Trace Elliot vs. Orange Amps

Rculmone · #1 07-25-2011, 10:16 PM

Im debating between the trace elliot AH 1200-12 head or the Orange 200 B MKIII both with their corresponding largest cabinets. Seeing as i cannot play both to compare im wondering witch would get me the sound im looking for. I play alot of rush and like the punchy sharp geddy gets, but i am also going to be playing originals and need a decent variety of sounds. Any advice would help as to witch amp would be best suited for what i need. Thanks a ton in advanced

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Happy Face · #2 07-26-2011, 07:44 AM

I've owned and used an AH 350-SMX (tube peamp) and an Orange AD 200 at the same time.

The Trace sounded great with my Rickenbacker. Really "glassy". Not only my opinion. I lent it to a friend who has played Ricks for years and he said "This is the best sounding amp I've ever used." (He always played Ampegs.)

The Orange sounds better with other basses. Beautiful warmth when it breaks up.

However, I am not sure about the Trace model you mention. The X in the SMX indicated the single 12AX7 tube pre-amp. It did add some warmth to the sound.

Rculmone · #3 07-26-2011, 11:12 AM

Ok thanks alot for the advice, i also own a Rickenbacker which is my primary bass.
I was referring to this trace elliot head right here.
Trace Elliot AH1200-12 Head

Happy Face · #4 07-26-2011, 11:23 AM

I cannot offer an opinion on that newer model Trace. Looks good on paper, but who knows?

But the Orange is no slouch. It's the one I kept.

PurpleDrank · #5 07-26-2011, 11:55 AM

I don't know a whole lot about Geddy's tone or the Trace, but I have read on here that he used SansAmps alone in the past and SansAmps plus the Orange AD-200b at present.

If I were looking to try to cop that sound plus have enough versatility to do different style originals, I might pick up an Orange Terror Bass 500 or 1000 (same preamp as the AD200b) and a SansAmp RPM or RBI and run it with the TB.

If you are really looking for and need that warmth or grit from the tube power section, go for the AD200b. It sounds great in a rock context. Personally, I don't think I would buy a AD200b-MKIII because I'm just prejudiced against PC mounted tubes. Seems like it's asking for failure.

lafo · #6 09-10-2011, 03:39 AM

I don't know if you have made your decision yet, but here's my take to it:

I think the question is: Do you want to be able to tweak your tone allot (Trace) or do you want to have a simple amp that reacts very different depending on the instrument (Orange)?

I think with the Trace-amp you would be able to dial in/compensated/tweak with the many possibilities the amp provide, but with the Orange you need to "like" what is does to the sound of the instrument.

I have just been in the same kind of dilemma and ended up choosing the Orange. I found that it sounds great and I prefer the simplicity over the ability to tweak. The Orange is very deeb and has great mids, but lacks the hi-fi sound, that can be produced by SS amp.

Conclusion is! I'd surpose you could get "that Geddy tone" with the Orange and a Rick and in my opinion you would have a great all round rig with the Orange where choice of instrument has allot to say.