Newer, lighter, better?

[Band Dad]

Are there many of you out there who have decided that going with the trend toward lighter amps and cabs means dumping the older, heavier equipment you may also have?

I see where prices on Ampeg 810s (for instance) have really taken a dive and I'm thinking that it may be because technology is offering decent sound at decent prices at manageable sizes and weight.

[AwkwardLoudness]

There seem to be many TB members who have moved to lighter rigs.

I like certain light weight cabs and own or have owned a couple cabs with neodymium magnet speakers.

However, I'm hanging on to my heavy all tube amps with big iron transformers. One of 'em weighs 85 pounds. The lightest one is about 50 lbs. There is no way to truly duplicate the physics of a high powerful output transformer interacting with the speakers in a light weight SS amp. That said, there are some light weight heads that sound great but in their own way. SS and hybrid amp technology has definitely improved in recent years.

[Baird6869]

I got rid of my Ampeg SVT-CL and began gigging a TC RH450.

Missed the tube tone after a year or so and bought an Orange Thunderverb 200w tube head.

You know what? The Orange has a bit more of that classic boomy valve tone and is loud as hell.... but I still gig the TC450 more often.

The Orange is approx 60lbs and the TC is 8lbs.

BOTH tube and micro heads can sound great.... just different.

[Alex1984]

I think many people still prefer the tube tone, but also don't wanna carry the weight. Even JimmyM is gigging with his Micro-VR now.

I'm sure tubes will still see their use in studios and live bands that have roadies though!

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by AwkwardLoudness

... There is no way to truly duplicate the physics of a high powerful output transformer interacting with the speakers in a light weight SS amp...

See that right there - you'll always find some market for your old gear. Real or imaginary - some just will not believe what they hear over what they see.

[seamonkey]

Originally Posted by Baird6869

I got rid of my Ampeg SVT-CL and began gigging a TC RH450.

Missed the tube tone after a year or so and bought an Orange Thunderverb 200w tube head.

You know what? The Orange has a bit more of that classic boomy valve tone and is loud as hell.... but I still gig the TC450 more often.

The Orange is approx 60lbs and the TC is 8lbs.

BOTH tube and micro heads can sound great.... just different.

Have you turned the knobs on the RH450? The amp has quite a range of sounds even boomy if you want it. Many of the new micro heads are capable of this.

[VS]

I'll have to stick with my 100lb cabs. No offense to the light-weight guy's. Most of the light-weight cabs/amps I've played through did not compliment my sound. I'm sure there are some cabs out there that will change my mind. I just haven't played one yet. -Luke

[bassteban]

I just sold my GK700RBII & bought an MB-2 500; I already have a sub-35 lb Flite 2x10, so there you go. Color me *wussy/old*

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by Band Dad

Are there many of you out there who have decided that going with the trend toward lighter amps and cabs means dumping the older, heavier equipment you may also have?

I see where prices on Ampeg 810s (for instance) have really taken a dive and I'm thinking that it may be because technology is offering decent sound at decent prices at manageable sizes and weight.

Decent sound I have found in these small ones but not anywhere near "good" compared to the more conventional amps I like.
For me the ones I have tried just don't work in any way apart from being highly portable.
Not enough to buy one.
But who knows...maybe they'll be "there" someday.
I sure am looking forward to the first light amp I like.

[Bochafish]

I went from 2 aggie 1x12's to a SLM Ampeg SVT 410 hlf. I've never been happier despite the weight. I do still rock the lm2 though, I love that thing.