GK 1001RB II vs Eden WT550

tycobb73 · #1 11-24-2011, 08:26 AM

Can you compare these 2 for me?

basskillah · #2 11-24-2011, 08:35 AM

I haven't owned a 1001RB, or a WT550. I have however owned a 700RBII and a plethora of WT300's, WT400's, and WT800's. I'm assuming they're similarly voiced, just different power ratings. The GK's are a nice solid state amp. It's probably easier to get that GK grind out of the lower watt 700RB, than the 1001RB. The 1001RB would be without a doubt louder than the 550B. The decision is easy for me, I'd pick the Eden. That phat hybrid tube tone is addicting, 550 watts is plenty, and Eden's DI's are top notch! I hope that helps, Happy Thanksgiving!

basskillah · #3 11-24-2011, 08:37 AM

I will also say, I AB'd my Eden WT400 against my Markbass LMT800, and the Markbass spanked it.

The Stoke · #4 11-24-2011, 08:48 AM

I have been able to make the same tone with both. The Eden just costs more and has a more trendy following.

tycobb73 · #5 11-24-2011, 09:03 AM

I don't care what costs more or is trendy. I would just like comparisons please. There may be some crossover tones with both, but lets say set flat, how are the two going to compare?

sforzato · #6 11-24-2011, 11:33 AM

I have an Eden WT500. Best amp I've ever had. I have played through the GKs and Hartkes at the music store I teach at and I still prefer my old Eden. I think it comes down to personal preference; I like GK but I love that hybrid warmth and the tonal possibilities from my Eden.

woody357 · #7 12-05-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Stoke

I have been able to make the same tone with both. The Eden just costs more and has a more trendy following.

I don't think Eden has been the trend for some time now. Most people will suggest if you want a Eden go used, I did and have not looked back! I own a GK 800RB, now that really give you the true GK sound, and I have a Eden WT550, I love them both, but if there can only be one, the Eden is the one!!!! My Eden took the place of my GK the moment I lgot it, now the GK is my back up!

Bart277 · #8 12-07-2011, 02:07 AM

At the moment I own both amps, I reckon the WT550 sounds better then the 1001RB but the 1001RB blows it away with its power. I have been using the WT550 for small gigs and the 1001RB for larger ones. I run them through my Eden XLT410 and a XLT115.
If I was to sell one it would be the WT 550 as the 1001RB is awesome! Go the GK

woody357 · #9 12-07-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bart277

At the moment I own both amps, I reckon the WT550 sounds better then the 1001RB but the 1001RB blows it away with its power. I have been using the WT550 for small gigs and the 1001RB for larger ones. I run them through my Eden XLT410 and a XLT115.
If I was to sell one it would be the WT 550 as the 1001RB is awesome! Go the GK

So you are taking power over tone, is that what you are saying? I have not found a gig that my wt550 could not handle. What kind of gigs, or music are you playing that the head wont do?

4-string · #10 12-07-2011, 08:22 AM

Both heads have a pretty strong voice on its own, but very different. Depends which built in colouration you like better, GK or Eden.

I know, not at all helpful.

MuthaFunk · #11 12-07-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4-string

Both heads have a pretty strong voice on its own, but very different. Depends which built in colouration you like better, GK or Eden.

I know, not at all helpful.

Perhaps not what the OP is hoping for but a genuine comment that's completely valid nonetheless.

I traded in my RB800 for a WT400 and never regretted it. I always remembered that GK tone and although I never felt I wanted it back over my Eden, I still thought I may find the right group down the road that a GK would be great for. To date, I still haven't. The stock sounds between the two are very different. IMO the GK had a tighter low end and a more aggressive treble selections with the 4K EQ center. The Eden has a superior EQ that can be set to do almost anything but it's stock sound is very clean and fat. The low end has a sweet controlled bloom to it and the top end is set warm although with that eq you can bring in some nice sheen. Again, this is all opinion and comparisons were using my Eden 410XLT4. I still have my Eden WT400 and despite not needing it much for the past 2 years or so (Mesa WAS took over for the current projects sound) I never plan on selling it.

I recognize these are not the comparison the OP was looking for but they may still seem relevant.

IntrepidCellist · #12 12-07-2011, 11:04 AM

I love my WT400 (and my friend's WT550.) Very warm, clean, fat, and articulate when set flat, and it slots in a mix unlike any other head I've played. Nicely portable too.

The EQ is extremely powerful and versatile, and one or two clicks of boost or cut is usually all I need to compensate for a room.

The 1001RB is more modern-sounding and less "fat" set flat, but also slightly more limited in terms of tonal control. I say "slightly" since the EQ is very useful and musical. They've both got their own flavor... I just prefer the flavor of the WT550 over that of the 1001RB.