Markbass heads Which would you buy?

Lesfunk · #1 03-03-2011, 09:56 PM

How do they compare. I'm buying one. But which one?

GrowlerBox · #2 03-03-2011, 10:07 PM

The F1 and F500 are basically the same amp, the latter with a more powerful EQ and an upgraded DI. Kind of like the difference between the LM II and III. The F1/500 is all about punchy mids and fast response, the LM more like clean Ampeg-ish tones. Same power output, and realistically rated. They're both good amps, depends what you're after.

And I don't vote in polls

Killens84 · #3 03-03-2011, 11:00 PM

I have the Markbass TA503, and I love it. It gives me a great tone, and I can dial in a wide range of EQ's. I run it through a Markbass 104HF 4x10" cab. Markbass recently discontinued the TA503 head, but you can essentially have the same head with the MoMark series... You would need the Amp Frame 500, T1M preamp module, EQ44S EQ module, and the MVVL master module.

Hnz · #4 03-04-2011, 01:23 AM

Other: Probably the TTE 500.
Because it's specifics come closest to my needs.
I owned the LM2 and allthough it's sound is OK, I missed the 'tubism'.
Tested the LM tube and the LM rocker and they both didn't do it for me.
So I went back to Ampeg.

This what I would buy. But you Mr. Lesfunk, might be playin a whole different kinda music and want very different soundspecifics from an amp than I do, so...

murphy · #5 03-04-2011, 06:21 AM

I chose the SA450, my fav out of the models available at that time....

shadow_FIX · #6 03-04-2011, 06:23 AM

Honestly I'd probably just buy my LMIII again. Not only for sound but price also

DWBass · #7 03-04-2011, 06:30 AM

F500. I own the LMIII and while I like it a lot, it's very Ampeg-ish/Tubish sounding for my taste. I need a bit more clean & brightness.

REDLAWMAN · #8 03-04-2011, 07:22 AM

I guess we all hear things differently. I've got a LM III and a Heritage SVT-CL and they sound nothing alike. The Ampeg epitomises 'cleanness and brightness', while the LM is warm and soft.

51m0n · #9 03-04-2011, 07:24 AM

SA450 was the right balance of tone/features/weight/size/price when I got it.

I'd get another one if it got stolen...

Hnz · #10 03-04-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

F500. I own the LMIII and while I like it a lot, it's very Ampeg-ish/Tubish sounding for my taste. I need a bit more clean & brightness.

LM does never get the 'Ampeg sound' imo. And I've A/B several heads of both brands.
Allthough I was a Mb user and like everything about the brand, the typical Ampeg 'growl' forced me back.

KJung · #11 03-04-2011, 07:37 AM

Hello! All three heads are great. I recently sold my beloved LMII and F1, since I've been gigging the F500 as my primary gigging head for quite a while now. As posted above, the F1 and F500 sound identical set 'neutral', and the difference is the additional features (mute, two bands of semi-parametric EQ, and the more full featured DI with pre/post EQ switch and level control that was also added to the LMIII).

I never really heard the 'Ampeg' like thing in the LMII/III... much warmer and smoother to my ear. However, I guess I understand when some say it is a bit 'tubey', since it has a very sweet top end, a big low end, and smooth mids. Really nice for a 'clean but warm' sound. The F1/F500 are more 'punch hammers'.. brighter, tighter and with, for lack of a better term, a 'quicker' feel due to the more prominent midrange.

Here is a clip I did a while back comparing the LMII to the F1 (which would also serve pretty well as an LMIII/F500 comparison). There are quite a few other clips on my channel of the LMII and F1 and F500 with various cabs and basses if you would find that helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/Kjungbass#p/u/19/-eUrmYZlSnY

basswave · #12 03-04-2011, 07:40 AM

I prefer the LMII or LMIII because of the analog power amp.

Honestly if you know what you want for a power section.

Your best bet is to go with a MoMark and then try the different sections to see what works for You.

DWBass · #13 03-04-2011, 08:18 AM

Ampeg-ish may have been the wrong term but I'm still trying to figure the amp out. All the amps I've had before it were way cleaner and brighter. I do stand by my tubey description though. Not a bad thing. I just like the F500 sound better. Just can't afford one right now.

KJung · #14 03-04-2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

Ampeg-ish may have been the wrong term but I'm still trying to figure the amp out. All the amps I've had before it were way cleaner and brighter. I do stand by my tubey description though. Not a bad thing. I just like the F500 sound better. Just can't afford one right now.

+1 The LMII/LMIII is unique in the 'micro' category with that class A/B power amp. Very clean, but not as 'goosed' as other heads.... it scopes out quite flat, but has that pleasant bit of midrange distortion or whatever that gives some tube amps a bit more 'character' than many of their solid state counterparts, and brings to mind descriptors like 'warm, smooth, fat, organic, etc.'

However, I'm with you that for my personal tone, the F500 is just simply stunning regarding volume, features, tone, size, weight and overall build quality/feel. I have two of them

Spinal Tapper · #15 03-04-2011, 09:24 AM

I have an R500, and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.

CapnSev · #16 03-04-2011, 09:30 AM

I'm still loving my LMII after a bunch of years with it. I see no need to replace it. (Although I run a VT in front of it most of the time these days.)

DWBass · #17 03-04-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

+1 The LMII/LMIII is unique in the 'micro' category with that class A/B power amp. Very clean, but not as 'goosed' as other heads.... it scopes out quite flat, but has that pleasant bit of midrange distortion or whatever that gives some tube amps a bit more 'character' than many of their solid state counterparts, and brings to mind descriptors like 'warm, smooth, fat, organic, etc.'

However, I'm with you that for my personal tone, the F500 is just simply stunning regarding volume, features, tone, size, weight and overall build quality/feel. I have two of them

And I think it needs to be paired with the 'right' cabs to shine. I wish I didn't get rid of my Avatars. The Markbass/Avi pairing killed! I have GK Neo112's now and I think that the subdued tweeter/horn is part of the issue. I'm also thinking I need to get 10's back in my cab'age setup.

spufman · #18 03-04-2011, 10:03 AM

Voted F1 because I love the tone of mine through my pair of GS112 cabs. The eq voicing works fine for me and I prefer its simplicity over the F500, though I'd certainly not deny that amp's added versatility. In any case, the dimensions, weight and solidity of this line kick @ss and it gets PLENTY loud.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #19 03-07-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basswave

Your best bet is to go with a MoMark and then try the different sections to see what works for You.

That's what I did and I'm extremely happy with my choice.

jesso · #20 11-28-2011, 03:47 PM

Nobody has a TTE yet? Waiting for some reviews!