Torn between two amps

klejst · #1 11-22-2011, 11:04 AM

I am currently having a tough time pulling the trigger on one of some amp heads I have been eyeing. So I thought I would turn to some opinions and advice of the TB community. My current amp is a Peavey Tour 450, and although it is a good amp and has served me well I am looking at moving on to something else. I will be keeping my cab though which is a Mesa PowerHouse 6x10. I love that cab. Anyways the amps I am looking at are the Mesa M6 Carbine and the Orange Terror Bass 500 (yes I know it may look very funny and small on top my cabinet). I'll be going the used route too.

I have a rack case I use already so I could put the M6 in it, but I also love and appreciate the Orange's small size and light weight. The Orange would be a lot easier for transport and can also bring the big sound. I have just heard reports of the DI being "hot" which I have gathered perhaps means loud or distorted? The Mesa has some cool tonal options and the voice control.

I play in a original rock band and we play loud. I like a all low end bass tone and then going to a high trebled bass tone when need be, but also would like to throw a little grit and grunge into it which I have been unable to really get out of my Peavey. I primarily play Fender Precision Standard basses as well.

So what do you all say about the two amps I am looking at?

CL400Peavey · #2 11-22-2011, 11:10 AM

I would say keep the Peavey, and buy a Sansamp preamp. Killer tone and you dont have to change out much if anything on your current rig.

chaosMK · #3 11-22-2011, 11:12 AM

Sansamp is always a good investment. Those are both good heads.

RickenBoogie · #4 11-22-2011, 11:55 AM

The Orange TB amp is great if you like alot of dirt in your tone, (I don't), and the Mesa M6 Carbine is just a plain awesome amp all around. Clean, punchy, warm and LOUD. Perfect match for your Powerhouse 610.

klejst · #5 11-22-2011, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to look into that pre-amp. I figured the Mesa would be a good match being Mesa to Mesa (I am not a gear snob, just look for great tones).

bassgod0dmw · #6 11-22-2011, 01:50 PM

Mesa all the way.

pudgychef · #7 11-22-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaosMK

Sansamp is always a good investment. Those are both good heads.

^^ this ^^

with a slight preference for the Mesa - I think a Carbine would be a great working head

klejst · #8 11-22-2011, 04:38 PM

I was more so looking for opinions of the two amps I listed, but I will at least look into the Sansamp. Any other thoughts of either the M6 or TB 500?

brendanbassist · #9 11-22-2011, 04:48 PM

Gearhead17 · #10 11-22-2011, 05:02 PM

Orange Terror Bass 500w Bass head - in-depth demonstration and review - YouTube

Very helpful video. Plug in the best headphones you have and listen closely.

Keep in mind that the Orange TB 500 is not the most versatile head out there, but the inherent tone may just work for you really well.

The M6 is more versatile here. I was not a big fan of the head mainly because of the low mid response - 200-400hz. I felt the M6 cut out a little bit of that range. It's clear sounding, great low end presence, good mids around 600hz and the upper mids, and VERY LOUD. Try one out ASAP.