• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

300 Watts vs 200 Watts???

JakeyBran

JakeyBran

Sep 17, 2014
427
943
Lakeland, Florida
#1
I'm looking at new amp heads, and there's a custom build company that manufactures a 200 Watt all tube head, and a 300 Watt all tube head. The price difference is $100 with the 300 watt being $100 more than the 200 watt head. Is the extra 100 watts worth the extra $100?
 
#3
Absolutely. Go with the 300 watts. If you get the 200 watt now and find out you need more later, it's going to cost more than $100 to make that upgrade. Even if 300w is over kill right now, it's better to have more than you need, than just enough right now. Never know when your situation may change you need a little more.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JakeyBran
#11
Sorry for the late response guys.

The company is Mills Custom Music Co. They've been on my radar for a while. They make custom guitar/bass amps and cabs. And although they're relatively new to the bass amp market, from what I've seen and heard, I'm personally impressed.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/millscustom

Their website is under construction.

Here's some photos of the amps..

The Atlas. 200 Watts
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1418326101.638599.jpg


The Compass. 300 Watts
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1418326141.951073.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fuzzbass and eukatheude
#13
hdracer said:
What kind of tone are you looking for?
If you want real clean tone go for the 300
If you like to use real tube overdrive and have some hair in your tone go for the 200
I use a 100 watt tube head and a pair of efficient 15's because I like to push my amp and use real overdrive. If I used a 300 watt head I would blow everyone out of the place.
Click to expand...

I don't mind grit in my tone. As someone who doesn't like a lot of pedals I could stand having some overdrive. Although, the cleans would be a plus.
 
  • Like
Reactions: decentbassbreh
#14
drpepper said:
+1

I've not been in the market at all, but wouldn't a custom built all-tube head be a couple grand for starters? If you're into it that far, why would anyone choose to pass on 50% more power for an additional $100?
Click to expand...

This company in particular make it a point to supply a great quality amp, at the working musicians price.

I spent 30 mins last night talking to the owner and he seems like a great guy!

These two amps are basically Bassman type amps. He called them "well rounded" and "could supply a lot of old school grit and tone"
 
#16
JakeyBran said:
This company in particular make it a point to supply a great quality amp, at the working musicians price.

I spent 30 mins last night talking to the owner and he seems like a great guy!

These two amps are basically Bassman type amps. He called them "well rounded" and "could supply a lot of old school grit and tone"
Click to expand...

Very cool! Not my cup of tea (style-wise), but even on that basis, I can see where there would be great appeal. And from my personal experience, starting in with a great customer service experience with an owner can really give a good feeling about a company/product.

Edit - Looking at rough retail prices, the 8 6L6 tubes used in the 300W model could be about the same cost...even a bit less...than the 4 KT88 tubes in the 200W model, so the price difference makes sense in those terms (similar total materials cost, but more components/fabrication time).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JakeyBran
#19
Here's a list of their bass amps/cabs


"We have 2 bass heads currently, the Compass 300 watt all tube powerhouse. 8 6l6 loaded, as well as the Atlas 200 watt model t style head loaded with 4 kt88s. The compass is $1200 and the Atlas is $1100

Cabs:
2x10 - $450
4x10 - $650
6x10 - $850
1x15 - $400
2x15 - $750

(other cabinets can be made by request)"
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back