New to "micro" bass heads. Help a n00ba out!?

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

"Bigger is better." "Go big or stay home."

Both things we've all heard, and two things (alongside idiot drummers, and stupid loud guitar players) that preempted me to build a [somewhat] large rig.

However, things and tastes chang, bands break up, and then gear goes un-used. The very reason I sold my PortaBass setup, is ironically enough the same thing that has me selling my rig in favor of something smaller.

I've been eyeballing the Avatar 212 neo cab, and jonesin' for another PortaBass cab lately. I've also been contemplating building a fEarful™ 1212/6 lately... However, that's another thread.

I've been eyeballing the GK MB series heads, as well as the Genz-Benz Shuttle 6.0. (Not a MarkBass fan.) My ultimate goal is to spend $500 on a head, and $500 on a new cab. However, I do know you don't put a price on anything without comprimise. So those numbers are more or less a "mark" to either pass by little, or fall short of.

I know both heads are reputable, and highly favored here, so that leads me to ask; Are there any other heads I should look in to? I've actually played the smaller version of the GK, but have zero contact with Genz-Benz gear. (Outside of TPB review vids on the 'Tube.)

The big monkeywrech between my cogs is my affinity for that tubey-gooey goodness my rbi puts out. I know both afformemtioned amps are available with tube preamp sections as well, but I'm almost wanting to side with a VT pedal in the efx return & channel splittler pedal.

So I'm essentially lost, and need some help, because I'm not sure what I want. Anyone have any tips or reviews to share!?

[RoboChrist]

It all sounds the same 20 feet out in the audience.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by RoboChrist

It all sounds the same 20 feet out in the audience.

Maybe, maybe not. It all depends on how loud you're playing it and what kind of sound system is out front. Lately, my rig has been in the house from no matter how many feet out you're standing.

If you're considering a 12/6 or an Avatar 212, you should then highly consider a Avatar TB153...its closer allied to the 12/6's bigger brother.

I won't try to sell you on the Markbass LM amps, but they're definitely friendly to 'tube ears', I liked my LMII better than the Shuttle 6. If you're looking at the shuttle, think about the 9 and give yourself the most headroom you can get.

[kosmicwizard]

Or check out the Genz-Benz Streamliner 900 that is coming out in January. fEarful can probably be DIY for a lot less than $500 which allows you to put more towards the head. Cheers.

[BurningSkies]

Originally Posted by kosmicwizard

Or check out the Genz-Benz Streamliner 900 that is coming out in January. fEarful can probably be DIY for a lot less than $500 which allows you to put more towards the head. Cheers.

Nah. You're right in the ballpark of 500 when you're all done, whether it's the 12/6 or the 15/6.

[kosmicwizard]

Sorry for my ignorance in this area. Thanks for the info. Cheers.