Thinking about going all tube-tube amp options merged

xax712 · #1 04-30-2002, 08:59 PM

Which tube amp is the best for a head?

lneal · #2 04-30-2002, 10:00 PM

I voted for something else cause the OLD SVT is the best all tube bass head, period. Wish I had one!

throbbinnut · #3 04-30-2002, 10:32 PM

Something else.........

I don't have any of the above. All the old stuff rocks, especially if you can fix it yourself.

Ampeg V-4B original
Ampeg B25B
Sunn 2000S
Fender Bassman 100
Marshall Superbass 100
Orange 120
HiWatt 100
Earth B-1000

Good sounds from all of them. Not insanely loud, unless you have a huge efficient cab. Can be had cheap if you luck into them.

Chris

InTheGroove · #4 04-30-2002, 10:34 PM

There truly is nothin better.....I use an Ampeg V-4 for ther Dual inputs and controls. It sits on a Vintage V-9 (9 tens) cabinet that has been babied forever. A little large and heavy but you can feel it deep in your chest and that is the only way......!

Did a Blues festival a few years ago in St Pete, Florida. My band was first on stage.....and every single bassist after me wanted to run my gear. I was touched to say the least.

Vintage Ampeg tubers rule! Are getting harder to find and will be harder as time goes on.

jasonbraatz · #5 04-30-2002, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by InTheGroove
...It sits on a Vintage V-9 (9 tens) cabinet ...

are you serious?!?!

PICK · #6 04-30-2002, 11:07 PM

Im still trying to forgive you for leaving out the Ampeg SVT.

VicDamone · #7 04-30-2002, 11:23 PM

Ampeg SVT-V9 you bet! I wish I still had mine. svt classic?...please.

xax712 · #8 05-01-2002, 12:34 AM

Aren't those hybrids not straight tubes? I could have been mistaken, but that's what I read. Nobody around here carries any good ampeg stuff, just the lower level combos. And I love tube sound, that's why I want to know what you guys thought about these. If there are others please specify, but no mosfet or solid state at all please. Even hybrids like the Mesa M-Pulse line or Ebs HD 350.
Thanks and forgive me for any wrong doing anybody feels,
Brad

LarryJ · #9 05-01-2002, 12:45 AM

For pure tone- not volume or eq features, etc-
pure tone-

The basic tube circuit design of the Ampeg B-15
cannot be improved upon.
No way,

PICK · #10 05-01-2002, 12:47 AM

There are only two tube amps i would play

SVT

or

400+
Thank you!!!!!!

Big String · #11 05-01-2002, 01:07 PM

Svt are great. Anguliar is also super. Mesa 400+ is my choice for the money well spent. I have two of them...

xax712 · #12 05-01-2002, 01:28 PM

Well if you have two of them then share with me.

Steven Green · #13 05-01-2002, 01:36 PM

Last I checked, BassNW had a used V-9 for sale...mmm.

ebozzz · #14 05-01-2002, 02:08 PM

It's probably hard to find but the Peavey "Classic 400" was an awesome tube head. 400 watts of power but it's H-E-A-V-Y!

steve-o · #15 05-01-2002, 03:28 PM

i want an old ampeg tube head!!!
i don't care if it wiegh 98 pounds i am young and i have friends that think that they are muscle man so i will let explain there man hood by carrying it to the car!

RAM · #16 05-01-2002, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xax712
Aren't those hybrids not straight tubes? I could have been mistaken, but that's what I read. Nobody around here carries any good ampeg stuff, just the lower level combos. And I love tube sound, that's why I want to know what you guys thought about these. If there are others please specify, but no mosfet or solid state at all please. Even hybrids like the Mesa M-Pulse line or Ebs HD 350.
Thanks and forgive me for any wrong doing anybody feels,
Brad

Brad,

I've played several of these and own the Fafner. The Fafner is a hybrid. It has a solid state preamp and solid state power amp section, with a tube placed in the signal path BETWEEN the two. Nevertheless, I think it's the best of both worlds. It's got the hi-fi quality you find in stuff like Kern (a tube preamp, btw) or EA, and the warmth and musicality of the Aguilar and Edens of the world. If I had to buy another amp, I'd probably buy the Fafner, or whatever EBS is about to put out (I think it's called the TD620).

Not far behind is the HD350. It's warm, and very advanced for an amp: it's got some incredible headroom and even modeling capabilities in case you want to sound like something else. I have played the HD350 but haven't experimented with the modeling. It sounds every bit as good as the Fafner and puts a heck of a wallop into the speakers. The one thing is, you called it a hybrid, and it's not. It's all solid state. I don't know that you'd be able to tell the difference, unless you're into vintage stuff; it's that cool! But, don't get it confused with a hybrid.

The bottom line is, most everybody I talk to that plays through any of these amps you've listed either loves EBS or hasn't played EBS. They may play something else, but this brand consistently receives wonderful remarks.

RockBobby · #17 05-01-2002, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the reply the other day.
Have you tried a vintage SVT with your D-118xl and D4-10xlt?
I have not been able to try this config yet.
However the D-410xlt and D210xlt sound amazing with the SVT. I almost think that the 18 and 4-10s will not serve as well as 6-10s.What do you think?
The only all tube amps that I have played through are the 1971 SVT, 1972 V-4, and an 80's Bassman 135.
Some day I want to hook em' all up at once with the Eden 18, 4-10,2-10 + Sonic 18 + Musicman RH15(BW).
Aaarrruuuggghhh!!

Mark Reccord · #18 05-01-2002, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xax712
Which tube amp is the best for a head?

Mine.

**BFunk** · #19 05-02-2002, 07:04 AM

Aguilar DB 728!!

Paul A · #20 05-02-2002, 07:08 AM

Probably the 1976 Marshall superbass 100 head in custom orange tolex in near mint condition that I have for sale.
450 u.k. pounds plus shipping .... bargain