Is the Carvin BX-500 reliable?

I've had no problem with mine so far. Hope it stays that way. So far its one of the best values I've run across.

I voted bulletproof because Im not too bothered by this issue, but I have noticed that with the mute switch on it can pop and fizzle a bit if I play a note or set down my bass or whatever. Other than that, more than I could ask for! Great amp...

Had my since Feb'09 without a problem, just don't push it so hard, it not a SVT.

Had mine sine Feb 2009 as well. No issues.

The BX500's first run had some issues but my understanding is that has long since been remedied. I use a BX1500 and it has performed flawlessly for me for the last 7 months or so. Oh and just for the record the tube in the preamp will NOT get you SVT growl. It does add a bit more flavor but Carvins bass amps are more in line with the "Hi-Fi" market than the "Classic" tube amps market. The reason I went with the 1500 over the 500 was more available power (duh) and a little more versatility with biamping and 3 band mid sweep, verses the 500's two band. It's the little "just in case I need it later" features of the 1500 that pushed me in that direction. Tonally they are identical.

If you have any questions about their amps, Carvin has a pretty active forum community, and although there is a little bit of a fanboyism to it at times, the folks are level headed enough for decent comparisons and reviews. There is a video up on the Carvin Channel (www.carvinchannel.com) with Phil Martin and Doug Williams playing through the BX500 and BRX2x10 cab.

I like my amp and have no complaints. If you have any other questions about the gear just send me a PM. I am a fan, but not a die hard fanboy. Their stuff just works for me, but if an SVT is better for what you want I'd be the first to tell you to go get the Ampeg.

Jarrett said:

Any other feedback on these? I occasionally see where people have theirs shut off at gigs. How frequent is that occuring?

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Never happen to me and use my as my main gigging amp.

I've had mine for over a year and gig every weekend. I always run the amp into a 2 ohm load and it has been 100% reliable.

+1 I gig my Carvin regularly into 2 Ohms and have had no problems so far.
BTW: On a medium stage, I crank the volume up to 3/10 max. This beast has a huge, loud and very clear tone. I do not think that I will ever be in the need of a more powerful amp (at my age, the possibility of joining a band that plays stadiums nears zero)
Br, Matthias

I have the Bx250 and the 500, both great sounding and no failures... played every day (250) and gigged almost every weekend (500).

I have had issues with the internal ribbon cable connectors. I was able to fix it myself with some contact cleaner.