Peavey vs Ampeg combos

[carl h.]

I have a Peavey TKO 75 in fair condition and am looking for something with a bit more power. I have a chance to pickup an Ampeg BA-210SP for $200.

Do it or pass?

Weight doesn't scare me, but I'm not a fan of it either, and both have plenty. Is there something else out there (classified's here?) I should be considering?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[lindseyp]

Are you asking if an Ampeg combo is worthwile? The B328 was one of the best combos I plugged into, and I owned one for quite a while. An Ampeg won't sound like a Peavey, so you've got to judge with your ears which way you want to go. SWR sells a lot of combos, always has.

[lindseyp]

Also, you can buy the B210 now and upgrade again later.

[carl h.]

I know there are decent Ampeg combos out there, but I am wondering if the BA-210SP is really worth it as a power upgrade. Is it going to be a noticeable improvement or just a different sounding heavier cab, with a bit more volume? Is the power increase of the Ampeg going to be significantly louder?

For $200 is it worth picking up?

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by carl h.

I know there are decent Ampeg combos out there, but I am wondering if the BA-210SP is really worth it as a power upgrade. Is it going to be a noticeable improvement or just a different sounding heavier cab, with a bit more volume? Is the power increase of the Ampeg going to be significantly louder?

For $200 is it worth picking up?

I'm not familiar with the power output of either of those amps, but I can tell you this.........

Doubling your wattage only gives you a +3db difference which is barely perceptable to the human ear.

So, unless you are more than doubling what the Peavey can do - save your money.

[lindseyp]

It's a bargain for $200. That thing goes for $500 or more, so I'm guessing you're buying used. Your ears will be the judge; the Ampeg has two 8-Ohm 10-inch speakers wired parallel for 4 Ohms; the amp pushes 220 watts at that load, but the manual doesn't say what the resulting sound pressure level is so you'd still have to compare them with your ears to hear which one is louder. The Ampeg weighs 86 pounds!

[lindseyp]

Ampeg BA210SP manual dowload here:
http://www.ampeg.com/pdf/BA210SP.pdf

[MNAirHead]

without criteria the replies are a waste of your time

[carl h.]

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

without criteria the replies are a waste of your time

Mostly just hoping to hear from an experienced adult player who may have tried the Ampeg. From what I've read, the effects are useless, so those are not a factor in balancing the two. Most of the reviews seem to be from inexperienced players who do most of their playing in their basements or guitar center.

I have some outdoor gigs coming up and want something that will provide decent support for playing with 4 - 6 guitars with modest amps - ~100 watts each x 4 to 6 players (no drums). Not looking to out power them, but would like to hear myself. Mostly acoustic/latin stuff with the guitars, but some R&R R&B gigs in smaller venues too.

I'm a professional musician with 30 years gigging experience with symphonic and theatrical pits being dominant in those years. Violin is my main axe, but I also perform professionally as a single reed player and percussionist.

Since moving to MN a few years back, bass seems to be where the gigs are around here so I need decent tools for the jobs. I have a steady gig in a coffee house in the house band, and a number of projects on the side that would be easier with more power on tap.

Looking for viable options that will not break the bank, as "bar" gigs don't pay like the symphonic gigs did.

It seems like you'all are saying the Ampeg is decent, any opposing views?

[username1]

I would do a google search for reviews of that amp and see what other owners have to say about it.
Here's a link for a few reviews of it.
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--AMPBA210SP

[carl h.]

Thanks for that link. It has some different opinions on the effects than those I had found.

Looks like I'll close the deal.

[Jimmy Riot]

I think the Peavey Databass 1x15 combo from the 80s is awesome for what it is: a 400w little powerhouse. I put a fullrange 15 spkr in mine, but stock is good too.

I see these combos for $200 sometimes on Craigslist.

[MNAirHead]

For what you're describing...

My opinion always is a portable kickback cabinet with useable DI... it doesn't have to be huge if pointing at your skull.

--------
SIDE NOTE.
We're having a bass Get Together This weekend (St. Paul).. you're more than invited.

(I have a VERY solid USA made portable combo that I"d give you a sweet deal on -- I'm culling the herd)