Orange AD200 vs. Terror 500 - How much of a difference?

Ron Plichta · #1 08-20-2010, 10:08 AM

I played an Orange AD200B with the 4x10 and 1x15 cabs at Rudy's Music in NYC while I was on vacation. The sound floored me! It was that warm tube sound, but still a bit clear and just hit me as I played.The downside was the rig was about $4k.

Well after doing some reasearch, I saw the Terror 500. Tube preamp with a Class D power section. Haven't played one, but I certainly won't rule it out at about $850 vs. about $2400 for the AD200. Now the question is how much of a sonic difference is there in the two? If it's negligible, I'd certainly consider the Terror head and possibly get the Orange 4x10' since the folks at Rudy's told ne that the cabs are designed to"break up' a bit more than the Hi-fi cabs I'm used to hearing.

RickenBoogie · #2 08-20-2010, 11:43 AM

The Terror Bass is an alright sounding head to me, sounds like a hybrid amp designed to get alot of preamp tube overdrive. Absolutely NOTHING like the AD200B, not even close.

NineSpine · #3 08-20-2010, 11:47 AM

I have the Terror Bass and I love it, but if you are looking for something that is going to give you really tubey break-up, it probably isn't the amp for you unless you are willing to throw a pedal in front of it.

protoz · #4 08-20-2010, 12:01 PM

I have the TB and it sounds pretty awesome. I really like the easier controls compared to my Sunn 300T but you can tell it's a hybrid amp instead of a tube amp. Not saying that's bad but if you want tubes you have to get tubes.

tony_clifton · #5 08-20-2010, 12:08 PM

check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-rN4...feature=search

I play a TB myself but I use it clean (which isn't as clean as Eden for example). I don't really like the OD myself, if I had a lot to spend on those things I'd probably buy an Exotic Bass BB Preamp.

Oh and remember the XLR out and effects loop are line level so not usable as a DI/with pedals. But the AD200 hasn't even got them so that's not a big deal.

tombowlus · #6 08-20-2010, 12:11 PM

Here are some clips that might help illustrate how these two heads sound relative to each other:

Terror Bass 1000 at Summer NAMM

AD200 at Summer NAMM

Phil Maneri through Terror Bass 500

Phil Maneri through AD200

Ron Plichta · #7 08-20-2010, 01:23 PM

Thanks, Tom. Those clips confirmed my worst fears - I'll need to save up a boatload of cash.

**NOLA Bass** · #8 08-22-2010, 10:17 PM

You know, I find myself quite interested in this as well. I've switched to a GK Neo112 x 2 setup for one of my bands. Ultra portable, nice low end, etc. However, it is a bright/not very warm rig with my GK MB2500 head. Good sound, but I can't get that Sadowsky SA200 I played through at Sadowsky when I bought my Will Lee. Smooth, warm, fat, perfect. It has me wondering what might pair well from a tube pre or all tube standpoint with the GK's. Weight is an issue for me with a surgically repaired neck as well.

D Bopp · #9 08-22-2010, 11:12 PM

I made a video a while back of my P bass. But I'm playing it through my AD200 and 410 cab
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlbyoRw7128

BTW, you can find an AD200 used around $1600, the 410 for $600, and the 115 for $550