SWR SM500 or Workingpro 700. Which one?

GruntSplatter · #1 02-25-2011, 11:46 PM

Hi,

I have always played through a preamp/power amp type of setup. I play progressive metal. I am interested in picking up a bass head for a change and have a couple in mind that seem to fit my budget. I have an option of buying either an SWR SM500 or Workingpro 700 for the same price. They are not from the same seller so I cannot A/B them.

Power is an issue. I am aware of the differences of the two. I plan on driving my Goliath III and Son of Bertha for a 4 Ohm load. And again, I play metal. I lean toward the Workingpro 700 because of it's power, but I have a feeling the SM500 is a better amp.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Mirios · #2 02-26-2011, 12:04 AM

My personal vote would be for the SM500. The ones i have played in the past just had such a great tone. I played some workingpro amps, but my personal opinion is the sm500 has superior tone.

Also i doubt the workingpro is going to be that much louder than the sm500 even with the higher power load. I've been wrong before though.

Plays_For_Dog · #3 02-26-2011, 12:14 AM

I have an SM500 and love it. I've owned it since 2000 and have had no issues from it. You may need a new tube for the pre-amp (12ax7 I think...) or at least pick one up to have on standby. Through heavy use and abuse, like any tube, it will wear and start to hiss.

Dan Knowlton · #4 02-26-2011, 12:19 AM

SM-500!

I got to AB the 500 with a Workingpro and liked the tone of the SM500 much more.

Dan K.

lfbassguy · #5 02-26-2011, 12:23 AM

i have the workingpro 700, it is a great amp and plenty loud. i also play metal at times. it always works in that. but if there the same price i would probably go with the sm500.

gary mitchell · #6 02-26-2011, 08:38 AM

I own a Workingpro 700 for over a year and its a nice amp. I sold it. I play some metal still and it would not be my choice to use. I've never played the SM500 but they are a step above. SWR would not be my choice to play metal, but I know how it is you got to do with the money you have and the deals you get. I played metal a few years and still like to kick it sometimes when I play guitar.

GruntSplatter · #7 02-26-2011, 01:46 PM

Thanks! All the feedback is much appreciated. I think between these two I am going for the SM500. Next, I'll see how well I can apply it to my playing...

Steve

SteveC · #8 02-26-2011, 02:38 PM

SM500

gary mitchell · #9 02-26-2011, 11:09 PM

SM500

jschwalls · #10 02-26-2011, 11:18 PM

pretty obvious by now....

SM-500 is what I consider the last of the great SWR original line.

It is same format as the CLASSIC Studio 220 and the SM-400.. both just amazing amps !!