Hiwatt DR103 (100 watt)

[Dave-Action-Fig]

Hello,

Just a quick question. I have seen a Hiwatt DR103 for sale. And I desperately want a Hiwatt. But do you think the DR103 will usable for bass in terms of sound, loudness and overhead? Cause mostly bass players are using the 200 or 400 watt version. Btw I play in a reasonably loud band (But not to loud though).

Cheers,
Dave

[nysbob]

4 EL34s is enough gas to get a lot of sound out of an efficient pair of 15"s. It really depends on the cab(s).

[father of fires]

Originally Posted by nysbob

4 EL34s is enough gas to get a lot of sound out of an efficient pair of 15"s. It really depends on the cab(s).

EDIT: Maybe I'm crazy but, I thought it said kt88's my bad.

It's got 4x EL34's. Not nearly the same amount of juice. It probably still sounds good but, I'm sure you'll run out of steam.

How many cabs do you plan to run. Yes, I said CABS. That's the trick with low watt heads.

But, no matter how much I love v4's they just don't get loud enough for a "loud" band.

Unless it's a screaming deal.

See if they'll let you test drive it atleast.

[nysbob]

Originally Posted by father of fires

EDIT: Maybe I'm crazy but, I thought it said kt88's my bad.

It's got 4x EL34's. Not nearly the same amount of juice. It probably still sounds good but, I'm sure you'll run out of steam.

.

Yeah, initially posted KT88s as I thought that's what it ran, but looked it up and lo & behold EL34s.

They used EL34s in the original 100W marshalls and, as you said, you can move some air with them with enough cone area.

It really depends on what your band requires - I can get plenty enough for me out of 2 15"s with a V4 too.

[2400]

Crazy that this topic pops up today!
I'm geeking out about the whole tube-stack-on-a-budget thing that there's been going on where I live, and so now I was looking into London/Super/Power City DEA 130 amps as a suitable bass head. These are marshall clones that were made in the Netherlands in the late 60's early 70's, and they supposedly make for a decent mod platform due to their cost (€300-500).

Since they're also driven driven by EL34's (if I'm correct), and also marshall clones this is actually a somewhat relevant topic in my quest! Ah, TB, you omniscient beast.

Quick question: What could one expect volume-wise with a 4x12?

[sammyfallen]

I use a couple 100 Watt tube heads with a 412 regularly and have yet to have a problem keeping up with a guitar player using 2 cabs, You just need to have the others in the band be semi-conscious of their volume levels.

You'll definitely cut through better with a 412 than 410/610 or 215...

It also helps that i like a over driven bass tone...

[Sartori]

Yeah, basically it will break up fast at higher levels. If you like that, then cool. If you're looking for clean headroom, maybe not.

With enough speaker area it could be pretty loud.

[2400]

Excellent! Thank you for those responses.
I do plan on going for a grindier overdriven sound with the tubes (heavy rock and blues) so it looks like that'll work out fine!

[sammyfallen]

Originally Posted by 2400

Excellent! Thank you for those responses.
I do plan on going for a grindier overdriven sound with the tubes (heavy rock and blues) so it looks like that'll work out fine!

You'll definitely be in business then

[jastacey]

Here's my take ... 100 watt tube heads can get pretty loud with a efficient cabinet ... it all depends on what the definition of loud enough is.....