Thunderfunk 750a vs Walkabout vs DB750

[KJung]

Nice review. You are lucky to have a couple of cabs (the DB112 and the HS410) that sound particularly good with all those heads, especially the DB750 (which can sound a bit tubby and flubby with 'wider voiced' cabs). I LOVED the Thunderfunk with the DB112's... always a 'winner' at GTG's with players of all styles.

I think you plan is good, a 'solid state' sounding option (the Thunderfunk) that is definitely on the 'warm and punchy/vintage meets modern' side of the the solid state tone continuum, and then the Walkabout for the bloom and tube warmth sort of thing.

Nice! I do a similar thing with my Markbass F500 or Glockenklang Blue Soul for various flavors of 'clean, accurate, pure' tone (primarily with my J Basses), and then the wonderful Aguilar TH500 for the more warm, grunty vibe I'm going for with my P Bass.

+1 That the boatanchor DB750 feels, somehow, even heavier than its actual weight (theories involve the 'unbalanced' weight distrubution of the big transformer on one side of the head, but who knows).

[KJung]

Also, to the OP, remember, the TF750A doesn't really put out more power than the TF550b (the '750' is the 2ohm operation). The 4ohm output of the TF550b and TF750a is pretty similar (around 80watts difference 550 versus 630.... trivial). The main difference is the larger power supply, which eliminates some of the quashing/compression of the low end of the TF550b when pushed (with some actually like quite a bit).

In many, many direct A/B's of, for example, the TF750a and various 500 watt micro's like the Markbass F500), the maximum volume and low end was very, very similar. It is again better to thing of the TF750a as a head in the 500-600 watt power rating category (which it is).

The DB750 will BURY the TF750a IF you have enough speaker cab/drivers to actually make use of the additional real power (you won't really notice with a single 40hm 410).

I would again (IF you dump the DB750) try to get a TH500 out on a few gigs, and also spend time understanding the EQ/drive/gain interaction, which is VERY different from the other heads you are using at the moment. With the small, high efficiency cabs that you are using, you can get VERY close to the DB750 tone on the gig with the TH500.. quite amazing actually. Yes, the top end isn't as sweet when sitting at home, but on the gig, it actually comes through more articulately, and that wonderful semi-parametric mid control is FAR supperior to the single fixed mid control of the DB750. IMO. The TH500 is a bit more gritty and grunty than the TF750a for sure, but it will AT LEAST produce identical volume, and actually a bigger low end down low in a 4 pound, high quality format that runs very cool and is rock solid reliable. IMO and IME.

[wateroftyne]

Originally Posted by michricker

Test 1. Walkabout

Cons: 165 watts at 8ohms, 300watts. At 4ohms. Said to be able to do 500watts at 2ohms.

It's splitting hairs, really... but it appears to be more than that.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by wateroftyne

It's splitting hairs, really... but it appears to be more than that.

+1 on the trivial, and also without THD levels, those power levels are not really representative of the performance of the head. I always found the Walkabout to sound much 'bigger and impressive' at home alone than actually on the gig (due to so much of the power of the head going to that very huge, non hi passed, open low end). It seemed like an 'honestly rated' 300 watt amp to me, and for better or worse, just like most all tube amps, the tone and performance significantly change as you pushed it, whether you wanted it to or not. That is part of the 'charm' of that head, which really does emulate an all tube power head pretty well. Nice head, but it will clamp like heck when fed some real transients on a gig at modest volumes. IMO and IME. Nice for moderate volume gigs when you want that bloom down low and warm crunch up top though... nice head. Amazing to me that they never provided a pre EQ DI nor speakon connectors on that head with the many updates to that model over the years.

[Bassist30]

Nice review. Nice that you had so many amps to compare with. You made some good choices. I think as you play both the walkabout and the Thunderfunk with those cabinets you will appreciate them more. You know Dave from Thunderfunk will gladly answer any of your questions. Very nice guy who will return all mails pretty quickly. I also agree he uses very good parts which also jacks up the price.

[5StringPocket]

As posted before, MESA could clean up with a 900 watt Walkabout head - same tone but with more watts on tap. If only they were listening...

[michricker]

+4000. Count me in to buy a prototype

[michricker]

Dont forget that it must stay same size weight and form factor. Add speakons too!

[KJung]

Originally Posted by 5StringPocket

As posted before, MESA could clean up with a 900 watt Walkabout head - same tone but with more watts on tap. If only they were listening...

They seem to believe that they did this (higher powered Walkabout) with the MPulse600. Sounds nothing like the Walkabout though IMO... owned both at the same time.

[gregbackstrom]

Having played both the DB750 and TFB750-A/800B-2 extensively, I agree that the DB750 is capable of producing greater overall volume. But the difference may not be useful to you -- it isn't to me. The TFB750/800, with its beefier power supply, heat management, and 50% increase in output devices vs the 550, is one loud amp, and louder than I remember the 550 that I played.

I often use the TFB to drive a 2 ohm "tower" of two Bergantino AE 212s. This combination produces massive volume and visceral punch, but the head doesn't seem to be operating at or near the limit of its output. Interestingly, I don't notice any real difference in "muscle" between the Thunderfunk and my 2K-3K watt preamp/power amp rigs (except for the weight, of course).

At this level of performance, I think that other factors (i.e. tone, convenience, features, availability, etc.) may have more bearing on your choice than loudness. That's certainly the case for me.

Originally Posted by KJung

Also, to the OP, remember, the TF750A doesn't really put out more power than the TF550b (the '750' is the 2ohm operation). The 4ohm output of the TF550b and TF750a is pretty similar (around 80watts difference 550 versus 630.... trivial). The main difference is the larger power supply, which eliminates some of the quashing/compression of the low end of the TF550b when pushed (with some actually like quite a bit).

In many, many direct A/B's of, for example, the TF750a and various 500 watt micro's like the Markbass F500), the maximum volume and low end was very, very similar. It is again better to thing of the TF750a as a head in the 500-600 watt power rating category (which it is).

The DB750 will BURY the TF750a IF you have enough speaker cab/drivers to actually make use of the additional real power (you won't really notice with a single 40hm 410).

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by gregbackstrom

Having played both the DB750 and TFB750-A/800B-2 extensively, I agree that the DB750 is capable of producing greater overall volume. But the difference may not be useful to you -- it isn't to me. The TFB750/800, with its beefier power supply, heat management, and 50% increase in output devices vs the 550, is one loud amp, and louder than I remember the 550 that I played.

I often use the TFB to drive a 2 ohm "tower" of two Bergantino AE 212s. This combination produces massive volume and visceral punch, but the head doesn't seem to be operating at or near the limit of its output. Interestingly, I don't notice any real difference in "muscle" between the Thunderfunk and my 2K-3K watt preamp/power amp rigs (except for the weight, of course).

At this level of performance, I think that other factors (i.e. tone, convenience, features, availability, etc.) may have more bearing on your choice than loudness. That's certainly the case for me.

+1 I have ran it a 2 ohms also. Yes it gets a little warmer but it doesn't get so hot that you have to worry. Even Dave had said there really isn't a problem running it at 2 ohms. yes it is a loud amp and its clean power to. I have a GK fusion 500, and its loud but the Thunderfunk 750A is considerably louder, as expected. The Thunderfunk 750a is so well made that its so efficient with its power. But people must realize that if you have a 500 watt amp and a 1000 watt amp the 1000 watt amp it isn't going to be twice a loud. Also "tone, convenience, features, availability" is a great way of looking at it.

[michricker]

One thing I've learned over last 15 years of gigging with some real pro drummers, etc. Is the lack of need for a monster rig these days. The biggest venues I've played in my bass playing existence have been venues holding approximately 2000 people. The Mesa walkabout with the berg mike could handle an indoor event no problem IMO. Most big venues are moving to in ears anyway.

Where the extra juice of a tF or DB comes into play is for improved dynamics. When you want to dig in for the extra pop with the drummer it's on tap for you. Outdoor gigs a more powerful rig helps more as there is less to tie the frequencys into.

A small coffee shop gig I use a markbass minimark and it works great! People can't believe the sound coming from that little 2x6 box! With a small wood stage and room sq ft. Can sound wonderful with a light handed jazz drummer.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by michricker

One thing I've learned over last 15 years of gigging with some real pro drummers, etc. Is the lack of need for a monster rig these days. The biggest venues I've played in my bass playing existence have been venues holding approximately 2000 people. The Mesa walkabout with the berg mike could handle an indoor event no problem IMO. Most big venues are moving to in ears anyway.

Where the extra juice of a tF or DB comes into play is for improved dynamics. When you want to dig in for the extra pop with the drummer it's on tap for you. Outdoor gigs a more powerful rig helps more as there is less to tie the frequencys into.

A small coffee shop gig I use a markbass minimark and it works great! People can't believe the sound coming from that little 2x6 box! With a small wood stage and room sq ft. Can sound wonderful with a light handed jazz drummer.

+1 As you say, high wattage is mostly about the reserve headroom for peak transients (i.e., less compressed lows) than increase in volume. I can't imagine a need to be louder than an unmic'd drummer, and I can usually get there with plenty of headroom with an honestly rated 500 or 600 watt amp driving a good quality 212. Slapping or really digging in can result in a bit of a different dynamic, since those hard peaks can really lay the limitations of a heads power supply or a driver(s) mechanical limitations.

I agree with the above, there is very little reason for the vast majority of bassists to carry around a lead sled boat anchor like the DB750. A head with a good honest 500-600 watts (the LMIII, the Big Bang, the TH500, the GK MB500, the TF750a, etc.) will serve most very well, and at the level of quality of those amps, it is pretty much all about tone preferences (and the unfortunate need to run at 2ohms for some).

[KJung]

PS If you keep the TF750a, check out the 'cabbage case' that Dave offers. I had one for my 550b, and it was great. LIghtweight, room for cables in the bottom under the head, and lots of protection without a rack. Nice, if pricey, but for a head that costs as much as that one, worth the money. Great way to protect the head and still not need a rack.

[michricker]

I can hear from messing with the thunderfunk more what a great live head it is going to be. Having precise mid control is key and this head has it for sure. It has more than enough down low and I can hear how easy it will be to fiddle with the timber and enhance to dial in quickly. Can't wait to play out with this head for the next stage of this test. Some of that sterile ness disappears in a live mix as we know, the clarity of fundamental will sound great. Love being able to dial in a tight clear low, especially to take advantage of that famous mtd low b.

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by michricker

I can hear from messing with the thunderfunk more what a great live head it is going to be. Having precise mid control is key and this head has it for sure. It has more than enough down low and I can hear how easy it will be to fiddle with the timber and enhance to dial in quickly. Can't wait to play out with this head for the next stage of this test. Some of that sterile ness disappears in a live mix as we know, the clarity of fundamental will sound great. Love being able to dial in a tight clear low, especially to take advantage of that famous mtd low b.

Yea that thing is got the Gospel Low B. Oh no now you need a SWR 900

[gregbackstrom]

Originally Posted by KJung

I agree with the above, there is very little reason for the vast majority of bassists to carry around a lead sled boat anchor like the DB750. A head with a good honest 500-600 watts (the LMIII, the Big Bang, the TH500, the GK MB500, the TF750a, etc.) will serve most very well, and at the level of quality of those amps, it is pretty much all about tone preferences (and the unfortunate need to run at 2ohms for some).

Or perhaps just "desire" to run at 2 ohms. No real misfortune, IMO.

[Bassist30]

Originally Posted by gregbackstrom

Or perhaps just "desire" to run at 2 ohms. No real misfortune, IMO.

Thats why some amps can go to 2 ohms

[KJung]

Originally Posted by gregbackstrom

Or perhaps just "desire" to run at 2 ohms. No real misfortune, IMO.

Not optimal typically. Cool if you 'have to', but I would never make a rig purchase decision to 'run at 2ohms'. There are a few heads that are truly designed for 2 ohm operation (i.e., with switches that reduce power so that THD and heat don't increase). Again, nice to have the option if you are needing to run two 4ohm cabs, but a dual mono rig would be better for that. IMO, no big deal.

[gregbackstrom]

Originally Posted by KJung

Not optimal typically. Cool if you 'have to', but I would never make a rig purchase decision to 'run at 2ohms'. There are a few heads that are truly designed for 2 ohm operation (i.e., with switches that reduce power so that THD and heat don't increase). Again, nice to have the option if you are needing to run two 4ohm cabs, but a dual mono rig would be better for that. IMO, no big deal.

With the very light-weight rigs that you favor, you really are limited to "4 ohms worth" of cabinets or a dual mono rig. In my case, 2 ohm capability was a factor in my purchase of the "older-school" TFB750-A (and now its successor, the 800B-2), and it operates flawlessly at 2 ohms without excessive heat buildup or discernible increase in distortion. Modern heat management methods mitigate the risk of low impedance operation. (Or ANY operation, as Mesa recently had to relearn with their Carbine-series amps.)

As you say, no big deal. It's nice to have SO MANY choices today.