TCE BG250 or Ampeg BA115HP

[Cyclone101]

Hey guys,

I got a phone call from a friend saying they got Ampeg Ba115HPs for a very good price, about half the normal retail, but I always had my eye on the BG250 because of its weight, and he can get me one for about $100 more than the BA115HP.

Here is the catch, they don't have a BG250 that I can listen to. Would you guys recommend the TC Electronic amp or the Ampeg? I heard about some bad reliability with the Ampegs.
I do like the sound of the Ampeg, how does the TCE compare?
Any opinions would help.

Regards
Jacques

[lbbc]

I had an Ampeg and recenly bought my son the BG250. For my money (biggest bang for the buck) the TC Electronics has more "bells and whistles" and the lighter weight is a definite selling point. BTW, I no longer have the Ampeg.....

[stepswork4me]

Haven't played the Ampeg. Love the BG250. I bought two of them.

[JimmyM]

And to add a different viewpoint, not a fan of amps that use digital technology to reproduce sound, or extraneous bells and whistles that I don't need. I do, however, like light weight. The BA115 isn't a pig as far as weight goes, but it is heavier. However, some folks like the heavier technology better...definitely has a different sound and feel to it than micro technology, although I like both.

You'll now get replies all over the map and suggestions for amps you're not even remotely interested in.

[stepswork4me]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

You'll now get replies all over the map and suggestions for amps you're not even remotely interested in.

Truth!

[Basshappi]

I've been gigging my BA115HP regularly for over 10 years now, it has been completely reliable and it sounds good. It is a bit heavy but it has handled all the usual abuse with the greatest of ease.

In fact last night I got out a rag and some cleaner and gave it it's first major clean up in quite awhile. It still looks almost brand new.

I have never played through any TCE gear, nothing against it just naver had the chance to.

[Son of Bovril]

250 watts VS 100 watts and it's lighter weight? SOLD. Here they even go for the same price

[soulman969]

I think you'll find that the BG250 is a lot more amp for the money or even for a little more money. I've always loved Ampegs and their tone and a BG250 is very similar to it in tonality, has much better features, and it's a whole lot more powerful and lighter in weight.

[Cyclone101]

Originally Posted by Son of Bovril

250 watts VS 100 watts and it's lighter weight? SOLD. Here they even go for the same price

No, 250W vs 220W.

The interesting thing about the Ampeg is that I could crank the gain all the way up without it breaking up at all, Ive never seen that before.

From what I read the TCE is a bit louder and lighter, so I might just go for that. I'm trying to find a shop that has one on stock but still no luck.

[arai]

Lighter, louder, great tone and better features. My money would go to the BG250 hands down

[mystic38]

The lighter weight of the BG250 is worthless if you dont like the sound, and other than weight they are pretty comparable in features.. tubedrive and toneprint are so-so in my book.

I have a BG250 but for $100 less i would take the Ampeg 10/10

[drpepper]

Originally Posted by Cyclone101

the TCE is a bit louder and lighter, so I might just go for that

I assume "a bit" was just referring to louder, which IMO is often a largely irrelevant point of comparison, because loud enough is loud enough.

The weight though is 35 lbs vs 80 lbs...way more than "a bit" in my book. If weight is a real consideration and you don't happen to like the sound of the BG250, it would seem like a good idea to take a look at some other options. There are a number in the same "performance range" that well below 80 lbs, some even less than 35 lbs (Carvin and Ibanez maybe?)