GK or Carvin Mini combo?

Randy S · #1 03-01-2013, 10:39 PM

I hope to buy one or the other in the next few months.

Either in a 1 15 or a 2 10 configuration.

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks...

B-string · #2 03-01-2013, 10:48 PM

I prefer the tone and value G-K provides. You may like the Carvin more, or like G-K more.
If you buy the G-K from a source with a liberal return policy and don't like it you can return it and try the Carvin (10 day return policy IIRC).

mournblade · #3 03-01-2013, 11:49 PM

I played the GK 115 combo, I liked it for what it was. I have no experience with the Carvin.

craig.p · #4 03-02-2013, 05:46 AM

There's at least one huge thread in this forum on the Carvin micro combos. Worth reading.

bassgod0dmw · #5 03-02-2013, 06:10 AM

I too prefer the sound of GK, so I'd go with that.

fabubass · #6 03-02-2013, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

I too prefer the sound of GK, so I'd go with that.

Can't go wrong with GK!

Jarrett · #7 03-02-2013, 09:01 AM

I use GK and Carvin amps and Carvin cabs. I'm pretty sure I would be equally happy with either.

The one thing I will say about the Carvin amp versus the GK is the Carvin has much better EQ'ing. If you have a bass and cab that sound great without much EQ, then its a wash. But if you run into a situation where you need to cut/boost certain frequencies or even like to run flatter, the Carvin works much better at this than the GK's.

Randy S · #8 03-02-2013, 09:01 AM

The best bass sound I ever had was on a GK rig. So, even with the price difference, either one may be worth the extra bucks to go with a GK.

One concern is that only the 2 10 GK allows for the use of a non powered extension speaker.

The GK 2 10 is almost double the Carvin 2 10.

Has anyone been able to directly compare?

seang15 · #9 03-02-2013, 09:21 AM

My two main amps right now are GK and Carvin. I first owned a GK in the mid 80's. The only amp that has sounded better to me than GK, IMHO and IME, is Carvin.

Can't go wrong with either.

seang15 · #10 03-02-2013, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy S

The best bass sound I ever had was on a GK rig. So, even with the price difference, either one may be worth the extra bucks to go with a GK.

One concern is that only the 2 10 GK allows for the use of a non powered extension speaker.

The GK 2 10 is almost double the Carvin 2 10.

Has anyone been able to directly compare?

Double the money you mean? I would put my Carvin BRX2x10 Neo 600W up against any 2x10 out there.

craig.p · #11 03-02-2013, 02:06 PM

Don't know if this helps Randy, but I prefer the sound of the G-K unit over the Carvin. The only reason I went with the Carvin was that it was smaller: I knew from the dimensions that it'd fit into the passenger seat of my small commuter truck and not risk blocking my side view or hammering the dash/glove box on bumpy roads. That was the deal-maker for me. For me, it's the perfect solution for auditions, and for larger venues where bass through the PA is assured. A compromise, yes, but it nets out positive in light of all the factors that apply to my situation.

1stnamebassist · #12 03-02-2013, 05:20 PM

I've played through the GK micro amps and they sounded great. I think you would be happy with one of them. I own the Carvin MB 15 however and am quite happy with it. By itself its great, but I bought the 15" extension speaker and its like a whole other amp. Its lightweight and the eq section is great. I get a great sound with my Thunderbird and Lognhorn, but i'm struggling with the settings for a good sound with my new u-bass. Not the amps fault, I need to get a preamp for the piezo in the u-bass.