Opinions on Trace Elliot GP12 SMX + RA 500SX

[lerroy]

Hi Guys,

I have the opportunity to buy this preamp and amp for 300 Euro.

Somebody has some opinions on this rig?

I will appreciate some feedback regarding it and some suggestions on which cabinets to possibly combine (500 Euro is more or less the available budget).

I will play it with steinberger synapse: Fusion, Jazz, Progressive Rock is what I usually play.

Both units are in good condition, only issue is on some LEDs of one of the 2 channels of the power amp that are always lit .

Opinions and suggestions?

Thanks a lot talkbass.

Lerroy.

[sonic 7]

The GP12smx is a great pre amp, it has one of the best on board compressors of any amp. Its hard to get a bad sound out of it. The pre amp tube ads a nice bit of sparkle. With the blend knob biased towards the valve side. It wont create any grit or distortion however.

[lerroy]

sonic 7 thanks a lot for your reply, appreciated.

[Downunderwonder]

It's a very nice setup.

[lerroy]

thanks! some cabinet to use with? Sorry guys, I am not an expert and I'd need some suggestions from you. Thanks again.

[Downunderwonder]

Any cab you like. You have EQ up the wazoo to get whatever tone. No substitute for trying some out. Everyone has a favourite cab. I use a 15 and a 2x10 with my AH250SMX, sometimes both. 4x10 will get louder but the dispersion is lousy.

You got two channels with stereo effects loops which you can highpass and biamp, the world is your oyster.

[lerroy]

thanks a lot Downunderwonder.

[aurent2004]

I have a TE AH250GP12SMX connected to a TE1x15 cab + TE2X10 cab with horn (all 3 pre-gibson era): Best bass stack i ever plug my Stingray into.
It offers you a lot of flexibility and will stand out in any kind of music provided you set it correctly. (as with all TE head most important is the input gain setting as high as possible). For practise I set the output between 0-1 and never I have never gone beyond 3-4 in concert.
The input blend set to valve will not distort at all but adds a lot of warmth to your sound.
Very good onboard compressor but won't act as a limiter ( don't over compress the highs however or it will add hiss to your sound) and a parallel or series effects loop.
The 12 band EQ is dead quiet even with the highs boosted (do cut 30 and 40 HZ on the bass side and 15 KHz on the treble side depending on the speaker config you choose). the sound of your bass is fully respected.
2 pre shapes (more or less dramatic mid cut EQ)
The DI is good but can't be selectable pre or post.
On the downside such a stack weighs a lot in a world of new amp design but what a sound!!! the most underrated wattage you'll ever experienced.
for the price buy it and you won't regret it : if so the resale value of the SMX line is still good
Hope it helps
Laurent