Right Amp for Avatar Speakers

[frnzk]

Posting this to figure out what amp would be the best for a pair of Avatar Speaker Cabs (2 B210 - 2 x 10" cabs to be exact, each rated at 8 Ohms, 500 Watts).

Sometimes I only need to power 1 cabinet. Some gigs I need both.

I'm trying to decide between Genz Benz & MarkBass so here's the series of questions...

1) Wattage Amp - Should I pay more $$ for a higher wattage amp (Genz Benz Shuttle 9/ Little Mark 800), or can I get away with something in the 300W to 500W range (Genz Benz Shuttle 6/ Little Mark III)?

2) Which company is more dependable/supportive/makes the better product?

3) There is no question 3.

Thanks in advance for any and all info...

[d180fuzz]

Hey FRNZK - can't help with your solid-state amp questions, but -

LOVE YOUR FREAKIN' AVATAR! Is that beastly Maine Coon yours? He's quite awesome.

[frnzk]

that's ralph the cat (part maine coon, part glowing being).

[d180fuzz]

hmmm...i think i got jipped - buggo doesn't glow:

[d180fuzz]

but da bob glows a little:

[SteveHeissner]

I'm not sure which amp manufacturer is better. However, I use Avatar cabs - have two 410 neos and one 210 neo. So I can relate this: I use an Ampeg SVT1000 (1000 watts at 4 ohms) or a GK 1001RB II (700 watts at 4 ohms). I only run them at about half volume or less most of the time. If I were running two of the 210 neos together I'd try to get an amp in the 800-1000 watt range. You'll never have to push the amp past about 50% volume and it won't get too hot. The Avatar cabs are pretty efficient.

[doc540]

another Avatar option:


light, compact, good quality, plenty of power, wide variety of tone options

[rappa29]

1.) Depends on the other instrumentation in the band and whether you will have the benefit of PA at your gigs. My rig is a GK700RBII running 2 1x12 cabs. I don't need anymore than that because we have our own PA with subs. So my rig is for my own monitoring only. If you know you won't have PA for 70% of your gigs, then you might need lots of power to push your bass through the drums, guitars, keys, kazoo, accordian or whatever other instrumentation your band has.

2.) GB and MB both make quality gear. I can personally vouch for GB CS, as can many here. They respond quickly and often you'll actually be speaking to Jeff (the owner) when you call them. Like many here, I've owned products from both (GB NeoPak 3.5 & MB LMII).

Also, like many here, have owned Avatar gear. Still have 2 B210 NEOs (4ohm & 8ohm). They've sounded/performed fine with the myriad of heads I've paired them up with (GB NeoPak 3.5, MB LMII, GK 700RBII, GK 400RB, Ampeg SVT 3 Pro, Ashdown MAG 300).

If you're that undecided, best thing to do is take one of your cabs to retailer of your choice that carries GB and MB gear and audition them in person. Although, harder to find GB gear on the floor to demo.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with either GB or MB. It's pretty much whatever will suite your needs and ears.

[jlane72t]

I have the same B210 cab, and I run a LMIII thru it and absolutely love the sound. Planning on picking up a second B210 too.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by frnzk

1) Wattage Amp - Should I pay more $$ for a higher wattage amp (Genz Benz Shuttle 9/ Little Mark 800), or can I get away with something in the 300W to 500W range (Genz Benz Shuttle 6/ Little Mark III)?

The answer to this question depends so much on factors that you haven't communicated to us - specifically regarding your volume requirements. Personally I would think that having only 300-500 watts total watts available for a couple of 2x10s would unnecessarily limit one's headroom. Having ample headroom available is almost never a bad thing...

MM

[JmJ]

I did a gig with my LMII and the house cabinet, an Avatar 4x10. I was suitably impressed with the amount of detail and the dynamic abilities of the Avatar. This is coming from a guy who does not like 4x10 cabs.

[DWBass]

I use both a LMIII and a GB Shuttle 6.0. I run an Avatar 2x10 and 1x12. Both non neo models so I'm pushing a lot of power!

[rptrsn2]

not one you mentioned as a choice but i run mine with a gk700rbii, mod the cabs to use the horn amp on the gk and these match up great!

[frnzk]

Wow - thanks for all the feedback. This is great!