ThunderFunk TFB800B-2

Neil · #1 02-08-2013, 09:15 PM

I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on a ThunderFunk TFB800-B2 primarily because of all the love it gets here on TB. It definitely gave me a bad case of GAS.

I've played a friends 550 and thought the low end was fantastic. It was tight, controlled, clean, phat, punchy and REALLY authoritative. I liked it a lot. However, I thought the top end of the 550 left a little to be desired. I just couldn't dial in those sweet, airy, glassy highs which I like. Does anyone know if the 800 is more open on the top end than the 550?

Not knowing much about how the 800 performs in gig situations I've reached out to a few of the guys here on TB and have gotten some great help and opinions. Some of those people have said the older models compress when pushed at volumes that weren't that loud. However others have said that has been corrected with the 800.

I'd love to get a few more thoughts and maybe some comparisons of the different models especially if any of you had a older model and now play an 800.

Thanks guys.

KJung · #2 02-09-2013, 06:07 AM

The two primary differences between the TF550b and the 800b are (IMO):

1) A bigger, more open low end (which some find an improvement, and others do not, since that tight, somewhat compressed low end of the TH550b can work very nicely on the gig). I believe Dave had a 'reissue' of the TF550b called the TF600 out recently for those who dug the tighter, more midpresent inherent tone of the 550b, but not sure if that is still on the market.

2) The 800 runs cooler at 2ohms than the 750a. The 550b is not '2ohm safe'.

The 550b and 800 are about the same wattage at 4ohms (550 vs. 630 I think). The 750/800 have a bigger power supply, which results in the low end to be more open and not as compressed (which is why they are a bit heavier and I think just a bit larger than the 550b).

The top end is the same as the 550b, as is the maximum volume at 8ohms or 4ohms. Very nice, if quite expensive, head. From our email discussion, I think the 800 would be a good choice for you. I'd rather control a bigger, more open low end than not have it there. The compressed low end of the 550b on the gig eventually resulted in me moving way from that otherwise great sounding head.

Edit: If you want more sparkle up top, a bit more wump (than the 550), similar massive EQ capability, and tight low end that won't compress as you get louder, the Genz Shuttle Max 9.2 is amazing, is about the same size as the Thunderfunk, is 1/3 the weight, and less than half the price. It will sound a lot brighter right out of the box, but that can easily be controlled with the semi-parametric upper mid control. I was able to get a VERY similar tone to the 550b using the FET channel, a bitlof low mid boost, and a softening of the upper mids and treble. Just FYI as a possible additional option. The 9.2 will not do 2ohms though.

Rapisme · #3 02-27-2013, 05:36 PM

Thanks K Jung,

I was gasing for the TFunk in the classifieds but now after reading your review that 9.2 is triggering my fancy. I currently have the Streamliner 900 although powerful I can't get to tweak it where it presents a more midrange tone, with a tighter bass hit.
Sorry don't mean to digress, although Thunderfunks are great amps. The Genz Benz stuff has been wowing a lot folks here on the forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

The two primary differences between the TF550b and the 800b are (IMO):

1) A bigger, more open low end (which some find an improvement, and others do not, since that tight, somewhat compressed low end of the TH550b can work very nicely on the gig). I believe Dave had a 'reissue' of the TF550b called the TF600 out recently for those who dug the tighter, more midpresent inherent tone of the 550b, but not sure if that is still on the market.

2) The 800 runs cooler at 2ohms than the 750a. The 550b is not '2ohm safe'.

The 550b and 800 are about the same wattage at 4ohms (550 vs. 630 I think). The 750/800 have a bigger power supply, which results in the low end to be more open and not as compressed (which is why they are a bit heavier and I think just a bit larger than the 550b).

The top end is the same as the 550b, as is the maximum volume at 8ohms or 4ohms. Very nice, if quite expensive, head. From our email discussion, I think the 800 would be a good choice for you. I'd rather control a bigger, more open low end than not have it there. The compressed low end of the 550b on the gig eventually resulted in me moving way from that otherwise great sounding head.

Edit: If you want more sparkle up top, a bit more wump (than the 550), similar massive EQ capability, and tight low end that won't compress as you get louder, the Genz Shuttle Max 9.2 is amazing, is about the same size as the Thunderfunk, is 1/3 the weight, and less than half the price. It will sound a lot brighter right out of the box, but that can easily be controlled with the semi-parametric upper mid control. I was able to get a VERY similar tone to the 550b using the FET channel, a bitlof low mid boost, and a softening of the upper mids and treble. Just FYI as a possible additional option. The 9.2 will not do 2ohms though.

fenderbassman40 · #4 02-27-2013, 05:41 PM

Tfunk is some very special gear. Lust @ first sound. #1 on my dream list. Go for it!

Bassist30 · #5 02-27-2013, 07:27 PM

A thunderfunk and a genz are two different sounding amps. As well as a Orange and a aguilar. If a Thunderfunk is what you like than go for it. If you never heard one, you have 2 options. Find someone who has one or order one from Dave and if you don't like it return it based on his return policy. I have been playing the thunderfunk 550B and the 750A most of the time. I have played the 800B-2 and it sounded great alone without a band . But I have not gigged with it or played it for a proper extent of time so i will not make assumptions or advise. You can get a somewhat similar bottom compressed sound from the 750 by playing with the limiter but there is a slight difference. As far as getting brighter highs you are dealing with a high frequency of 4 K. That to me sounds good and you can boost it. Don't get any amp because "Primarily" it gets love on TB. Research and if it is what you like and have the money order and make sure its for you or return it for your refund. Oh Niel its you who started this thread. I don't have to tell you what to do. Dave is a great guy he will not cause a problem if you want to return it.

Bassist30 · #6 02-28-2013, 09:36 PM

Like to ad I just found out that Dave no longer has a return policy. But I can say i never had a problem getting a good sound out of the amp in any room, theater or hall I played. Also i mentioned above that you should not buy because of the love TB gives a product. Not trying to insult anyone. i was just trying to say everyone has a different opion and what some may say is great you may think it isn't. I could had done a better getting that across. Sorry.

Update. I meant trial not return policy.

burk48237 · #7 02-28-2013, 09:48 PM

I bought Kens old Thunderfunk, Thanks again K. And I have never found myself lusting for more amp. There are times I want more cab (I'm running one 8 ohm 2-10). But I love the tight low end. It is an easy amp to control and cut thru in big nasty rooms. I know they aren't the current TB flavor of the month, but it's good to see them still getting some love.

KJung · #8 03-01-2013, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burk48237

I bought Kens old Thunderfunk, Thanks again K. And I have never found myself lusting for more amp. There are times I want more cab (I'm running one 8 ohm 2-10). But I love the tight low end. It is an easy amp to control and cut thru in big nasty rooms. I know they aren't the current TB flavor of the month, but it's good to see them still getting some love.

Glad that amp is still cranking along and making you happy! As you know, I was in early with this brand, and actually served as an informal field tester (with quite a few others) as Dave was moving from the 420 model to the higher wattage/switch loaded model. I had a 420E, which was the first generation 550, then got one of the first 550a's that went back and forth a few time to test different 'switch voicings' and input gain circuitry (I think that is the one you have), and then finally settled on the 'final product', the TF550b , which I gigged happily for a number of years.

GREAT sounding head, and beautifully engineered and manufactured.

Bassist30 · #9 03-01-2013, 05:43 AM

About the return policy thingy I said. I don't mean you can't return if something is wrong. He can fix it. Dave had a trial period is what i meant. He no longer has that.

KJung · #10 03-01-2013, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassist30

About the return policy thingy I said. I don't mean you can't return if something is wrong. He can fix it. Dave had a trial period is what i meant. He no longer has that.

I can see that a return policy for a small manufacturer who sells direct could be a bit of an issue, and unfortunately, some people probably took advantage of it as a 'play an expensive amp for a weekend' or something.

Tough business out there. Hard to sell a very expensive amp to people who can't try it, but if too many people do the 'try and return', it can break you.

Bassist30 · #11 03-01-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

I can see that a return policy for a small manufacturer who sells direct could be a bit of an issue, and unfortunately, some people probably took advantage of it as a 'play an expensive amp for a weekend' or something.

Tough business out there. Hard to sell a very expensive amp to people who can't try it, but if too many people do the 'try and return', it can break you.

That is what happened. They were coming back slightly used. dave had some stores but they had to get 3 at a time. They would not reorder until all were sold. Then ask for one when someone was interested. the point was to have enough for people to try them out. Which it should be that way. but it didn't work out. One of the positives of this amp is you can get a good sound in any room. what i mean is, if you like that sound you can get it in most every room.