Your Opinion For a Class D Newbie

BigEarl · #1 10-03-2011, 07:41 PM

I lurk around here a lot, but now I'm in the market for one of those new, small but powerful class D amps and need some opinions. I've decided on trying out these four for starters...

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0
GK MB800
EA iAmp Micro 550
Eden WTX500

These appear to meet my needs for price, power and portability (FYI, I have not played ANY of them yet!) I would like to solicit any inside knowledge y'all might have on any of them.
For a bit of background, I play wide variety of music (mostly country and classic rock) in corporate/wedding bands and some club/dancehall bands. I'm a pocket player that does not slap/pop or need overdrive, just looking to make a tight bottom-end groove. Also, I play through 4 & 8 ohm Avatar B210's ...if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance!

**B-string** · #2 10-03-2011, 07:56 PM

Are you planning on ever running the 4 ohm and 8 ohm cab at the same time? That will limit your choices, the amp head needs to be rated for a 2 ohm load.

BigEarl · #3 10-03-2011, 08:07 PM

No, I usually use the 4 ohm solo with my GK 800RB, and if I need to biamp I'll throw the 8 ohm on the high end out. I do love my Avatars (I have 112 8 ohm too) and would hate to find out there is some arcane "issue" with using the Eminence speakers with one of those amps.

**B-string** · #4 10-03-2011, 08:10 PM

They should work just fine with any of them. I lean towards the G-K but to be fair I have not tried the Genz.

Gearhead17 · #5 10-04-2011, 01:23 AM

Any of the listed heads should work well for you. Definitely try them out before you buy.

JimmyM · #6 10-04-2011, 01:31 AM

Ya, all good amps. I didn't see Ampeg anywhere on that list, though

The PF350 and PF500 are excellent, and the SVT 7 Pro is ridiculously great.

arai · #7 10-04-2011, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Ya, all good amps. I didn't see Ampeg anywhere on that list, though

The PF350 and PF500 are excellent, and the SVT 7 Pro is ridiculously great.

says the endorser for ampeg

JimmyM · #8 10-04-2011, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arai

says the endorser for ampeg

Wah wah wah...cry me a river. I endorse Ampeg because it's great stuff. If you have a problem with that, then I suggest that you put me on ignore.

MysticMichael · #9 10-04-2011, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigEarl

Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0
GK MB800
EA iAmp Micro 550
Eden WTX500

As usual, we're all going to have our preferences...

Based on advance reviews (i.e. Bass Gear magazine, etc.), the GK MB800 promises to be something pretty special - and from what I can gather, noticeably more powerful any of those other three choices...

With its big, powerful low end and loads of clean headroom, I can imagine it sounds really, really good for any kind of rock, matched with a vertical stack of two 8-ohm Avatar B210s...

MM

mouthmw · #10 10-04-2011, 02:50 AM

Lol, I agree with Jimmy, I'm a GK guy myself but Ampeg portaflex sounds awesome! And Jimmy used and loved Ampeg waaay before he got an endorsement. We all have our preferences and nothing wrong with that.

JimmyM · #11 10-04-2011, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouthmw

Lol, I agree with Jimmy, I'm a GK guy myself but Ampeg portaflex sounds awesome! And Jimmy used and loved Ampeg waaay before he got an endorsement. We all have our preferences and nothing wrong with that.

Thanks for getting it, bro.

lowfreq33 · #12 10-04-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arai

says the endorser for ampeg

Isn't that sort of how the whole endorsement thing works? He endorses the product because he likes it?

Personally I'd choose the Genz Benz

Duke21 · #13 10-04-2011, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arai

says the endorser for ampeg

Why isn't for instance the PF500 valid? It is one of the cheapest compares to the ones on the list, and obtain lots of positive feedback from users, almost all say it has the real Ampeg tone.
The Orange BT500 is also in this price range and like the PF500 have this nice vintage sound.

rodl2005 · #14 10-04-2011, 05:06 AM

Another vote for the Ampeg PF350/500 or SVT 7 PRO
All great sounding amps, especially for the styles of music you're playing.
I also like the GB Shuttle 600w-has a tube pre that'll add a good grind if you dial it.
& Mesa Walkabout- not a class D but still, lightweight, powerful-will do 500+w @ 2 ohms.

Radek · #15 10-04-2011, 06:42 AM

I like presets filters on Shuttle6 in "SIGNAL SHAPE" section. Especially L.F. boost and MID-scoop as bigger changes in tone character are just button away. To get best of Shuttle's tube preamp I've to use a booster pedal (a compressor in my case) thought. Then it can overdrive much further.

**B-string** · #16 10-04-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Wah wah wah...cry me a river. I endorse Ampeg because it's great stuff. If you have a problem with that, then I suggest that you put me on ignore.

I do remember quite clearly you jumping down my throat for mentioning another brand when a poster had asked for other options! I didn't see the op asking about other options? Have the unspoken rules changed? I just want to know

BigEarl · #17 10-04-2011, 07:43 PM

Good stuff y'all, I appreciate it. Personally I can't wait to get my hands on the MB800 and the EA iAmp Micro, both look extremely promising on paper. And, yes Jimmy, I'll take a look at the Ampegs (I guess I've only ever considered Ampeg for touring backlines, with muscley roadies to haul 'em.)

Thanks again!

JimmyM · #18 10-04-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

I do remember quite clearly you jumping down my throat for mentioning another brand when a poster had asked for other options! I didn't see the op asking about other options? Have the unspoken rules changed? I just want to know

LOL! Aw, you know me, bro...I was just busting chops a little. Sorry if I came across jerky

**B-string** · #19 10-04-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

LOL! Aw, you know me, bro...I was just busting chops a little. Sorry if I came across jerky

We cool, just returning the favor

uglybassplayer · #20 10-04-2011, 09:19 PM

I've owned an EA Micro300 since 2007 and my Micro550 just arrived today. I only had a chance to play around with the new Micro for an hour or so tonight but I'm very impressed. Dead quiet (unlike my 300). One thing you should be aware of though... The Micro is a fairly transparent amp with very simple, yet well voiced B/M/T tone controls. No contour control or deep/shape buttons (although it does have a selectable HPF). It's perfect for what I'm looking for in a micro head, but if you're looking for a ballsy amp, it might not be for you.

BTW, EA support is top notch! Dealing with John & Gary is an absolute pleasure!