Little Mark Tube 800 users.... Does It Compress at 8 ohms?

[::::BASSIST::::]

I have and love my LMII but find it compresses at 8 ohms when the volume goes up.

Does the Little Mark Tube 800 compress at 8 ohms the same way?

If it does, I'll keep looking, but if not it might be my a great choice.

I'm looking for an amp that 500w at 8 ohms for my 15/6.

[Musicman20]

Streamliner 900!

[::::BASSIST::::]

Ha. Well, I can't afford the scratch for that one. Plus I'm looking for an amp that is close to flat-ish so that it will mate well with my VT Bass.

[lbwdog]

I've used Tube800 in some fairly high volume situations and haven't noticed any of this type compression.

[::::BASSIST::::]

^Was your cab 8 ohms?

[bongomania]

It would have zero to do with the ohms, and everything to do with the amount of gain you're dialing in. Turn the gain down = no compression. Use a more efficient cab = no compression. Use multiple cabs = no compression.

[::::BASSIST::::]

^ I have direct experience with my LMII cranked up with my 8 ohm LDS 15/6. The compression was very noticeable. At 4 ohms I've never experienced the same compression with my LMII.

I am really not looking to debate that issue.

Just interested in hearing about the Little Mark Tube 800.

[bongomania]

You cranked the amp up to different levels with one cab versus the other, because the amp puts out different wattage at 4 ohms than it does at 8. Also, the two cabs are likely to have had completely different efficiency and frequency profile. It's not something to debate.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Good let's not debate it then. I have years of experience with the LMII. I know what it can do. But thanks.

[RickenBoogie]

I'd listen to Bongo here, what he's saying is true. You're assuming too much, and need to be open to the science behind the apparent compression. It's NOT because you're using an 8 ohm cab, and does have everything to do with your early gain stages.

[smeet]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Ha. Well, I can't afford the scratch for that one. Plus I'm looking for an amp that is close to flat-ish so that it will mate well with my VT Bass.

The Streamliner 900 can be found brand new for under $800 if you look in the right places...

It's not "flat" but it does sound great. I highly recommend trying one out.

[12bass]

A basic limiter circuit leaves the amp with no idea whether it is driving 4 ohms or 8 ohms. It simply engages when a voltage threshold is reached. And that threshold will mean less power into 8 ohms when hitting the limiter.

Let's say that the limiter is set to start limiting at 450 W into 4 ohms (roughly 42 V). However, using Ohm's law, we can determine that the limiter would begin working at only 225 W into 8 ohms. So, unless a more sophisticated limiter circuit is used, it makes sense that one would experience more noticeable limiting when using an 8 ohm load.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Thanks 12bass. I admit I am no expert, but I know what compression sounds like, and I know the LMII does it at 8 ohms easier than any other amp I've owned. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

^Was your cab 8 ohms?

Yeah....Carvin LS1503 with Em 3015LF woofer. Playing classic rock/R&B without FOH in a medium size casino lounge at a pretty healthy volume.

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

^ I have direct experience with my LMII cranked up with my 8 ohm LDS 15/6. The compression was very noticeable. At 4 ohms I've never experienced the same compression with my LMII.

I recall KJung describing how the LM II/III seems to open up with a 4 Ohm load, so I guess I know what you mean. I experienced the same thing a few years back when switching from a G-K 800RB to a Thunderfunk 550. The TF seemed to be compressed at any volume. I just couldn't get used to it.

Originally Posted by smeet

The Streamliner 900 can be found brand new for under $800 if you look in the right places...

It's not "flat" but it does sound great. I highly recommend trying one out.

To me, that would seem to defeat the purpose, as the Streamliner is designed to appeal to tube fans who desire some of that type compression.

My take on the LMTube 800 is that it's very powerful and gives me a tone I can deal with.
BTW, I play a passive Jazz 4 string.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

Thanks 12bass. I admit I am no expert, but I know what compression sounds like, and I know the LMII does it at 8 ohms easier than any other amp I've owned. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I agree. If you are driving a moderate sensitivity 8ohm cab to loud volumes with the LMII, you will eventually hit the power amp limiting. It has little to do with the preamp. I would think the 15/6 cabs at 8ohms would bring the LMII (which is an absolutely amazing sounding head) to its knees when really pushed, especially when digging in. The F1/F500 has a bit more headroom prior to the limiter kicking in, but is probably still not optimal if you are really cranking volume at 8ohms.

Unfortunately, the LM800/SD800 don't sound anything like the LMII/III... totally different voicing. You might dig it, you might now.

If I was buying a head to drive a 15/6 cab, it would most likely be the Shuttle Max 9.2. The Carvin B2000 is another option.

[12bass]

The Streamliner 900 might be worth considering. Why? The OP is using a VT Bass to emulate an Ampeg tube sound, so why not move to a real tube preamp instead? Then add 900 W in a small package. From what I've read, the SL would be in the tonal ballpark he's looking for - full/round lows and not aggressive in the upper midrange - and would require one less piece of gear.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by KJung

I agree. If you are driving a moderate sensitivity 8ohm cab to loud volumes with the LMII, you will eventually hit the power amp limiting. It has little to do with the preamp. I would think the 15/6 cabs at 8ohms would bring the LMII (which is an absolutely amazing sounding head) to its knees when really pushed, especially when digging in. The F1/F500 has a bit more headroom prior to the limiter kicking in, but is probably still not optimal if you are really cranking volume at 8ohms.

Unfortunately, the LM800/SD800 don't sound anything like the LMII/III... totally different voicing. You might dig it, you might now.

If I was buying a head to drive a 15/6 cab, it would most likely be the Shuttle Max 9.2. The Carvin B2000 is another option.

Thanks Ken! I feel redeemed!

By itself I know the LM Tube 800 would not be my ideal tone, but my VT Bass is an essential part of my rig and one requirement of any amp I get is that it has to match well with the VT. After a good deal of effort I found that the VT + GKMB500 just doesnt mesh well. Too much low-end muddiness. However after reading some threads about the extended low end of the Tube 800 I am not sure that it would be a great match either.

Anyway, its all moot at this point as I have just snagged a Carvin BX1500 from the classifieds. I've had one before and know from experience it will work well for me.

[::::BASSIST::::]

Originally Posted by 12bass

The Streamliner 900 might be worth considering. Why? The OP is using a VT Bass to emulate an Ampeg tube sound, so why not move to a real tube preamp instead? Then add 900 W in a small package. From what I've read, the SL would be in the tonal ballpark he's looking for - full/round lows and not aggressive in the upper midrange - and would require one less piece of gear.

You know, I'd love to try and see if a Streamliner would work for me. Maybe some day down the road when I have more cash. Right now I know the VT works very well for me and I'd rather stick with that.

[bongomania]

Keep feeling redeemed all you like, but what Ken said was just another way of saying the same thing I said.

[::::BASSIST::::]

If you say so.