Streamliner 900 or Orange Terror 1000?

depalm · #1 01-25-2011, 06:35 AM

Going on a tour around the country and would like to take one of these new lightweight amps with me.

Didn't play with anyone of them. (most people didn't play with Streamliner either)

Just wondering which one I'd pick.

Suggestions?

Thanks

**jlepre** · #2 01-25-2011, 07:28 AM

Type of music?

Current cab setup?

Type of music?

Tone you're looking for?

KJung · #3 01-25-2011, 07:40 AM

No way to answer the question... the Streamliner just started shipping.

Check back in about a month when there are multiple reviews, clips and gig reports.

depalm · #4 01-25-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlepre

Type of music?

Current cab setup?

Type of music?

Tone you're looking for?

Thanks for reply.

1- My plan is to bring the amp and hook it with whatever the venue provide. In my experience, mostly GK stuff.

3- I will be playing Brazilian music

3- Just a nice and warm tone.
I'll use a J and a P.

The choice between the two amps is based on the comments here on talkbass.
From what I could see, both are small, lightweight, powerful and very warm. Not "Hifi".

Again, thank you.

depalm · #5 01-25-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

No way to answer the question... the Streamliner just started shipping.

Check back in about a month when there are multiple reviews, clips and gig reports.

Thanks Kjung.

Would be wrong to say that the Orange Terror is not a very popular device?

KJung · #6 01-25-2011, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

Thanks Kjung.

Would be wrong to say that the Orange Terror is not a very popular device?

From all the clips I've heard and reviews I've read, it is a bit of a specialized head, really optimized for grindy grungy distortion (which fits their entire kind of vision regarding their primary line of tube amps). So, more 'targeted to a very specific type of user' than 'unpopular'.

Edit: My comments were based on the Terror500... not sure the 1000 is shipping yet.

Jared Lash · #7 01-25-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

Thanks Kjung.

Would be wrong to say that the Orange Terror is not a very popular device?

I wouldn't say that. It's fairly new to the market (especially the 1000 version) and has a very distinct sound.

I have a Streamliner on order but obviously haven't played it yet. But I HAVE tried a Terror. If you are looking for clean bass sounds, it's not the amp for you. If you're looking for some very round/vintage to very aggressive tones then it is worth checking out.

This video review of the Terror 500 is worth checking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-rN4glWmTs

depalm · #8 01-25-2011, 09:44 AM

I see, but you're saying the Terror is not capable of clean tones?
I read the Streamliner does good clean tones but very warm and mellow.

Jared Lash · #9 01-25-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

I see, but you're saying the Terror is not capable of clean tones?
I read the Streamliner does good clean tones but very warm and mellow.

Sure, if you keep the gain down you can get fairly clean tones at least from my experience. And you can hear it with both pick and fingerstyle in the video that I linked to. At low gain it's still a round, slightly vintage sound but somewhat clean. But if the gain gets to 11 o'clock or higher then it starts getting more and more gritty or fuzzy.

I guess my question is, if you want clean tones, why would the Terror be the amp you are looking at? I can think of a lot of genres and applications where the Terror would be perfect, but if I wanted clean tones I'd look elsewhere. Or versatility for that matter. The Terror has a limited EQ and a distinct voicing. It is very much an amp that "does what it does and does it well" but it isn't one I'd take to every type of gig.

As for the Streamliner very people can answer your questions since outside of Genz Benz employees and Ed Friedland nobody has really heard them.

bdplaid · #10 01-25-2011, 09:58 AM

I played the Terror and didn't like it at all. My preference is for warm vintage or modern, sparkly tones. The Terror is it's own animal, IMO more suited to grungy ROARK and alternative.

My dealer played the Streamliner and told me it's good, but designed to be a simple-to-use one-trick pony: if you like tube warmth, he said, you'll probably like the Streamliner. I'm looking forward to hearing.

With that said, there is always the Benz Shuttle series, which sound geat and have tubes. There's also MarkBass, with a seemingly endless selection of SS and ytube amps. I have a Little Mark Tube 800 and like it much. I play rock, pop and funk.

depalm · #11 01-25-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared Lash

Sure, if you keep the gain down you can get fairly clean tones at least from my experience. And you can hear it with both pick and fingerstyle in the video that I linked to. At low gain it's still a round, slightly vintage sound but somewhat clean. But if the gain gets to 11 o'clock or higher then it starts getting more and more gritty or fuzzy.

I guess my question is, if you want clean tones, why would the Terror be the amp you are looking at? I can think of a lot of genres and applications where the Terror would be perfect, but if I wanted clean tones I'd look elsewhere. Or versatility for that matter. The Terror has a limited EQ and a distinct voicing. It is very much an amp that "does what it does and does it well" but it isn't one I'd take to every type of gig.

As for the Streamliner very people can answer your questions since outside of Genz Benz employees and Ed Friedland nobody has really heard them.

I'm actually looking for a warm clean tone. The kind you get from a tube amp. Clean but with some "color".

From what I heard, the terror could be a nice choice, I liked the low gain tone from that video in spite I'll be playing a different musical gender.

Based on what I have reading, most of the lightweight amps (Markbass, GK, SWR…) has some kind of "Hi-fi" tone.

I'll have to wait a little to hear about the Streamliner and I'm afraid I could not wait that long for pulling the trigger.

Anyway, thank you very much.
best

bdplaid · #12 01-25-2011, 12:01 PM

you should look at the GB shuttle. available now. super lightweight, sounds warm and has some range. but not sure it sound all-tube, but it does sound very good. the best tube sound I've heard in awhile was from a Peavey all-tube VB-2. But it weighs a ton. like all good all-tube amps!

no matter what, you're going to have to go listen to them.

Blah114 · #13 01-25-2011, 12:07 PM

I would pick the Orange terror personally.. because you can dial in aggressive tones.. I have seen this 1sthand.. and you can dial BACK the aggressiveness of the Orange amp.. I love Orange amps, though.. while it does depend on the music you're doing.. I would say, in a weird way, the ORange amp is more versatile than at least the Genz Shuttle.. I own a Shuttle... and it's very "clean" sounding.. I played through a Terror Amp before.. once.. and I loved its grind.. but it can be gotten rid of easily via EQ.. I'd rather have more options.. I have found my experience with EQs and amps differs with what is popular at the time..

I could also recommend MarkBass.. the fact is an LMII head would serve you well.. same deal.. it can get dirty (not nearly as dirty as Orange) or clean.. I found Shuttle to be clean no matter what--it's a GREAT amp (genz). I doubt anyone has played a Streamline yet.. I don't particularly enjoy the Markbass tone, but it's lightweight and has more "oomph" than the Shuttles.. perhaps the Streamlines are different.. my theory: you get used to what you have after a bit.. doesn't matter.. LM, Genz, Orange.. are all so outstanding, it really does come down to preference.

GrowlerBox · #14 01-26-2011, 12:07 AM

Must ... wade ... through ... stream ... of ... consciousness. Without .. getting .. feet ..wet.

depalm · #15 02-01-2011, 08:07 PM

After listening to the Ed Friedland's review I think the Orange Terror 1000 is the amp for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-27s...&feature=feedu

The Streamliner sounds good on "clean mode" but I really didn't like the overdriven tone.

Also I think it has too much of Hi end (It could be that 5 string bass or the Cab) but the Orange seem to sound more organic and natural when pushed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-rN4glWmTs

Comments?

best

bdplaid · #16 02-01-2011, 08:35 PM

If you like the Orange sound, then go for it. But personally, I wouldn't let the review of either amp on YouTube affect the decision. You can't hear everything that's going on. Ed did an exceptional job trying to make it sound right, but it's your ears in person that are the final arbiter. It's the nature of the internet and such that you can't hear it all. That goes for both amps.

I've heard the Orange with my own ears and don't like it. It's definitely an aggressive sounding amp, which ain't my thing. but if that's your sound, then it's the amp for you.

depalm · #17 02-01-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdplaid

If you like the Orange sound, then go for it. But personally, I wouldn't let the review of either amp on YouTube affect the decision. You can't hear everything that's going on. Ed did an exceptional job trying to make it sound right, but it's your ears in person that are the final arbiter. It's the nature of the internet and such that you can't hear it all. That goes for both amps.

I've heard the Orange with my own ears and don't like it. It's definitely an aggressive sounding amp, which ain't my thing. but if that's your sound, then it's the amp for you.

Thank you bdplaid

Of course I'll have to play with both amps. YouTube videos are just a reference.

PENLIYL · #18 06-12-2011, 11:34 PM

I'm looking at both these amps as well... the GBS 900 and OTB 1000. It's been a few months since this thread was last reply'd to. Anyone else had a chance to compare these 2 amps?

I can't find a dealer in my area that has both in stock to compare and contrast.

OzzyGreg · #19 06-13-2011, 01:01 AM

.
I'm in the market for a new lightweight amp as well.

I am very impressed with the sound of the Orange after listening to it at medium gain with mids rolled off and lows/highs boosted.
This is almost exactly the sound I am after!

Trouble is, it gets too dirty for my liking when the gain is pushed.

I wonder if the 1000 will be different?
I still haven't seen a review of it yet.
I guess its still not available? Either that or no-one's bought one!

Greg

mouthmw · #20 06-13-2011, 02:14 AM

The thing I'd be most worried about when it comes to Orange Terror, is them dying.
Also, cutting out problems, shutting down, too hot DI etc.
I don't know if they sorted out their QC problems, but these little amps were quite prone to issues and replacements.
I was planning on getting one a few months ago, but because of all the problems they had, I opted for a GK amp. And I really liked the orange sound.