New amp help. Ashdown ABM-500 or Traynor Yba 200-2

whatisacup · #1 02-21-2013, 12:21 PM

So I recently had some equipment go down on me. I just finished college and I've been working part time at the same music shop since high school.

My boss (who's a nice guy) told me to grab a used head as a graduation present.

After playing some stuff, my two favorite are the Ashdown ABM 500 and the Traynor Yba-200-2.

I can't decide, it seems the Ashdown has more thickness, but the Traynor has more of a vintage growl.

Anyone compare the two and can help?

RickenBoogie · #2 02-21-2013, 06:15 PM

It's nothing more than personal preference, but you do know that one is an all-tube amp, and the other isn't, right?

sikamikanico · #3 02-21-2013, 06:23 PM

never tried the Traynor, but the recommendation would be the same: take the one you prefer

Test them with your own equipment, look at what cabs go well with them, etc... and of course resale value, if you end up upgrading...

there's no right or wrong, unless Traynor has some issues (or if ABM's got bad, I had an early 00s UK made combo)

mystic38 · #4 02-22-2013, 03:10 PM

both are quality amps.. methinks cabs are more different than these amps...

rodl2005 · #5 02-22-2013, 03:31 PM

Go with what you prefer. Me? I'd grab the YBA200 in a flash!

andrew · #6 02-22-2013, 03:37 PM

If you can't decide from tone, look at the other factors, like portability and reliability.

Alex1984 · #7 02-25-2013, 09:53 AM

Like rodl2005, I've had very positive experience with both the YBA-200 and the YBA-300. These things are built to last and they have great customer support. A very good Canadian company.

MrPierre · #8 02-25-2013, 12:08 PM

I you decide for the Traynor, be sure to check if its still under warranty.

Its the best amp I've ever owned, but it still almost caught on fire 3 month after buying it brand new. Traynor customer service was flawless, but some of those amp seem to have common tube/bias problem from all the things I have read.