M6 or M9: which one did you choose?

Anthbass · #1 07-02-2010, 04:24 PM

I admit that I don't get out to try new gear very often, but today, with some time on my hands, I was able to audition both the M6 and the M9. Net result, is that I was very impressed by both amps (at 'in store' volume, anyway), and see one of them in my future. So, my questions are: which one did you choose, and why? They sounded very similar to my ear, but the the M9 'seemed' to have a shade more authority to it (and, I liked the compressor). Price difference on new models is about $300, so not a major concern where I am. I would be pairing the amp with a PH 212 (likely adding a 2nd one, if/when I could swing it). I probably don't need the M9; I have heard that the M6 packs a serious punch. But hey, more is always cool, too...

drasticDUB · #2 07-02-2010, 05:38 PM

M6=soooooooo loud!

Ebelow · #3 07-02-2010, 05:48 PM

M9 So loud too!
I had a gig with it and couple of rehearsal tomorrow will be the next big show, I love all its functions, but the best the big headroom. First I was thinking to get the M6, but I am using compression, so this was my easy choice.

lomo · #4 07-02-2010, 05:54 PM

I chose the M9 but am now back to my Walkabout and the 9 is FS as it's beyond overkill for my needs and more weight than I like to schlep. The M9 and 6 sound alike IME, but the graphic eq of the 9 is a major plus for me. They are both insanely loud, clear and deep heads with a lot of high end sparkle if you choose to dial it in.

KsPiNeSh · #5 07-02-2010, 05:56 PM

I own both, voted M9, but know that the M6 is awesome if you don't want/need the compressor and graphic. The graphic and compressor are really the linchpins, as both amps are freakin' loud. However, if you buy used, the price gap is even smaller than new, and that may just make the M9 a better deal.

Anthbass · #6 07-02-2010, 06:02 PM

Good responses, keep 'em coming. Thanks!

KsPiNeSh · #7 07-02-2010, 06:05 PM

One quick addition to my post above:

I have a Fathom, the original name for the M6. Word is that not too many of these made it public, so it's perhaps *somewhat* of a limited edition (right...). Ridiculous as this perception may be, it's really the only reason why I'm not selling it and just going with the M9; if it weren't branded as a Fathom, it would be gone.

markkoelsch · #8 07-02-2010, 06:20 PM

If I were in the market for an amp, and I had the money for boogie, I think the M6 2x12 would be the ticket. I have played the M9 too, but the M6 just worked for me.

scarified · #9 07-02-2010, 07:19 PM

Perhaps a better question is M6 or M3. I own the M6 and it's unbelievably loud (at 4 ohms - it goes to 2 ohms but I have never tried that). I can't imagine why anyone would ever need a louder amp. Maybe the M3 is more 'sane' choice ?

Anthbass · #10 07-02-2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scarified

Perhaps a better question is M6 or M3. I own the M6 and it's unbelievably loud (at 4 ohms - it goes to 2 ohms but I have never tried that). I can't imagine why anyone would ever need a louder amp. Maybe the M3 is more 'sane' choice ?

I didn't have the opportunity to try the M3, but I'm dealing with the obligatory dual Marshall stacks on the guitar side, so having a bit more horsepower than is necessarily needed doesn't hurt, I think. I currently have a GBE 750 and it works pretty hard, most of the time.

Morning Beer · #11 07-03-2010, 11:03 AM

I bought the M9. Way more power then i'll ever need, M6 has more then I need too. For the price difference having the the EQ and Comp were worth it to me. You can't go wrong with any of them IMO.

Fuzzbass · #12 07-03-2010, 08:22 PM

How much does the M9 weigh? I didn't see that info at the website.

JerryD · #13 07-03-2010, 09:38 PM

I believe it is about 2 more lbs.

JerryD · #14 07-03-2010, 09:44 PM

I also purchased the M9 because of the compressor and EQ feature. Also the M9 comes with a 2 button footswitch. However my back up amp is the M6, just could not pass up the deal I got.

M9 Main amp
M6 Backup amp

Both are more power than I need, but both are great amps.

I use a PH212 Vintage and want a 2nd one for outside gigs.

ptidwell · #15 07-03-2010, 09:48 PM

I have the Fathom M6. The M9 was not available when I got it, but I am very happy with it. I don't have a cabinet that it doesn't sound good through.

**Horny Toad** · #16 07-03-2010, 10:28 PM

I'm rockin' an M9 through two PowerHouse 1x15's. Love it.

pgbassman · #17 07-04-2010, 06:03 AM

Just picked up an M9 and the headroom on this bad boy is sick. I'm playing thru a Dr Bass 1260 and a 1580, I bought the whole rig used and it's probably the best sounding rig I've owned. My question is does everyone's M9 get very hot during a gig. Mine gets very hot to the touch, mesa tells me this is not uncommon. Is this a common issue for everyone?

lomo · #18 07-04-2010, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzbass

How much does the M9 weigh? I didn't see that info at the website.

Mine was 30lbs in a 3 space rack (with 1 empty space).

Fuzzbass · #19 07-08-2010, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lomo

Mine was 30lbs in a 3 space rack (with 1 empty space).

Not bad at all. Thanks!

Crabby · #20 07-08-2010, 08:02 PM

I bought the M9 but was quite torn at the time as I love the simplicity and big knobs on the M6 that are easy to grab. But the price difference was less the $300 and I really wanted a footswitch for muting. I quite like the compressor and am starting to actually use the graphic where I never did before. The M9 is silly loud but that provides a measure of comfort that I'm not pushing my amp too hard.

I have owned a few different amps where everything had to be eq'd to allow maximum volume without clipping regardless of the actual tone I was seeking. With this amp, you can have any tone setting you like and still have gobs of clean power. I find its a very reasonable weight and I use mine with either my PH412 or a pair of PH115 cabs. It sounds glorious either way. The M9 input volume is really something as turning it up past halfway yields a much richer tone with lots of harmonmics but it doesn't actually break up like the Walkabout's input stage. Its a brilliant design and I can't see ever selling her.

I still love the simple layout of the M6 and I am sure I would have been just fine with one instead of the M9 but at the time, I went for the gusto and have zero regrets!