Phil Jones M500 vs Aguilar DB751

[GregL]

Appreciate all input on this match-up.

Thankee

[rollerberg2000]

I don't have any experience with the aggy, but I've used the M-500 and matching 8T and 16B cabs for a little over a year. It replaced my Ampeg SVT-AV and matching 810-AV. It gets gigged HARD at least 10-12 hours a week with very little PA support (none needed actually, but the sound man loves bass and kick drum in the subs). If you are looking for high definition and true sonic representation of what your bass can do I can firmly recommend the PJB rig. Not to mention it also is a great conversation starter, nobody can believe their eyes or ears when they hear what this strange looking futuristic rig is pumping out!

[KJung]

Not even in the same universe. The M-500 is very heavy, but does not put out the wump (one of the only amps I ever sent back for a refund). It puts out a very weak (IMO and IME) 500 watts into 4ohms. That was the heaviest 500 watts I've ever experienced weightwise... I believe 45 pounds or so. IMO, don't do it!

The Aguilar will totally, completely smash it. Of course, the DB750 (and I assume 751) is big and chewy and 'clean tubey' sounding. If you are looking for a more accurate, clean, transparent sort of tone with big power, the Carvin B2000 is worth a look.

[countrybass007]

Phil Jones amps are superior in tone to almost any bass amps. The drawback is cost.

[Matt Dean]

Phil Jones=meh...

Aguilar=tubey goodness.

IMO.

[~ignited~wings~]

I adore my M500, it is heavy, but less so than my cabs so I don't see what the big deal is.

Most people who think the M500 isn't as loud as it should be don't understand the taper of the pots (not pointing any fingers KJung, you're a reputable guy but I'm just speaking from experience).

People will plug in an M500 turn the master to noon and play, then do the same with another head and the other head will sound louder. The thing is, on almost all other bass amps, noon on the master is close to max (while still sounding nice and clean). I can turn my gain and master pots full on (with my bass in the active input) and it won't fizz or fart at all, just get a little bit thicker and fuller and a LOT louder.

conventional bass amps train people to be afraid of the volume pot, but this amp's volume it at half at noon, and full when full.

Not to mention the graphic EQ on the M500 is fantastic, both for bass, and for various other instruments I run through it due to the extended lower and upper frequency control.

[jdwinva]

DB751 all the way.

[NecroticImbecil]

The M500 produces some of the best sounds ever heard.

[newbold]

PJB M-500 is among my favourite amp experiences to date.

Do you want the amp to provide the tone or reinforce it?

If you want more tone from your amp, go Aggie, if you already have it driving the Jack then PJB is your thing.