Rack vs cabinet head (Ashdown ABM 500)

[boristhespider7]

Just about to pull the trigger on an Ashdown ABM 500 head and need to make the choice: rack mounted (ie. in a 2U ABS case like a Gator) or traditional bass head.

Both have the same features (although the rack is chrome)
Price is about the same once a rack case is factored in

Is there any advantage in getting one over the other? What would you choose?

This
http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/pro...500-EVOIII.jpg


vs this...
http://www.ashdownmusic.com/bass/pro...C%20EVO111.jpg

[bassgod0dmw]

I'd probably buy the rack mount head, and then get a case that is exactly like the one in the first pic. Cuz that's how I roll...

Srs

[Smokin' Toaster]

I've got the rack mount, and it appears they still use the chrome face. The amp sounds good, but I hate the chrome face. At home, in good lighting, there's no problem reading it. In a gig situation, dark room, stage lights, it's damn near impossible to read unless your get at the perfect angle, and even then you may be able to read the text or markings in one spot, but not the whole face of the amp. The reflection you see is mainly the dark room, especially when you are looking down at it. If it's at eye level it may be better, but I doubt it.

Amp manufacturers, listen up: Shiny chrome control plate = BAD!!!

Go with the traditional amp head and the blue face.
My free advice for the day, worth every cent you paid for it. Hope it helps.

[T. Alan Smith]

The classic looking sleeve is great if you don't plan on transporting it all that often, it remains in a safe environment, and your the only one handling it. Otherwise, get a rack case for it. You'll be knocking(& losing) knobs off that thing if your rockin' regular club gigs with any head in a sleeve.

[boristhespider7]

Originally Posted by Smokin' Toaster

I've got the rack mount, and it appears they still use the chrome face. The amp sounds good, but I hate the chrome face. At home, in good lighting, there's no problem reading it. In a gig situation, dark room, stage lights, it's damn near impossible to read unless your get at the perfect angle, and even then you may be able to read the text or markings in one spot, but not the whole face of the amp. The reflection you see is mainly the dark room, especially when you are looking down at it. If it's at eye level it may be better, but I doubt it.

Amp manufacturers, listen up: Shiny chrome control plate = BAD!!!

Go with the traditional amp head and the blue face.
My free advice for the day, worth every cent you paid for it. Hope it helps.

Yep, the rack version is still chrome. Wooden version is blue. I'm sure i've heard that before about difficulty reading the amp controls in the chrome version. Chrome certainly looks sexy from the pic, but not much good if the reflection gets in the way.
Any difference in resale value between the 2? I'm wondering if a rack version might be less popular and therefore lower resale value.

[Sartori]

I'd get the regular version.

Given the choice, I prefer traditional head boxes to rackmounts. Chiefly because I don't have any other gear that's rackmount.

[boristhespider7]

Originally Posted by Sartori

I'd get the regular version.

Chiefly because I don't have any other gear that's rackmount.

Me neither