ooo. Opinions Please ooo

[moeroncuban]

Hey all,
I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these two micro bass amps. So I am wondering / thinking / weighing out my options and features of these amps. I'll be using the amp in a 4 ohm setting.

First is the GK MB Fusion @500 watts

OR

Genz-Benz Streamliner 600 @ 600 watts

Both have 3 tubes in their pre section, however I have read that folks that own the GB have had to replace at least one of the tubes prematurely. Could be inferior tubes perhaps. Not a "huge" issue as far as I'm concerned, but nevertheless "an issue".....

Whereas, the GK, from threads I've read, is built like a tank and would only take up one space in my rack mount, where the GB takes two.

I realize that there are pros and cons on both sides. I'm just trying to get the most for my money.

So..... I'm in need of some advice / direction as to which one gets the bullet. Bullet meaning, gets to come home with me....

Thanks in advance for any and all input!

peace ~

moe.

:^)

[BiigM]

Hi.

Sometimes people here go crazy over just a couple of people posting about stuff like bad tubes. I don't know if that's the case here, just saying :-)

Personally I've had the streamliner 900 for around a year with no issues whatsoever.

And most importantly, it sounds really good! I'm just as happy playing that one as my aggie db750, although the aggie is has more horsepower.

I haven't tried the GK amp, so I have no clue what it sounds like. But probably different from the streamliner.

So go for what fits the sound in your head.

[moeroncuban]

Thanks !

The sound in my head is saying.....
Warmy.... Roundy.... Tubey....

Not... Pop,pop,pop..... Shiney....
Metallic-y.... like.

Much like full lips on a woman and not thin ones.

Ya feel me ?

: ) (grin)

[moeroncuban]

Yes I'm sure some folks make a mountain out of a mole hill....

Just curious though.....

So you're saying that the tubes in your STL are the original ones that came with your unit and that you haven't changed or upgraded them at all?

In your opinion is there a benefit to changing the stock ones with lets say higher quality tubes like Tesla's?

[BiigM]

Very warm, tubey and fat would definitely describe the streamliner.

I still have stock tubes in my amp. I've never done much in changing tubes in any of my amps. I probably should.

If you need to know about alternative Tubes in the streamliner, find the "Genz Benz streamliner tube rolling" thread. Lots of info there :-)

[moeroncuban]

WONDERFUL to hear BiigM.

I appreciate it a ton bro !

Have a very blessed and peaceful Christmas as well as a super prosperous new year !!!!

Blessings!

moe.

<))><

[lfmn16]

Genz-Benz Streamliner 600 @ 600 watts

I just bought one and was able to compare it with about 6 other heads through the same cabinet up at Washington Music Center. It sounds killer with MusicMan 4 string and fretless 5 string, Fender Jazz Fretless, Rickenbacker and Ibanez 6 string. It's a very versatile amp.

[TC.65]

I have the Streamliner 600 warm, round, and tubey is exactly what it is. I've had mine about 8 months and haven't changed any tubes yet. I think most people who have changed the tubes have done so to see what kind of tonal variation they can get from swapping tubes.

[noahw1]

I've had a streamliner 900 for 6 months with no issues with the tubes but if I did I know I would be in good hands with the amazing Genz Benz customer service.
The Stl is very warm and has a thick bottom. I usually turn the bass down and boost the mids. It's a nice sounding amp. There are some on here that feel the GK head sounds more like a tube amp. Everyone hears their own thing so if u can try them both out I would definitely do so. Good luck.

[moeroncuban]

Evening everyone !

Just wanted to send out a big THANK YOU to you guys for adding your inputs....
I appreciate the suggestions and personal reviews... It helps tremendously.....

SO.... I am seriously looking at a GB Streamliner 600 or the Streamliner 900...

This may be a bit SUPER - superficial, but the real reason I like the 900 is simply because of it's finish... yes I know... VANITY !!!!! forget the fact that it pumps out 900 watts right ?
C'mon it's Christmas !!!!
My current cab is a 4ohm with a 800 watt capability...

Either head should work just fine...... ummm right ?

LOL !

Thanks again guys !

Talk Bass RAWKS !!!!!

peace ~

moe.

<))><

[rodl2005]

Sure, either amp will work fine. If at all possible, TRY the amps out with a band. I KNOW it isn't everyone's opinion, but a fair few found the Streamliner to sound GREAT instore, but that it lacked clarity, or had too much boomy, muddy sound WHEN IN A Band setting.
Each to their own & I hope you get whichever works for you.
GB are a great Co. & the STL, an amp that suits many, but it just didn't work for me- reasons listed above (GB's Shuttle 6.0 & Mesa's Walkabout do just fine tho).
GK make fine amps too.
I wouldn't rule out the GB Shuttle 6 or 9 either tho, they sound ' warm ' to me.

[Winemule]

Just a second "aye" on Genz Benz customer service. In the last 9 months, I had two instances of weirdness with my Shuttle 6.0, and with the latest one they've decided to just send me a new amp. In problems with hardware, I have come to expect deviousness, dissimulation, and general bad faith. This is a refreshing change, to say the least.

[rodl2005]

They are reassuringly great are'nt they.
SVT7 PRO no question

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by rodl2005

They are reassuringly great are'nt they.
SVT7 PRO no question

And how did the 7-PRO got into the discussion?


A bit of suggestion on the Streamliner: don't go overboard with the overdrive and low-mids. Gonna get lost in the mix that way

And I agree, the Streamliner fits your wanted tone better than the Fusion does. The Fusion can do warm, but more of a warm-metallic tone. Don't worry about bad tubes. Those pre-amp tubes are easy and cheap to replace anyway.

If you have any troubles, contact agedhorse here on TB. He's been very helpful with my Shuttle 6.0 inquiries and to others GB owners

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by sad_katz

And how did the 7-PRO got into the discussion?

A bit of suggestion on the Streamliner: don't go overboard with the overdrive and low-mids. Gonna get lost in the mix that way

And I agree, the Streamliner fits your wanted tone better than the Fusion does. The Fusion can do warm, but more of a warm-metallic tone. Don't worry about bad tubes. Those pre-amp tubes are easy and cheap to replace anyway.

If you have any troubles, contact agedhorse here on TB. He's been very helpful with my Shuttle 6.0 inquiries and to others GB owners

7 pro?
I just think it sounds more like what OP said they wanted in tone goals.
No 'spanner' intended.

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by rodl2005

7 pro?
I just think it sounds more like what OP said they wanted in tone goals.
No 'spanner' intended.

It's not what the OP was asking, but I agree with you

[dog1]

Watts aside, I would go GB all the way. Extremely dependable, and the best customer service, period.

[Dan Knowlton]

Tone-wise - Streamliner all the way for me. I've tried it out and I will be switching to the 9.0 from my Shuttle 6.0. The GK is OK but not what I prefer.

Dan K.