GK 1001 RBII vs. MB800

AdamJames306 · #1 08-20-2011, 09:22 AM

Hey guys, I'm currently playing a GK 1001 RBII, as I'm sure the more perceptive of you TB'ers have already gleaned based on the title of the thread. I've been intrigued by the MB line for a couple years, but never enough to actually pull the trigger on one. But I think the MB800 might be the one.

I've had trouble with my 1001 in the past, had to replace some parts and get repairs done on it, so the idea of ditching a not-so-trustworthy piece of gear sounds good, as does shaving 17 pounds off of my rack. But I don't want to compromise in any way, especially on my tone. So, my question is this- has anyone gotten their hands on one of these things yet? Are we basically talking about a 1001 in a sleeker lighter package? Or is it a completely different animal? I did a search on here, and didn't find any relative thread, so I'm guessing these things are brand-spankin' new.

For those of you who need the full scoop, I'm pushing an Ampeg 215, and I run a fairly effects-heavy signal (MXR M-80, Big Muff, Boss Chorus, etc…) Oh, and I'm a Ric guy.

AdamJames306 · #2 08-20-2011, 09:54 AM

Hmmmm… maybe I'd get more replies if I asked if this was the best amp for metal.

**B-string** · #3 08-20-2011, 10:13 AM

Don't know if anyone has gotten their hands on one yet?

AdamJames306 · #4 08-20-2011, 10:26 AM

I guess not.

**B-string** · #5 08-20-2011, 10:31 AM

Have you concidered the MB Fusion? Three tube, six stage preamp into the well proven 500 watt (@4 ohm) poweramp?

AdamJames306 · #6 08-20-2011, 10:39 AM

I have, but I like the idea of having enough power to expand down the road

JGR · #7 08-20-2011, 10:44 AM

I would not expect the MBs to be more reliable than the RB line, probably the opposite since it is a newer amp/technology, so I wouldn't switch for that reason. I really like GK but I think their overall QC and customer support are slipping.

**B-string** · #8 08-20-2011, 10:47 AM

Effects send from MB Fusion to a lightweight Peavey, Crown, Carvin sub 10 lbs 1000 watt dual channel PA amp (about $300.00) and expand to your hearts content. Much more expandable than just an additional 300 watts? You could then add a lot more cabs and that is where the real volume will come from.

AdamJames306 · #9 08-20-2011, 12:59 PM

Hmmmm… interesting thought.

Low Class · #10 08-20-2011, 01:08 PM

The MB800 won't even ship til 10/17/11

Session1969 · #11 08-20-2011, 01:21 PM

[quote=AdamJames306;11363296]Hey guys, I'm currently playing a GK 1001 RBII, as I'm sure the more perceptive of you TB'ers have already gleaned based on the title of the thread. I've been intrigued by the MB line for a couple years, but never enough to actually pull the trigger on one. But I think the MB800 might be the one.

I've had trouble with my 1001 in the past, had to replace some parts and get repairs done on it, so the idea of ditching a not-so-trustworthy piece of gear sounds good, as does shaving 17 pounds off of my rack. But I don't want to compromise in any way, especially on my tone. So, my question is this- has anyone gotten their hands on one of these things yet? Are we basically talking about a 1001 in a sleeker lighter package? Or is it a completely different animal? I did a search on here, and didn't find any relative thread, so I'm guessing these things are brand-spankin' new.

For those of you who need the full scoop, I'm pushing an Ampeg 215, and I run a fairly effects-heavy signal (MXR M-80, Big Muff, Boss Chorus, etc…) Oh, and I'm a Ric guy.[/QUOT

I'd stick with the 1001. They are one of the best amps ever made. They have so much more headroom than other amps that claim to have the same watts, it's crazy. The MB sounded very thin when I tried it. Maybe the 800 is different but it seems the same with 300 more watts.

jelwood · #12 08-20-2011, 03:15 PM

I remember reading in a Musician's Friend magazine that the MB800 is not just an MB500 with 300 more watts. There was something about the preamp (if I were technical and understood it more, I would remember

) like more stages with opamps or something. Man now I can't seem to find that dumb magazine, must have thrown it out. At any rate, it almost had me gassing, but the two GK's I already own kept the urge at bay. Maybe go to a local GC and see if they have a floor model?

Oobly · #13 08-20-2011, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jelwood

I remember reading in a Musician's Friend magazine that the MB800 is not just an MB500 with 300 more watts. There was something about the preamp (if I were technical and understood it more, I would remember

) like more stages with opamps or something. Man now I can't seem to find that dumb magazine, must have thrown it out. At any rate, it almost had me gassing, but the two GK's I already own kept the urge at bay. Maybe go to a local GC and see if they have a floor model?

The MB800 uses FETs for its preamp, no opamps, whereas I think the MB500 uses opamps... Someone correct me if I am wrong, this is from memory which seems to be getting worse each day. Anyhoo, I pulled the trigger on an MB Fusion

AdamJames306 · #14 08-20-2011, 04:48 PM

Are you diggin the fusion? How's it stack up against the RB's?

joeydavidson · #15 08-20-2011, 06:06 PM

I would keep the GK 1001rbII, they are one of GK's most relieable heads, one of the guys that work for GK said that on the old GK forum, now that yours is fixed it's good now right?

I went to class d and then came back to the 1001rbII as I don't like the limiter in those class d amps, it seems like most of them have a limiter installed that clamps down on your signal at some point.

Wes Whitmore · #16 08-20-2011, 11:57 PM

The limiter is defeatable in the MB500. Honestly, I have had just as many troubles with the RB series as the MB series...just get what fits the bill.
Wes

AMJBASS · #17 08-21-2011, 10:56 AM

The Fusion is a neat amp, but it runs out of headroom in a hurry I have found. I had one up until recently when I went back to Markbass. It was a great sounding head, but I didnt need the distortion channel, and it clipped on channel A pretty quickly. If you are looking for that sound its one of the best out there. I like a clean sound.

**B-string** · #18 08-21-2011, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adrian Juras

The Fusion is a neat amp, but it runs out of headroom in a hurry I have found. I had one up until recently when I went back to Markbass. It was a great sounding head, but I didnt need the distortion channel, and it clipped on channel A pretty quickly. If you are looking for that sound its one of the best out there. I like a clean sound.

Did you have the MB Fusion or Fusion 550? I have the Fusion 550 into the NEO 412 and can never run out of headroom. If you have a single speaker 8 ohm cab I could see it with either?

tombowlus · #19 08-21-2011, 12:51 PM

The MB800 should be shipping very shortly. If GK has it dialed in as well as the current MB500, I expect very great things. I've got all the MB heads (so far), as well as a 700RB-II, Fusion 550 and a 2001RB, and they all do their thing very well. My gut feeling is that once I get my MB800, that's going to be getting the call a majority of the time.

MysticMichael · #20 08-21-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamJames306

Hmmmm… maybe I'd get more replies if I asked if this was the best amp for metal.

You're right: If you don't get any replies after an entire 32 minutes, you might as well give it up...

MM