Looking for amp upgrade advice

[PluckyThump]

My current setup is a Eden WT-330 into a Schroeder 1212L 4-ohm which is rated at 800 watts rms. This works fine for small rooms and sounds really good. When I did a gig in a bigger room though, I had the amp cranked to the point where the limiter LED was blinking, and I had to back off the bass EQ to keep things under control. So I need more power. I want light-weight and prefer a clean & tight hi-fi sound from the head; I use a VT-bass for grit.

I've narrowed it down to these:

Markbass LM-II/III
Markbass F1 or F-500
Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0 or 9.0

I'm leaning to the Shuttle 9.0 because the price per watt is excellent, but I don't think I really need 900 watts, that is almost triple what I currently have. The Shuttle 6.0 is a good middle ground, but it's only about $100 cheaper than the 9.0. The Markbass heads are nice and there's lots on the used market but 500 watts isn't much of a step up over 330.

I'm sure any one of the MB heads would sound great but they may not be any louder. Would 500 or 600 watts be enough, or should I spend the extra dough and get 900?

[micahturner]

I've used my MB LMIII and Ampeg 810 for numerous live applications without FOH and it's always been loud enough. I run my LMIII flat and have a VT bass and it sounds great. I've heard a lot of good things about Genz Benz though, just haven't tried one yet.

I would stay away from MB F1 or 500 though. I've heard about some issues with those amps.

[RedLeg]

i am a shuttle fan.

[lomo]

IMO the Shuttle 6 is thinner and the weakest link in their otherwise stellar lineup (sorry, just my .o2, and yes I have tried them all). I'd go with one of your other options.

Having said that, I'd think about a deeper sounding 410 cab first.

[Raymeous]

Have you considered a Carvin BX1500? It's $599 at the moment.

I just picked one up and its super light, has tons of headroom and has a very articulate and clean sound. It does have a 12AX7 tube in it and will get you a little bit of growl if you want it, although nothing like a true tube amp. The tube is also bypassable if you don't want to mess with it.

There are a ton of routing options and shelving, parametric, contour, and graphic EQ's. I run mine through a BRX10.4 Neo and it handles my 6 string dual humbucker bass without breaking a sweat.

Here's some specs:
- 1500w RMS, bridgeable
- Dual Power Amps - Biamping
- Warm 12AX7 Tube
- 3 Parametric EQs, 9-band EQ
- 2 rack space
- Ultra Light 10 Lbs
- Made in San Diego, California

Video clip of BX500 (sounds the same as the BX1500) -
http://www.carvinchannel.com/play.php?vid=213

Video tour of the BX1500 -
http://www.carvinchannel.com/play.php?vid=235

Website -
http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...product=BX1500

Yes I am a Carvin geek however I picked this up because I liked it better than what was available at my local GC and other stores. I like a very clean and articulate sound for my bass, I guess more of a high fi sound as opposed to a distorted rock tone. Plus I like that it's made not only in the USA but in my back yard (I live about 20-30 minutes from the factory).

[okcrum]

Originally Posted by PluckyThump

...Would 500 or 600 watts be enough, or should I spend the extra dough and get 900?

Well, according to some here, you'll need 3000 watts to double your volume or a bunch more cabs.

Either amp will be a good match for your cab. Headroom is always desirable. Bear in mind your cab will start breaking up at less than 800 watts.

[groove pump]

As good as your cab is, I think you also need to consider that when you play those larger shows, you need to be able to physically shake more air to get your sound out. That means more cabs with more cones.

Try some different layouts with the same head to see what you get for volume. Just get the green light from the guy in the shop or who-ever before you turn it up.