WT800 to WT550, does that make sense?

AverageWhiteBassist · #1 11-19-2010, 06:30 AM

For some reason, I have considered going from my WT800 to WT550. I run 1 4 ohm 212XLT cab, so even if I get more power at 4 ohms, the cab is rated for 400 watts, so I'm not able to push it more than I can now. I like the idea the WT550 is smaller and can fit in a bag. I don't use biamping, I do use an aux in, and don't know if I'll ever use more than the one cab. Am I forgetting a feature that should look at before I make the move? I found a couple WT550s for about the same price as I could sell the 800 for, my WT800 is a '98 the WT550s are an '03 or '08. I find the WT800 to be very warm, is the WT550 any different tone wise? I sat in and played a WT550, but the player's rig was set up mid scoop delight and I like much more mids and I don't touch other people's rigs if I am sitting in for 4 tunes, I adjust my bass. So, to the masses, good move, bad move or they are the same, more or less? Thanks!

KJung · #2 11-19-2010, 06:33 AM

Are you currently bridging a newer WT800 into that cab at 4ohms? If so, you will probably notice a touch more compression when you really dig in... not major though.

If you are only running one side of your WT800, then the change would be a no brainer.

I don't see much downside either way.

AverageWhiteBassist · #3 11-19-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

Are you currently bridging a newer WT800 into that cab at 4ohms? If so, you will probably notice a touch more compression when you really dig in... not major though.

If you are only running one side of your WT800, then the change would be a no brainer.

I don't see much downside either way.

Nope, mine is an old one that can only be bridged at 8 ohms and my cab is 4ohms. I would assume it is like running a WT-400 with a spare power amp, right?

KJung · #4 11-19-2010, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveProulx

Nope, mine is an old one that can only be bridged at 8 ohms and my cab is 4ohms. I would assume it is like running a WT-400 with a spare power amp, right?

Correct. You would lose nothing going to the WT550.

I've kind of stopped following the Eden thing a while back, but if they still make the 405, THAT is a killer sounding small head... highly recommended, and it sounds beautiful with that 212XLT (nice cab).

AverageWhiteBassist · #5 11-19-2010, 06:48 AM

Then I'll turn my question to if I do go with a WT550, '03 or '08? Obviously, '08 would have less miles most likely. The '03 comes with a SKB 4 spacer and the '08 the Eden bag. I'd sell the SKB to find a bag, that is where I ultimately want to land if I do the swap. Suggestions?

KJung · #6 11-19-2010, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveProulx

Then I'll turn my question to if I do go with a WT550, '03 or '08? Obviously, '08 would have less miles most likely. The '03 comes with a SKB 4 spacer and the '08 the Eden bag. I'd sell the SKB to find a bag, that is where I ultimately want to land if I do the swap. Suggestions?

I'll let the Eden experts handle that.. not sure about differences across time, and the impact of Eden being sold a couple of times, etc. on production quality.

LowDownWays · #7 11-19-2010, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveProulx

Then I'll turn my question to if I do go with a WT550, '03 or '08? Obviously, '08 would have less miles most likely. The '03 comes with a SKB 4 spacer and the '08 the Eden bag. I'd sell the SKB to find a bag, that is where I ultimately want to land if I do the swap. Suggestions?

Hey. The '03 was likely made in Montrose,MN so U.S. made if that makes a difference. I'm thinking the '08 will be Chinese. Never AB'D a U.S. vs Chinese so I can't help you there. I will tell you I just bought a '05 U.S. made wt405 for 50.00 less than I could have bought a new one for - new old stock since the 405 has been discontinued. Check out the Eden site forum. Lot's of info there.

Son of Bovril · #8 11-19-2010, 08:02 AM

the WT550 can handle 2 ohms no problem anyways if you ever decide to add another cab, not sure if that was added to the later models or if they have been able to do so since release?

AverageWhiteBassist · #9 11-19-2010, 08:07 AM

Can anyone speak to the fundamental tone? Is it the same between the models, WT800-WT550?

Son of Bovril · #10 11-19-2010, 08:15 AM

I can't say 100% certain but I would imagine it's pretty much identical

dose · #11 11-19-2010, 08:38 AM

I've owned an 07 WT1205 and an 08 WT550 and both sounded the same to me just more power in the WT1205.
If your talking about the WT550 with the bag thats in the classifieds right now it used to be mine. Killer amp i used to run it 2ohms all day long in to my 410XLT never a hicup
Just pure eden goodness

**Chef** · #12 11-19-2010, 09:02 AM

I found the 800 and 550 to sound zactly the same.
I'd get the newer model, with the bag, myself.
I've heard of no issues with the 550 since manufacture moved.
That's an old design now.
Good one though.

babebambi · #13 11-19-2010, 09:18 AM

my WT550 has a smoother high roll-off than the WT800
and my WT400 has a smoother high roll-off than the WT550

Also you will be getting a slight bump in power in 4 ohm with the WT550.

But if it was up to me, I would find a 8 ohm 212 , and bridge that WT800.
Or an additional 4 ohm 212 to run dual-mono ...

AverageWhiteBassist · #14 11-19-2010, 09:21 AM

All great suggestions and ideas, keep them coming!

4Mal · #15 11-19-2010, 10:32 AM

Personally - I'd dump the cab and do a 12.6 fEarful and bi-amp. My older WT-800 sings with that setup. For stupid loud, I can strap a fEaful 12 sub underneath ...