Simple EQ Amp Advice

[JDLowEnd]

So I am looking to get an amp head (eventually a cab) to replace my combo. At our practice space th drummer has a newer peavey 2x15 cab so for now just a head. Anyways, I am tring to decide on a new head with a simple EQ, in order to maintain my active bass tones, a few different basses, with different preamps. The two I have in mind are the Hartke LH series or the Orange TB series. Trying to keep cost in mind as well, weight is not the biggest issue in my case. Just wounding our thoughts and recommendations.

[Duckwater]

IME Orange amps are heavily colored, everything you plug into it will have the Orange sound. It is an amazing sound by the way, but you may want something more versatile. Someone more educated than me will pop in soon enough to help you.

[Vince Klortho]

I like Hartkes a lot. Their EQ seems very versatile so you should be able to find a tone that suits your taste.

[JDLowEnd]

Thanks for the info, I have also heard that the DI on the orange runs super hot, although I am not looking to record or do shows any time soon

[RS66LB]

...not sure of the particulars regarding your budget however there's the Carvin BX500, I've heard ok things about it however can't really verify anything other then it's price ($400), weight (slightly under 6 lbs) and power output (350 @ 8 ohms, 500 at both 4 and 2 ohms). They also have another somewhat inexpensive (relative term) head -the BX1500 (stereo amp), I do know a little about this one since I have a BX-1200 (essentially the same thing minus the lightweight power supply), this amp is $580, has lots and lots of eq possibilities (plus tube pre and compression) weighs about 10 lbs. -In stereo its about 300 a side @ 8 ohms, 450 @ 4 and 750 watts per channel @ 2 ohms. In mono it outputs 900 watts into 8 ohms and 1500 watts into 4 ohms. Of course there are many incredible amplifier companies out there with awesome products -figured I'd share a couple of decently priced items to add to the list, anyway good luck and have a great day.

ps- is the 2x15 cab you mentioned an old pa cab or sub? -the reason I ask is because it might have an internal crossover which if bypassed would help add a bit more mid definition

[Mr. Foxen]

The Orange and the LH series have basically the same eq, fender style, only mid cut, setting closest to flat is max mids, bass and treble near minimum.

[JDLowEnd]

The cab is the peavey tour vb215 bass cab. I haven't read much into carvin but I will take a look. Also have to debate the 500 vs the 1k watts of these amps. The people who have reviewed some of the 1000 watt ones say they never go above 2 or 3 on the volume. I'm thinking the 500 may be enough.

[Steve Dallman]

I have a Bassman 100 in which I completely rewired (it was stripped of most components when I got it). I built two London Power type preamps. The bass channel is basically an Ampeg with Baxandall bass and treble, and the normal channel is Fender with a different gain structure, but still a Fender bass, mid and treble tone stack along with a mid slope control. As versatile as the Fender type preamp is, the Ampeg always sounds better. The inherent mid cut of the Fender isn't my favorite for bass. The Baxandall design has more presence, low end authority and high end clarity.

Just a note on Peavey...they have been listing their Class D heads at "peak" watts, not RMS. Why they do this when they used RMS since their inception escapes me. I have nothing against Peavey and own a LOT of Peavey equipment. Their 600 watt Class D head is actually 300 watts RMS. It's a good head, and powerful enough for many players.

[JDLowEnd]

I'm not too thrilled with some of the peaveys I have used in the past. My goal is to get a new head, use the peavey cab for a while then purchase a matching cab for the head.