Thunderfunk Vs. Genz Benz 9.0

otto B · #1 12-08-2010, 09:09 PM

I am interested to know your all opinion between this two amps?

Thunderfunk Vs. Genz Benz 9.0

Gort · #2 12-09-2010, 04:24 AM

Closest I can get to a Thunderfunk is an AMP BH-420. My Shuttle 9 has relegated my BH-420 to a back-up role.

otto B · #3 12-09-2010, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gort

Closest I can get to a Thunderfunk is an AMP BH-420. My Shuttle 9 has relegated my BH-420 to a back-up role.

In your opinion the Genz Benz 9.0 has better sound?

KJung · #4 12-09-2010, 07:03 AM

There are two very different Thunderfunk amps. The discontinued TF550 is very warm, mid punchy, a bit attenuated down low and up top, and puts out an honest 500 watts or so. I found that the recent 500 or so watt micro amps by Genz, GK, Markbass, etc.) put out about the same volume, with, in general a bit more deep low end and top end sparkle. The TF550 is quite warm and mid fat... very clean and punchy. The Shuttle 9 would be a bit brighter, a touch louder, with more true low end.

The current, very expensive TF750a is more of a monster. I have not played one, but many have reported a much bigger, deeper low end, less compressed (not surprising based on the power increase), and a bit less of that warm, articulate mid punch. I would think, from my experience with the Shuttle 9, that the output of that amp would fall somewhere inbetween the previous TF550 and the current TF750a. At half the price, and 1/3 the size and weight, the 9 would be a bit of a no brainer for me compared to the TF750a.

All of these amps are warmer and punchier than your previously owned 800 series Markbass amp, if I remember correctly.

otto B · #5 12-09-2010, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

There are two very different Thunderfunk amps. The discontinued TF550 is very warm, mid punchy, a bit attenuated down low and up top, and puts out an honest 500 watts or so. I found that the recent 500 or so watt micro amps by Genz, GK, Markbass, etc.) put out about the same volume, with, in general a bit more deep low end and top end sparkle. The TF550 is quite warm and mid fat... very clean and punchy. The Shuttle 9 would be a bit brighter, a touch louder, with more true low end.

The current, very expensive TF750a is more of a monster. I have not played one, but many have reported a much bigger, deeper low end, less compressed (not surprising based on the power increase), and a bit less of that warm, articulate mid punch. I would think, from my experience with the Shuttle 9, that the output of that amp would fall somewhere inbetween the previous TF550 and the current TF750a. At half the price, and 1/3 the size and weight, the 9 would be a bit of a no brainer for me compared to the TF750a.

All of these amps are warmer and punchier than your previously owned 800 series Markbass amp, if I remember correctly.

Great Info, I had to ask because I keep hearing how great the Thunderfunk are but I never got to experince on.

otto B · #6 12-09-2010, 07:09 AM

Ok; another question beside the power what is the difference between the Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 and the 6.0

Musicman20 · #7 12-09-2010, 07:12 AM

Basically, set flat, the low end on the Shuttle 9.0 is larger. You probably wont hear a huge amount of power difference, maybe more when its into a 4 ohm load and pushing it hard, but what you will hear is a larger low end, and apparently a little more warmth.

KJung · #8 12-09-2010, 07:14 AM

The low end is voiced quite differently. The Shuttle 6 is a bit more attenuated down low and sounds a bit thinner and more airy up top. The Shuttle 9 has a more typical low end response.... deep and full without having to use any boost buttons are dial in a lot of low end. Much better IMO if you are playing at relatively high volumes and using a relatively large cab.

Both are nice to my ear, but a greatly prefer the 9 with any full size cab (i.e., not the 'Shuttle' cabs that the 6 was kind of voiced to work very well with).

Also, the 500 watt Markbass series heads are much more even, punchy, and just as loud IMO and IME than the 800 series heads, which are much brighter, have deeper low end, but lack a certain low mid 'meat' that I could never really dial in. The F500 is just a stunning head, and IME performs similarly to the Shuttle 9 (maybe not quite as loud, especially at 8ohms). So that is an option to look at also, if you want it very clean and punchy.

Lot's of good stuff out there. I forgot, but if you are keeping your AE212, the F500 is just an amazing match with that cab. I've heard VERY good reports about the Shuttle 9 match-up with that cab also.

The other option is the Shuttle Max 6, which is IMO the best sounding head that Genz makes. It is a bit larger, but has WONDERFUL EQ, and the low end is closer to the 9 than the 6. That is just a KILLER head... all the EQ you could need, FET and Tube channel, variable voicing filters that are MUCH more usable than the fixed buttons on the 6 and 9, and even though it is Thunderfunk sized, it is 1/3rd the weight. I literally see no downside to the Shuttle Max 6 at all.... punchy, fat, big sounding, massive EQ, and the choice of the FET or tube channel gives you some really nice options. Highly recommended!

otto B · #9 12-09-2010, 07:31 AM

Yes I am keeping the AE212 it a great cab but I am chaging the amp. Ok good to know about the 6.0 I was considering that amp but I'm looking for a amp that I can have a clear sound to a warm deep low end amp. So the MB F500 is similar to the 9.0 in your opinion out them two 9.0 & F500 witch one is more versatile.

KJung · #10 12-09-2010, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otto B

Yes I am keeping the AE212 it a great cab but I am chaging the amp. Ok good to know about the 6.0 I was considering that amp but I'm looking for a amp that I can have a clear sound to a warm deep low end amp. So the MB F500 is similar to the 9.0 in your opinion out them two 9.0 & F500 witch one is more versatile.

Both are great. Pushing a 4ohm 212, I don't think you would really hear much of a volume difference. The 9 has the tube pre, so it is a bit grindier when pushed (and if you are one the REALLY digs in, the power amp limiting on the Genz is a bit more 'giving and musical' than the F500... but you would only notice that if you were REALLY wumpin' the volume and input transients). The EQ on the F500 is a bit more powerful and useful (two semi-parametric mid bands instead of one, and variable voicing filters versus the fixed on/off). Hard to go wrong with either one with that cab.

Assuming you are in the US, both of these amps are available from Musician's Friend, and they have a very nice 'no questions asked' return policy. If you can come up with the cash, get both, try them for a week or two, and send back the one you don't dig. Again, if I was going with a Genz head with that cab, it would be the Shuttle Max 6.... about all the EQ power you would ever need, and plenty of power to push that single 4ohm 212 to full performance IMO. It is a bit bigger, but still 'bag-able'.

I have a few clips of the AE212 with the F500 on my Youtube channel (if you have a decent playback system, the sound is pretty accurate). That might be of some help.

burk48237 · #11 12-09-2010, 07:56 AM

I would love to give the Thunderfunk 750 a workout, but everything I've heard agrees with Ken. I really like my 550 a lot and it certainly holds up against most of the hot mini-amps on the market with maybe a bit more subtile natural warmth. Another head you might consider it the TC RH450. Ken and I did a comparison here between my T'funk and the TC thru a Berg AE410 with a Sadowsky ash/maple with SC's (Kens-mine is about identical). They are real close. The Thunderfunk was kind of the flavor of the month at TB until the mini's hit, and they still measure up extremely well. It's not like the T'funk is a boat anchor either. I doubt mine is 20 lb. total in a two space rack.

Thunderfunk550 and TC RH450 clip

wengr · #12 12-09-2010, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

I literally see no downside to the Shuttle Max 6 at all.... punchy, fat, big sounding, massive EQ, and the choice of the FET or tube channel gives you some really nice options. Highly recommended!

If there is any downside to the max 6, it would only be that for an additional 1.5lbs and a few more bucks, one can get the max 12. Which provides good performance with a larger array of cab configs, and a redundant power module which might come in handy some day. While the new GB amp seems interesting, I was really hoping for a new max with two of the power modules from the shuttle 9.0

otto B · #13 12-09-2010, 02:33 PM

This is a great battle between these 3 amps. the Mark Bass F500, the Genz Benz 9.0 and the Genz Benz 6.0 max.

I am not really concern about the weight neither the Watts they all got enough for what I need it.

However the question remains which one is more versatile and has a better sound.

I see the GB 9.0 has a deeper low end which I like, how ever I am concern that the GB 9.0 doen't have too much flexibility in the EQ it has the simple Lows, Low Mids, High Mids and highs and the boost push knobs.

The Mark Bass F500 it looks like it's has a little more flexibility EQ. I don't understand what each Knob is, because in the pictures i see, I couldn’t tell what is what. I don't know how versatile this amp is.

GB 6.0 max this amp it looks like I would have a wide range of flexibility EQ how ever does it have the low end and sound like the 9.0 and would having too much knobs to EQ would be confusing or over necessary.

I had in the past the TC Electronics RH450 & Staccato 51, they are ok but it would take for ever to try to find the right sound. It didn't like them too much because the RH450 lack of lows and the Staccato has lows but lack of clear highs.

otto B · #14 12-09-2010, 04:48 PM

What are your feedback

Bassist30 · #15 12-24-2010, 08:45 PM

Genz and Thunderfunk make great amps. My good friend Kirk loves genz stuff. I am more towards thunderfunk with my set up. I have both the 550B (with the 750a powerboard) and the 750A. Love them both. When I got the 750A I was going to sell the 550B but I can't do it.

Bassist30 · #16 12-26-2010, 07:56 PM

As far as Cabinets I don't have any of the genz but what i have seen , I am very intrigued with the 1-12 and 2- 8's cabinet. That would be a great single all in one for some of the gigs i do. I bet the Thunderfunk would sound good with that.

dmrogers · #17 12-30-2010, 01:45 PM

I have owned the TFB750A for about a year and I just purchased a 550B (yesterday). I currently gig the 750 with a couple of GS112's and love the sound. It holds its own with a really loud band. I love the fact that it is built like a tank, has tons of EQ options and sounds great flat.

The 550 is being played through a HT112. I am basically playing it set flat and love it too. I have it setup in my music room and have been getting used to it. The Berg cab is a great sounding cab.

Many times all you need is the Enhance and Timbre knob adjustment to tweak your sound.

I haven't had a chance to compare the two heads yet. Naturally in different environments, with different cabs they sound a bit different, BUT, I still sound like me (if you know what I mean).

I'm sure the Genz amps and cabs are great, I am VERY impressed with their willingness to help out and their frequent visits to this forum. But when I was deciding between a DB750, several Genz models and the TFB750 the Thunderfunk won. The others didn't lose, there is no loser in that crowd. It was very close. Finally, it was back and forth between the DB750 and the TF750, and the TF won. I did get a little help from my wife, who has a great musical ear.

I hope to be playing them for a long, long time.

Bassist30 · #18 01-02-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmrogers

I have owned the TFB750A for about a year and I just purchased a 550B (yesterday). I currently gig the 750 with a couple of GS112's and love the sound. It holds its own with a really loud band. I love the fact that it is built like a tank, has tons of EQ options and sounds great flat.

The 550 is being played through a HT112. I am basically playing it set flat and love it too. I have it setup in my music room and have been getting used to it. The Berg cab is a great sounding cab.

Many times all you need is the Enhance and Timbre knob adjustment to tweak your sound.

I haven't had a chance to compare the two heads yet. Naturally in different environments, with different cabs they sound a bit different, BUT, I still sound like me (if you know what I mean).

I'm sure the Genz amps and cabs are great, I am VERY impressed with their willingness to help out and their frequent visits to this forum. But when I was deciding between a DB750, several Genz models and the TFB750 the Thunderfunk won. The others didn't lose, there is no loser in that crowd. It was very close. Finally, it was back and forth between the DB750 and the TF750, and the TF won. I did get a little help from my wife, who has a great musical ear.

I hope to be playing them for a long, long time.

Congratulations on your new 550B. To me they are similar but the 750A can sound like the 550B. I would say the 750A is an upgrade in volume. Both sound great to me so i just can't let either go. Like i said before i was going to sell the 550b after I got the 750A but.... You know how it is.

rpsands · #19 01-02-2011, 10:46 PM

The Shuttle 9.0 is not lows, mids, high mids and highs. It's lows, semi-parametric mids, highs, and a mid scoop/low extend/top boost switch bank.

lo-freq · #20 01-03-2011, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by otto B

This is a great battle between these 3 amps. the Mark Bass F500, the Genz Benz 9.0 and the Genz Benz 6.0 max.

I am not really concern about the weight neither the Watts they all got enough for what I need it.

However the question remains which one is more versatile and has a better sound.

I see the GB 9.0 has a deeper low end which I like, how ever I am concern that the GB 9.0 doen't have too much flexibility in the EQ it has the simple Lows, Low Mids, High Mids and highs and the boost push knobs.

The Mark Bass F500 it looks like it's has a little more flexibility EQ. I don't understand what each Knob is, because in the pictures i see, I couldn’t tell what is what. I don't know how versatile this amp is.

GB 6.0 max this amp it looks like I would have a wide range of flexibility EQ how ever does it have the low end and sound like the 9.0 and would having too much knobs to EQ would be confusing or over necessary.

I had in the past the TC Electronics RH450 & Staccato 51, they are ok but it would take for ever to try to find the right sound. It didn't like them too much because the RH450 lack of lows and the Staccato has lows but lack of clear highs.

Genz is also coming out with a Shuttle Max 9.0.