. Sounds like it has the tone, headroom, and size to kill for. The opinions and feedback were very helpful!

noahw1 · #18 06-12-2010, 11:02 PM

I don't think you will be disappointed with the 9.0.

lomo · #19 06-13-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

Very positive reviews of the GB! Ok, that settles it. I'm hoarding my pennies for the GB Shuttle 9.0. Sounds like it has the tone, headroom, and size to kill for. The opinions and feedback were very helpful!

FYI there are usually a couple of new (opened box, with full warranty) ones on eBay for under 700. Don't pay the commonly asked 829.

tappingtrance · #20 06-20-2010, 09:38 AM

I have the Shuttle 9.0 and use it with two Aggie 12's. Great sound and obviously the portability is a plus. I however am looking to sell it as I still have too much gear and I like running with the DB 750 (about 50lbs more!) anyway, ifyou are interested I would consider selling my 9.0 - like mint.