Help assessing rig purchase

BrentD · #1 03-06-2011, 07:50 PM

Note: I have edited this first post to eliminate cab considerations for the moment. We'll get to that later.

Howdy. I need more oomph. Currently playing a Rumble 100, and it's not cutting it.

I'm looking at the following heads locally:

New Backline 600 $299
Used Tour 450 $249
Used Tour 700 $329
NOS Nemesis NA320 $225
Used Firebass 700 $199

Also available are Hartke LH heads and the new Ampeg Portaflex heads, but they aren't on my radar at the moment. You could convince me, though.

Cost is an issue. I was and am considering the GK MB combos, but I think I might get more out of separate components.

Got an opinion?

Jaco who? · #2 03-06-2011, 08:49 PM

Meh. The MBE 410 has a peizo tweeter, and while it says it handles 800 watts, you'll be lucky to drive it with half of that before the speakers start to complain. I'd consider an Avatar TB153 15" three way. Either wait till the end of March for the 4Ω version and buy the Firebass, or get the 8Ω version now and bridge a Harkte LH1000 into it. If 750 watts isn't loud enough, your too damn loud.

BrentD · #3 03-06-2011, 09:00 PM

Thanks for your response. I'd actually like to go with a smaller setup than a 4x10", but I don't know if I can get away with it. I don't have any experience with pushing the MBEs, so I appreciate your input.

I'm put off a bit by combos because I'm worried that if the amp section goes poof, I'm out the cab as well. Any real truth to that fear? I liked the MB210 I tried a lot, but the only one I could find in-store looked like it was dragged around on pavement and they only offered me 10%. I'd still have to pay tax, too. I think, ideally, I'd like to pair an MB210 and an MBE115, but I don't know if that's enough cone. I suspect it is, but I'd like to make one purchase now rather than three down the road.

dukeisdog · #4 03-06-2011, 10:04 PM

I use a Peavey Tour 700 at 8 ohms with my Avatar 2X12, and I play in a loud hardcore mix. It cuts it for me. It's overall a very loud and clean head. I would spend the extra cash and get the 700 over the 450. I don't think the 450 at 8 ohms would be good enough for me.

JimmyM · #5 03-07-2011, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrentD

Thanks for your response. I'd actually like to go with a smaller setup than a 4x10", but I don't know if I can get away with it. I don't have any experience with pushing the MBEs, so I appreciate your input.

I'm put off a bit by combos because I'm worried that if the amp section goes poof, I'm out the cab as well. Any real truth to that fear? I liked the MB210 I tried a lot, but the only one I could find in-store looked like it was dragged around on pavement and they only offered me 10%. I'd still have to pay tax, too. I think, ideally, I'd like to pair an MB210 and an MBE115, but I don't know if that's enough cone. I suspect it is, but I'd like to make one purchase now rather than three down the road.

it's enough cone to be as effective as a 410, but i'm a firm believer in matching cabs because matching cabs always work while mixing cabs is a crapshoot because of possible phasing issues, so i'd get two of one kind, not both. those avatar tb153 cabs come very close to having the ability to move as much air as a 410, but have a different, more pa-like sound than standard bass cabs. that may or may not be to your liking.

re: combos: some are great, and some have the advantage of having a head that can separate from the cab. but they always need an extension cab to do what you want. when it comes to moving lots of air with low end, more cab is the ticket. bigger is better always.

BrentD · #6 03-07-2011, 06:50 AM

Bump for edit.

And thanks, Duke and Jimmy, for your insight.

klejst · #7 03-07-2011, 07:12 AM

I currently use the Peavey Tour 450. I bought it used at a local music store, however it is in great shape and working order. It is a pretty solid amp and I have yet to have a any problems with it. The EQ features are nice because I can get the tone and sound I need and also I like the fact it is rack mountable. I owned the Tour 700 for about a week, pretty much the same as the 450 but with more power, however at high volumes I ran into the sound clipping problem that seems to haunt the 700. I just returned it and went back to using the 450. At least from what I have used I can say the 450 has been a solid amp for me.

BrentD · #8 03-09-2011, 11:15 AM

Bump, plus add these into the mix:

MB200 (new, $250)
Eden WT550 (used, IDK yet if it is MIA or MIC, $300)

FWIW, I really like the Nemesis head, but I don't know how much power I'll need. Since the Eden is going to sound relatively similar, and has more power, it might be worth the extra $75.

Cab is a GK MBE 212 (lightweight, fits in the trunk of my Honda).

RickenBoogie · #9 03-09-2011, 11:39 AM

Remember, if it's volume you seek, it's more speakers you need. Wattage alone is not the biggest factor, by a long shot.

BrentD · #10 03-09-2011, 11:53 AM

Cab efficiency is a part of that, too, isn't it? For example, Hartke cabs (not the HyDrives, but the VX and XL cabs) aren't very sensitive, like 98dB 1/1/1. Other cabs are 100+. Is that a factor for sheer volume?

Believe me when I say I am aware that nothing is a substitute for just moving a lot of air.

Basshappi · #11 03-09-2011, 12:18 PM

Any one of those Peaveys would be great.
If it were me I'd be grabbing that Firebass in a heartbeat!

BrentD · #12 03-09-2011, 01:02 PM

Basshappi, that's cool. You're the only one so far to recommend that head. Why?

Although it is huge and deceptively 700 watts at 2 ohms (I'm running an 8-ohm can and so won't draw that), Peaveys are often louder than their numbers indicate and they are, for all intents and purposes, rock-solid. Is there anything other than that that leads you to such a recommendation?

Downunderwonder · #13 03-09-2011, 07:01 PM

And it's cheap! You can afford more cabbage more easily and cabbage is what makes noise, not watts. You could go with three, or even 4, 8 ohm 2x10s.

steveksux · #14 03-10-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrentD

Thanks for your response. I'd actually like to go with a smaller setup than a 4x10", but I don't know if I can get away with it. I don't have any experience with pushing the MBEs, so I appreciate your input.

I'm put off a bit by combos because I'm worried that if the amp section goes poof, I'm out the cab as well. Any real truth to that fear? I liked the MB210 I tried a lot, but the only one I could find in-store looked like it was dragged around on pavement and they only offered me 10%. I'd still have to pay tax, too. I think, ideally, I'd like to pair an MB210 and an MBE115, but I don't know if that's enough cone. I suspect it is, but I'd like to make one purchase now rather than three down the road.

A 4x10 is a good gigging setup for most situations. If that's too big (and heavy....) my current setup is a pair of 2x10's. You stack them vertically and they're better than a 4x10, the vertical stack is much better sounding than the 4x10 arrangement. You carry them separately so its much easier to carry, load into a car, etc, and smaller gigs you can just bring one. Some of the neo 2x10's don't weigh much at all.

Randy

ergbass · #15 03-10-2011, 06:16 AM

i own the tour 700 with TVX 410 cab and it is a good option for the value. Heavy as hell, but solid gear

bassplayerbob · #16 03-10-2011, 07:15 AM

I am loving my Hartke lh1000. I just upgraded from the lh500 (tax purpose ). I never have any issues and get many compliments on the tone. I use it with the matching 410 and that 410 is much lighter than my old ampeg 115.