I need a lightweight, high powered amp to power my UL-610

G-Train · #1 05-21-2010, 01:28 PM

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking forward to learning more about this thing we call bass playing.

I would really like a very light amp to power my Epifani UL-610. I have a seperates setup and a Ampeg SVT-4 that is pretty heavy. Does anyone have any suggestions? Perhaps, someone who has some experience with this cabinet? Thanks!

silky smoove · #2 05-21-2010, 01:33 PM

What's the impedance if the 610? I assume 4 ohms.

Crabby · #3 05-21-2010, 01:34 PM

I have a UL-410 and my LMIII powers it quite nicely and sounds really good. I'm sure a Shuttle 9 would work well too and give you lots of good headroom.

KJung · #4 05-21-2010, 01:39 PM

The large number of drivers and the slightly higher than 4ohm impedance results in most of the 500 or so watt micro heads to probably not be enough to really pump the volume and make that huge cab worth hauling around. If you had a 4ohm 410UL, I would suggest the Markbass F500... fantastic, punchy, tight, clean, articulate tone with that cab. However, with the 610, not so sure.

The Genz Benz Shuttle 9, while not sounding anything like 900 watts to me at 4ohms, still seems to put out more volume than most of the micro's, so that might be an option for you.

The Markbass SD1200 is getting good reviews so far, but I haven't heard it. I HATED the Markbass SD800 and LMT800/LM800 with the Epi UL cabs... not enough low mid punch, and too much upper mid gank. However, early reports are that the voicing of the SD1200 is more even and punchy (like the F1/F500). If that is the case, that would probably kill, putting out about 1000 watts into that cab at 5.3 ohms.

Another solid option is the Carvin B2000. It is larger than a micro, but still quite lightweight, and based on my experience with the B1500 (which the B2000 replaced), it is a good match for the UL's.

Another powerful, relatively lightweight head is the iAmp Pro. However, the deep, wide voicing just didn't seem to mesh very well with the UL... lots of boom, not enough punch.

So, if size is key, and you like it a bit tight and bright, the Genz Shuttle 9 gets good reviews. If you need the big bang, either the Markbass SD1200 or the Carvin B2000 would give you massive wattage and still weigh not much more than some micro's.

The good news is that Musician's Friend has a no questions asked return policy on the Genz and Markbass stuff, as does Carvin for their amps... so very little risk to try one or all of these.
IMO! Welcome to Talkbass!

G-Train · #5 05-21-2010, 01:44 PM

The impedance is 5.3 ohms. I emailed Epifani awhile ago and asked what they suggested from their lineup. Nick suggested the 902C or the Performance 1000. I like the 902 but, I feel like I would not fully utilize the amp's potential, since you can't bridge the two amps together. I purchased a used Performance 1000 from MF and the output was defective. Moreover, I thought the fit and finish was a little cheap so, I kinda backed off that one. @ Crabby, is the LMIII a Markbass product?

KJung · #6 05-21-2010, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Train

The impedance is 5.3 ohms. I emailed Epifani awhile ago and asked what they suggested from their lineup. Nick suggested the 902C or the Performance 1000. I like the 902 but, I feel like I would not fully utilize the amp's potential, since you can't bridge the two amps together. I purchased a used Performance 1000 from MF and the output was defective. Moreover, I thought the fit and finish was a little cheap so, I kinda backed off that one. @ Crabby, is the LMIII a Markbass product?

Not a big fan of the Epi amps... similar to the iAmp... too much low end, not enough punch. The PS1000 has gotten a few bad comments on the site for its cheap look and feel.

The LMIII is the flagship Markbass small amp... similar to the F1 and F500 I mentioned... a little fatter and smoother sounding due to the classA/B power amp versus the more typical micro amp Class D power of the F1 and F500. The LMII or III (the newest model) and the 410UL(4ohm) is a classic matchup and sounds amazing. Again, the larger and 5.3ohm 610UL would probably benefit from more power.

G-Train · #7 05-21-2010, 01:51 PM

Cool! I'll check out the Genz Benz and Markbass products. Have you heard any negatives about their reliability?

KJung · #8 05-21-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Train

Cool! I'll check out the Genz Benz and Markbass products. Have you heard any negatives about their reliability?

Both are very solid and have been top sellers here on TB for years. Given the massive number of these heads sold, problem posts on TB are far and few in-between.

Not as sure about the Carvin, but no big issues reported, other than some arriving dead in the box, but quickly replaced.

G-Train · #9 05-21-2010, 01:56 PM

Great info! I also looked at the Eden WT-1205. I used to have a WT-550 but, I just could not seem to dial in what I wanted very easily. I was told that I did use their enhance feature properly, which added to my problems. What is your opinion of Eden and the the 610?

KJung · #10 05-21-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Train

Great info! I also looked at the Eden WT-1205. I used to have a WT-550 but, I just could not seem to dial in what I wanted very easily. I was told that I did use their enhance feature properly, which added to my problems. What is your opinion of Eden and the the 610?

That 1205 has not been a good amp for them, and I would stay away from it. A bridged WT800B or C (those are the two models safe to bridge at 4ohms) would most likely kill with that cab. Eden was sold a while back, and you don't hear as much about them at this point. They had some serious issues a while back (service and quality), and they kind of dropped off the map (on TB anyway).

However, I have a few buddies still using their WT800's into 410UL's, and it sounds great... punchy and a bit wooly/grindy in the upper mids.

A lot of the Eden guys seemed to migrate to the Genz stuff when everything went all the heck with Eden.

However, if I was going to deal with the weight of one of the larger Eden heads, I'd consider the Mesa M9... it is a monster, and when they say 900 watts with that head, they aren't kidding. However, now (like with the WT800) you are dealing with 35 pounds+ in a lightweight two space rack.

I'd surely try either the Shuttle 9 or the Markbass SD1200 before I went the heavy route. Either can be returned with no questions asked (not sure of the trial period).

Edit: I haven't asked much about your tone goals, since I assume you like a relatively modern, clean, articulate tone due to you choosing the 610UL. The heads I'm recommending are all somewhat bright and clean, versus grindy or old school.... FYI.

KJung · #11 05-21-2010, 02:04 PM

If he doesn't show up here.... PM TBer Dr. Funk, who uses a 610UL and has used some of the heads I've mentioned.

G-Train · #12 05-21-2010, 02:12 PM

Hey K, you have me nailed pretty good in the tone department. I do prefer cleaner, more modern and articulate tone. That tone works for most of the gigs I do. For those gigs I used my Aguilar 659 with the Hafler power amp setup. However, when I do a rock gig, I have used the UL610 with my SVT-4, bridged mono with the specially terminated speakon cable. It works pretty well for that but, it is a beast to carry for a older cat like me. Thus, the search for a lightweight solution.

AlexanderB · #13 05-21-2010, 02:21 PM

What about a 2 Unit 19" case with one preamp and a compact PA power amp? I can thing of some good combinations. Or is it also too heavy?

/Alexander

KJung · #14 05-21-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Train

Hey K, you have me nailed pretty good in the tone department. I do prefer cleaner, more modern and articulate tone. That tone works for most of the gigs I do. For those gigs I used my Aguilar 659 with the Hafler power amp setup. However, when I do a rock gig, I have used the UL610 with my SVT-4, bridged mono with the specially terminated speakon cable. It works pretty well for that but, it is a beast to carry for a older cat like me. Thus, the search for a lightweight solution.

If you dig the 659, which has a 'pleasant growl' to it, I think you might really like the Shuttle 9. It has a tube preamp and you can push it a bit.

G-Train · #15 05-21-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexanderB

What about a 2 Unit 19" case with one preamp and a compact PA power amp? I can thing of some good combinations. Or is it also too heavy?

/Alexander

Hey Alexander, that could be a solution. What compact PA amp do you have in mind?

G-Train · #16 05-21-2010, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

If you dig the 659, which has a 'pleasant growl' to it, I think you might really like the Shuttle 9. It has a tube preamp and you can push it a bit.

I really do like the 659.... Now, this Shuttle 9 is rated at 900 watts / 4 ohms.. So, at 5.3 ohms, are we looking at about 750 watts or so?

AlexanderB · #17 05-21-2010, 02:36 PM

Stewart and Powersoft come to mind as powerful and with good reputation.
(The Powersoft are popular in pro audio, more so than Stewart I believe.)
Peavy also made a couple of powerful enough 1 RU amps.

G-Train · #18 05-29-2010, 03:42 PM

Ok guys, I just ordered the Shuttle 9.0. Can't wait to fire it up! Thank you all for the help!

G

Jim Carr · #19 05-29-2010, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Train

Ok guys, I just ordered the Shuttle 9.0. Can't wait to fire it up! Thank you all for the help! G

I am certain it will be fine. However, I recently compared my Epi UL610 rig (an UL S1 210 (8ohms) and a UL S1 410 (4ohms) with two different amps. My regular big rig is a Crest CA-6 with an ART Tube Channel preamp. That lovely sounding lead-sled was great with the 610 UNTIL I heard it with a Mesa Boogie M6 Carbine. The M6 was so much cleaner down low, where it is hard to be really really crystal clear. The Mesa kicked the Art/CA-6 rig's behind. You could hear it plain as day in 3 notes. The two sales guys were stunned--as was I.

This is not to dis the CA-6 and the ART pre. They sound great, but there is nothing I have heard that can just stab out with clear lows like the Mesa M6. I wish I could afford one....