GK 2001RB vs 1001RB

Hopkins · #1 12-27-2010, 04:45 PM

Is the extra 300 or so watts and 2 channels of the 2001RB worth the $500 over the 1001RB.

It will be pushing a couple of GK 410 neo cabs. I would think that the 1001rb would probably get loud enough for just about any situation, but I would like your opinions.

Thanks
Paul

JGR · #2 12-27-2010, 05:16 PM

I would stick with the 1001 unless you want/need the OD channel of the 2001.

Hopkins · #3 12-27-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGR

I would stick with the 1001 unless you want/need the OD channel of the 2001.

I rarely use overdrive, and when I do I have a Badder Monkey

jeff7bass · #4 12-27-2010, 06:50 PM

Driving two big cabs I would go for the 2001rb. Two amps, dual channels, more power. It's their best amp and I've heard it powering to 410's like you wanna do. AWESOME sound.
If money's no object, go for the Big Dog. The 1001rb is still a great amp though.

Hopkins · #5 12-27-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Driving two big cabs I would go for the 2001rb. Two amps, dual channels, more power. It's their best amp and I've heard it powering to 410's like you wanna do. AWESOME sound.
If money's no object, go for the Big Dog. The 1001rb is still a great amp though.

If money was no object I would already have the 2001rb

canadian*eh · #6 12-28-2010, 12:47 AM

Man I dont know ...i have never used the 2001 rb but i do own a 1001rb II and Hell that sucker is LOUD...i really dont know were a person would need more then what that thing puts out. I run mine through a SWR Megoliath 810...and trust me i will blow that cab all to bits before i will ever find the top of the head room on that amp...i never have my preamp volume past 10 o'clock and she is more then loud enough to power any large event!!. The only thing that the 2001 rb might be good for is if you want to run 2 4 ohm cabs...then you can put on per channel were as the 1001 you can only run one 4 ohm setup...other then that ...the 1001rb II is killer of a head!!!

kosmicwizard · #7 12-28-2010, 12:57 AM

The 1001RB-II will totally be enough to drive two 8 Ohm 4X10's. You will also be able to get the natural growl out of the 1001 way before you can out of the 2001. IMO, that is why G-K builds the same amp in various power offerings (I know this isn't technically correct terminology, but I am sure you get what I mean). Your desired volume level should dictate what G-K head is right for you. I suggest the 1001, unless your cabs are each 4 Ohms, but the choice is ultimately up to you. Whatever you choose, I hope you are happy with it. Cheers.

ljazz · #8 12-28-2010, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

You will also be able to get the natural growl out of the 1001 way before you can out of the 2001.

That's not correct. You have several power options when using the 2001...... you can just use just one of the woofer amps, pushing just 240 watts into 8 ohms..... and you can make it growl like crazy. And it's much warmer sounding than the 1001. If you can deal with the weight, then you'll find the 2001 to be much more versatile, especially if you're dealing with several different cabinet configs.

Hopkins · #9 12-28-2010, 09:44 AM

Well, Im just using two 8 ohm cabs. So I can either run 240 watts into each cab or bridge it to 1000 watts @ 4 ohms. But it does allow me more options in the future.

jeff7bass · #10 12-28-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljazz

That's not correct. You have several power options when using the 2001...... you can just use just one of the woofer amps, pushing just 240 watts into 8 ohms..... and you can make it growl like crazy. And it's much warmer sounding than the 1001. If you can deal with the weight, then you'll find the 2001 to be much more versatile, especially if you're dealing with several different cabinet configs.

That's what I'm talking about. The 2001rb with two 410's, as I've heard it a few times, is unusually warm sounding compared to other GK amps. You can make it sound like other GK amps but you can't make them sound like the 2001rb. Great amp.

The 1001rb is plenty powerful to drive the cabs of course, it's a question of options + tone. The 2001rb just has more.

silky smoove · #11 12-28-2010, 10:34 AM

I owned both for a while and can say confidently that there's something going on with the 2001 that isn't there with the 1001. I don't know what it is, but I preferred the tone of the 2001 to the 1001 (and any of the several MB2-500's I owned as well).

I did not prefer the weight or the extra cost though...

kosmicwizard · #12 12-28-2010, 03:28 PM

I know everyone has different ears. To me my all tube MESA sounds better than anything G-K makes, that said, I have played through a 2001Rb, currently own a 1001RB-II and used to own a 700RB-II. The 1001 is the right amount of watts for my needs, it is lighter than the Ampeg B4r I used to have and I got it for a good price. I have a hard time hearing "warmth" out of any G-K heads ... I just think heads like the 800, 700, and any company's big gun always have fanbois ... Cheers.

christw · #13 12-28-2010, 03:35 PM

I got a 1001RB-II as my "big amp" in case I ever need mad wattage. Never needed it although I do use it.

My SVT-II has always been more than plenty through a crappy Ampeg 810. The GK is absolute murder through the same cab. It can drown out 2 guitar 100w half stacks running hot and a very loud drummer. I don't think I'd ever need more power.

As for not having warmth, it will deliver if you toy with it. A little bass tweak and some low mids and hi there, I'm vibrating! (This is through the muddy 810)

Hopkins · #14 12-28-2010, 10:16 PM

I think im going to go with the 1001, unless work really picks up between now and my tax return.

The only minor issue I have with the 1001 is that its going to be rack mounted there is no tuner out on the back to connect to my rack tuner. This is by far not a deal breaker for me though.

canadian*eh · #15 12-28-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hopkins

I think im going to go with the 1001, unless work really picks up between now and my tax return.

The only minor issue I have with the 1001 is that its going to be rack mounted there is no tuner out on the back to connect to my rack tuner. This is by far not a deal breaker for me though.

It is not a big deal I have a rack tuner with my head and i just have my head on the top of my 3 space rack and run the cable through the right hand corner of my rack and down into the back of my tuner...its a tight squeeze but it works just fine!!

ljazz · #16 12-29-2010, 04:32 AM

Hopkins.....

I've got to tell you, unless you're trying to achieve stage volume on a stage inside of an arena, or you're looking for super clean headroom, I think you're best off saving even a bit more cash and picking up the 700rbII. It will power your 2 x 410 cabs without an issue, and is really loud. On top of that, it attains the GK growl and lower volumes than the 1001rbII, and will sound great with either 1 cab or both. I've run mine through 810's on several occasions, and without question, there's been no need for more. That's 480 "GK" watts!!! And it's an incredibly warm sounding head.

When I started buying for my current rig, I started with the 1001rbII, but quickly found that it did not meet my needs. It was just too much.... I needed it to growl at much lower volumes, and it just wouldn't suit the smaller stages we play. I returned it after about a week for the 700rbII (of course during that time I had read the BG interview stating you had find the right "power" for your needs). I've done small clubs and outdoor stuff with it since, and it's been perfect.

Use the cash you save on either a EBS Multicomp (the GK head and the multicomp sound like they were made for each other) and / or a Tech 21 VT pedal.

Hopkins · #17 12-29-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljazz

Hopkins.....

I've got to tell you, unless you're trying to achieve stage volume on a stage inside of an arena, or you're looking for super clean headroom, I think you're best off saving even a bit more cash and picking up the 700rbII. It will power your 2 x 410 cabs without an issue, and is really loud. On top of that, it attains the GK growl and lower volumes than the 1001rbII, and will sound great with either 1 cab or both. I've run mine through 810's on several occasions, and without question, there's been no need for more. That's 480 "GK" watts!!! And it's an incredibly warm sounding head.

When I started buying for my current rig, I started with the 1001rbII, but quickly found that it did not meet my needs. It was just too much.... I needed it to growl at much lower volumes, and it just wouldn't suit the smaller stages we play. I returned it after about a week for the 700rbII (of course during that time I had read the BG interview stating you had find the right "power" for your needs). I've done small clubs and outdoor stuff with it since, and it's been perfect.

Use the cash you save on either a EBS Multicomp (the GK head and the multicomp sound like they were made for each other) and / or a Tech 21 VT pedal.

Clean headroom is the goal

It is exactly the reason Im upgrading my rig. My Carvin R1000 starts breaking up to soon and it sounds pretty bad trying to keep up with my guitards Orange Rockerverb 50. It just sounds OK at lower volumes.

About the VT, I have a BDDI that I used before I upgraded my cabs, (acoustic b410 and b115) but I find I like the soud better without it with the GK cabs.

Thanks everyone for your sugestions

Geddyfleaharris · #18 12-29-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljazz

That's not correct. You have several power options when using the 2001...... you can just use just one of the woofer amps, pushing just 240 watts into 8 ohms..... and you can make it growl like crazy. And it's much warmer sounding than the 1001. If you can deal with the weight, then you'll find the 2001 to be much more versatile, especially if you're dealing with several different cabinet configs.

+1

I have owned and used all the bigger GK heads. The 2001 and a Fusion 550 are still in my arsenal. I personally found the 1001 to be rather sterile sounding. I even prefer the 700 over the 1001.

The biggest thing for me is the 2001 has a warmer tone to my ears.

thatbasskid597 · #19 12-29-2010, 11:49 AM

I use a 1001RB-II and it seems like the thing has unlimited power. I have run it through a SWR Megoliath and it was causing the speakers to fart at 10 o'clock. Mainly though, I use it through one 8ohm NEO410 and it never goes above 9 o'clock with two guitarists cranking their Marshall's to 11. The amp is quite sterile sounding, but if clean headroom is your thing, then its the bees knees.

silky smoove · #20 12-29-2010, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

I know everyone has different ears. To me my all tube MESA sounds better than anything G-K makes

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

I have a hard time hearing "warmth" out of any G-K heads ... I just think heads like the 800, 700, and any company's big gun always have fanbois ... Cheers.

Fanboys... Kinda like you and your Mesa huh?