GK Fusion appreciation thread (all kinds - 500 , 550 , and 800)

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by Bassist30

But isn't "refined" GK Tone, with a nice smoothing of the more aggressive upper mids and treble of the MB500/800."
a related function of the tubes? Yet subtle. I haven't extensively compared. I compared in a store which an expert Im not.
Also I would like to know better about the 800 -if that is what you meant about the full size one - having a more impact. Many here are anticipating the 800 and would like to know more being it didn't come out yet.

He's talking about the Fusion 550, I believe, which weighs around 18 lbs.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Bassist30

But isn't "refined" GK Tone, with a nice smoothing of the more aggressive upper mids and treble of the MB500/800."
a related function of the tubes? Yet subtle. I haven't extensively compared. I compared in a store which an expert Im not.
Also I would like to know better about the 800 -if that is what you meant about the full size one - having a more impact. Many here are anticipating the 800 and would like to know more being it didn't come out yet.

+1 Sounds just a smidge different, and to me that difference is a positive. However, it isn't that sort of more 'old school' thing that some hybrids go for... i.e., the fat, bloomy 'P Bass' type thing (as an oversimpification), where you even get some of the 'feel' of an all tube signal chain. As long as potential purchasers realize it is a 'subtle tweak on the GK tone', all is good Put another way, it isn't as extreme as, for example, the difference between the Shuttle and Streamliner, or the M6/M9 versus the MPulse600 (even though the M6/M9 have a tube preamp).

The 800 watt version will surely slam, just like the MB800, and will give those who need a lot of power a micro option with that 'tube smoothing'. That should be a big seller for them.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

He's talking about the Fusion 550, I believe, which weighs around 18 lbs.

27lbs for the Fusion 550

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by B-string

27lbs for the Fusion 550

Yikes !

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Yikes !

Thats like 27 sm57's

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

He's talking about the Fusion 550, I believe, which weighs around 18 lbs.

I thought Kjung meant the MB Fusion. OK thats clears that up.

[B-string]

It is worth every pound. Those that still want line frequency (big power transformer) power supplies won't mind. BGM tested the power output BTW of the 550 @ 4 ohms it bested the advertised 500 watts and did 836 watts sustained burst

[KJung]

Originally Posted by Bassist30

I thought Kjung meant the MB Fusion. OK thats clears that up.

+1 Sorry about that. These names can be confusing. It took me a while to realize the MB800 was not a MarkBass product Yes, per above, talking about the micro... MBFusion500. Nice head, and per the above post by B-String, has nice wump toward the top of the list of similarly rated amps

[Bassist30]

Just got word that the new release date is early march MBfusion 800. But as its been delayed since last july that may change also.

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by B-string

It is worth every pound. Those that still want line frequency (big power transformer) power supplies won't mind. BGM tested the power output BTW of the 550 @ 4 ohms it bested the advertised 500 watts and did 836 watts sustained burst

Wonder what the tonal differences are between this one and the MBFusion 500 ?

[B-string]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Wonder what the tonal differences are between this one and the MBFusion 500 ?

I don't know personally. I would like a MB Fusion to find out Some who have tried both have said not much difference.

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Wonder what the tonal differences are between this one and the MBFusion 500 ?

Tone is very similar, but the feel is a bit different. Here is a video clip from a Summer NAMM Show where we played both at the GK booth.

[Jerry Ziarko]

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 Sounds just a smidge different, and to me that difference is a positive. However, it isn't that sort of more 'old school' thing that some hybrids go for... i.e., the fat, bloomy 'P Bass' type thing (as an oversimpification), where you even get some of the 'feel' of an all tube signal chain. As long as potential purchasers realize it is a 'subtle tweak on the GK tone', all is good

Exactly. I've been around for a while, and have owned "all tube." amps. That "fat" tone is not what comes to mind when I use my MB Fusion. With that said, it's a little tone monster with plenty of power.

[jnewmark]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Tone is very similar, but the feel is a bit different. Here is a video clip from a Summer NAMM Show where we played both at the GK booth.

Yeah, the 550 has a little more fatness going on than the 500, and the 500 seems a little more brighter on the top end. Not much of a difference though. Why make two similar amps, one alot heavier than the other ?

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Yeah, the 550 has a little more fatness going on than the 500, and the 500 seems a little more brighter on the top end. Not much of a difference though. Why make two similar amps, one alot heavier than the other ?

Thats the solid state sound to the digital type. There is a difference even if minor. What I heard and both set flat the 550 may cut through the mix better. Not sure if you eq'd the 500 to do the exact same. Not saying you can't just not sure yet they sound close.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by jnewmark

Yeah, the 550 has a little more fatness going on than the 500, and the 500 seems a little more brighter on the top end. Not much of a difference though. Why make two similar amps, one alot heavier than the other ?

My guess is that there are two primary reasons. First, some players listen with their eyes, and there are a significant number of players who still feel (for some reason) that large transformers equal better reliability, etc.

On a less cynical note, the large case allows for a LOT more features (the biamp thing, the automatic knob motors, etc., etc. Also, 2ohm operation seems to be easier to achieve with a standard transformer than an SMPS.

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by KJung

My guess is that there are two primary reasons. First, some players listen with their eyes, and there are a significant number of players who still feel (for some reason) that large transformers equal better reliability, etc.

On a less cynical note, the large case allows for a LOT more features (the biamp thing, the automatic knob motors, etc., etc. Also, 2ohm operation seems to be easier to achieve with a standard transformer than an SMPS.

Everybody has there own opinions. There are some great players who I have total respect for who play both. Would love to hear a electronic representative to come here and talk about there product. Aguilar, Dave (Thunderfunk) and someone from GK to speak of there products, components and how it is rated. On a less cynical note of course

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by tombowlus

Tone is very similar, but the feel is a bit different. Here is a video clip from a Summer NAMM Show where we played both at the GK booth.

Thanks for the post. It was pretty close. Surprisingly close.
Have fun at NAMM.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by Bassist30

Everybody has there own opinions. There are some great players who I have total respect for who play both. Would love to hear a electronic representative to come here and talk about there product. Aguilar, Dave (Thunderfunk) and someone from GK to speak of there products, components and how it is rated. On a less cynical note of course

I doubt if they will come and make open their views on design. That said the G-K MB800 was tested by BGM and not only made it's advertised rated output but had sufficient reserve power in the SMPS to make just over 1000 watts sustained burst IIRC. Some other did not fair as well.
Same results can and are obtained using line frequency ("big iron") "traditional" power supplies.

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by B-string

I doubt if they will come and make open their views on design. That said the G-K MB800 was tested by BGM and not only made it's advertised rated output but had sufficient reserve power in the SMPS to make just over 1000 watts sustained burst IIRC. Some other did not fair as well.
Same results can and are obtained using line frequency ("big iron") "traditional" power supplies.

That's why I said "would love to hear". It would be so hard. I love when the bass luthiers get together with the round table. Maybe Tom Bowlus can set one up on his magazine.
Only kidding Tom. But I would love to read an separate Article from each amp representative to discuss differences related to there product as to others. There was a post Dave from Thunderfunk stated in the thread 2 new Thunderfunks !!! number 27 which was interesting although some ma say it isn't. Whether it is or not it isn't a very long post but its his view. I still like the Fusion 500 also and would not have bought it if I didn't but I think it would be nice for another amp designer to debate or agree or even discuss differences.