power (watts) or quality?!?

krstko · #1 09-21-2011, 12:08 PM

Hi everyone, i have a huge problem, so please help me.

I have 1000eu buged for a new amp. I play 5 string bass in a loud rock band (loud drummer, 2x100w tube guitar amps,..). Also we have bad PA so i don't need it just to hear myself and we many times play on open space stages outside.

I already chose 2 bass amps, now please help me decide:
1. new TC electronic BH500 with matching cabs (1000w @ 2ohm, 8x10) ..I like compressor, tweeter tone,..
2. used Ampeg SVT 3 PRO with some random used cab (450w @ 4ohm, probably 4x10) ..I don't realy know how it sounds and it looks bit beaten up, but Ampeg is Ampeg right?

So which should i get?

BassmanPaul · #2 09-21-2011, 12:11 PM

The one that sounds best to your ears.

jacostilllives · #3 09-21-2011, 12:15 PM

Personally I always thought that the 3-pro was the weakest from the Ampeg flagship products, but that's just my opinion.

Let me just say one thing about 8x10's.. If you buy one I hope you have a dedicated vehicle for it. Also hope you're on good terms with your bandmates, because it's more or less impossible to move it by yourself. :-)

bassgod0dmw · #4 09-21-2011, 12:22 PM

Apples & Oranges. Of those two listed I would think the TC would destroy the Ampeg in terms of pure volume. Why are you looking at an 8X10 with one setup and a 4X10 with the other? Why not choose the same cab for whatever head you plan to get?

You seem to be saying that the TC is all about watts and not really quality, and the Ampeg is all about quality and not really the watts. TC makes nice stuff but is there any reason why you're only looking at those 2 amps?

Not all Ampeg is created equal. Most stuff from their Pro series is great, but the SVT-III Pro doesn't quite compete with the other offerings in the line.

Gearhead17 · #5 09-21-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

The one that sounds best to your ears.

+1

Bad PA system? Might as well throw some money into that. Your super cool 810 on stage will only be so loud and spread tone so far in an outdoor setting. A good PA system run by a smart engineer can bring your bass tone to an audible level WAY FARTHER into the audience. Especially in an outdoor setup - bass frequencies will fly everywhere and if you do not have a decent PA system in an outdoor setting, say good bye to hearing the bass more than 10 feet from the stage.

WhoDidTheElf · #6 09-21-2011, 12:26 PM

Really don't get the hate on the 3-Pro.

Great sounding head, and can get tons of volume out of it...if you know what you're doing.

As far as the two go...go with what sounds the best.

The 2 810's will blow almost anything out of the water (volume wise, who knows about tone), that's just a boat load of speakers.

For the Ampeg to be nearly as loud you'd have to run it through two 810's as well.

Musicman20 · #7 09-21-2011, 12:44 PM

Never been a fan of the 3 Pro.

krstko · #8 09-21-2011, 01:25 PM

sorry, I wrote that wrong, it's not 810 cab, it's 2 410

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod0dmw

Why are you looking at an 8X10 with one setup and a 4X10 with the other? Why not choose the same cab for whatever head you plan to get?

You seem to be saying that the TC is all about watts and not really quality, and the Ampeg is all about quality and not really the watts. TC makes nice stuff but is there any reason why you're only looking at those 2 amps?

If i buy TCE BH500 and BC410 I get another BC410 free. With ampeg I would look for used cab for abou 350eu.

TCE is not only watts, it is quality too, but just not that high quality. I'm looking at this 2 amps because I think TCE is best i can get new for that money and Ampeg Svt 3 is only usable used head here.

kb9wyz · #9 09-21-2011, 01:44 PM

Just my .02,

But if you're looking for a rock tone, the TC seems a little weird. But you need to like sound. For my money, though, I wouldn't buy TC. I don't think the money really buys you that much more quality. The same reason I won't buy Mesa. I would personally go for GK if you like a cleaner tone for rock, or if you want a more "rock" tone, go Ashdown. Both are very good quality, available in Europe, and are more reasonably priced than TC or Ampeg. IMHO.

FunkyScoundrel · #10 09-21-2011, 02:20 PM

I've played on TC. I tried one of their digital amps with one of their cabs. Very underwhelming. It just didnt have the meat of other gear - just kind of "mashed potatoes" to my ears. Even though I can't stand the ampeg tone, I'd say go with it. At least it's meaty with more balls. Is there a reason why you've decided on just these two rigs?

BurningSkies · #11 09-21-2011, 02:28 PM

Does the TC BH500 actually output 1000w?

My real feeling is get into the used market and buy a rig that's got way more value than what you can from purchasing new.

JimmyM · #12 09-21-2011, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Does the TC BH500 actually output 1000w?

Nope. It's got the same compression/high pass technology. It may get really loud but it's not because of wattage...it's because they take half the wattage and compress it.

BurningSkies · #13 09-21-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Nope. It's got the same compression/high pass technology. It may get really loud but it's not because of wattage...it's because they take half the wattage and compress it.

That's what I thought. Of course, the OP may enjoy the amp's loudness, but that comes with the commensurate processing involved.

will33 · #14 09-21-2011, 02:45 PM

Yeah, don't be fooled by the "1000 watt" TC and definately look at used stuff, the more speakers the better.

will33 · #15 09-21-2011, 02:49 PM

+1 to putting some money into the PA if you can although that group ownership thing rarely ends well IME. All those giant bass and guitar rigs won't be all that great in the end when they're just drowning out the drums and vocals. Gotta have a good "whole band" sound, good final product.

vin*tone · #16 09-21-2011, 02:52 PM

I don't think either of those amps will cut it with what you're asking.

Sartori · #17 09-21-2011, 03:16 PM

I'd take the SVT-3pro.

RickenBoogie · #18 09-21-2011, 03:23 PM

Whatever you do, in this case, (and most ANY case)- don't skimp on the speakers. Buy used, but look for a head (like the 3Pro) that puts out an honest 500 watts+, and put your money into good spkr cabs. More spkrs = better/louder. Don't chase after what's available today, keep looking until you find a good rig that'll actually work for you.

GrowlerBox · #19 09-21-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krstko

Hi everyone, i have a huge problem, so please help me.

I have 1000eu buged for a new amp. I play 5 string bass in a loud rock band (loud drummer, 2x100w tube guitar amps,..). Also we have bad PA so i don't need it just to hear myself and we many times play on open space stages outside.

I already chose 2 bass amps, now please help me decide:
1. new TC electronic BH500 with matching cabs (1000w @ 2ohm, 8x10) ..I like compressor, tweeter tone,..
2. used Ampeg SVT 3 PRO with some random used cab (450w @ 4ohm, probably 4x10) ..I don't realy know how it sounds and it looks bit beaten up, but Ampeg is Ampeg right?

So which should i get?

If you can't improve your PA, neither of those rigs will do the trick given your apparent requirements. Lots of speakers and a separate pre- and power amp is probably the most economical way to do it.