Ampeg SVT-410HLF with EBS tuning, hence the need to boost around 40Hz. For low SPL, I use SVT-210HE, which basically half the HLF. Same drivers, bass reflex.
They are both power hungry, compared to most other designs.
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After LMII? I find no replacement....
- Thread starter AlexanderB
- Start date
They are both power hungry, compared to most other designs.
Comparing the amps is easy, as they have the same pre.
Line out from Ninja and LMII into QSC power amp compared to the output of the Ninja and LMII, respectively.
Pre amps are measured flat on those models, and the final sound (and vibration in floor!) differs a lot between the amps. The newest and most powerful (the Ninja) sounds worse than the LMII and the QSC.
My SVT-410HLF is much better sounding (at loud gig level!) when powered by QSC power amp. 8 man band, with horns, so well articulated lows are appreciated. At home or rehearsal, the LMII is better.
Primarily looking for new, if EICH is still around. Never seen one in the flesh.
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I replaced my LMII with Gallien Krueger MB500, which I later replaced with GK combo (I still prefer combo over amp+cab).
I would say they are similar in size, power, transparent sound. But LM has more flat EQ and those two filters, and GK is scooped (easily remedied by turning mids up) and very nice GIVE (valve-OD sound simulator).
I would say they are similar in size, power, transparent sound. But LM has more flat EQ and those two filters, and GK is scooped (easily remedied by turning mids up) and very nice GIVE (valve-OD sound simulator).
One uses Pascal, one uses ICE, I believe but I can't remember which is which. There is a lot of comparison talk in the Trickfish threads.
Thanks! I have used various GK amps, even as provided backline, and I do not like the sound, even when attempted to set flat.
The MB500 is discontinued (?), and I would prefer new. I think it also uses the same class D module I have heard and not liked, in other amps?
That's weird, because LMII without filters and MB500 set flat (mids to 1'o'clock and bass and treble to 11'o'clock) sound same to me on the same cab. I do not think D class module has a certain sound, it is the preamp that "colors".
But cab does make big difference, so it depends what cabs you used when you tried GK. Markbass cabs favoure high mids, and GK cabs are flatter, generaly speaking of course.
True, MB500 is discontinued but can be found used in EU around 300€.
Anyways, it was just an idea, good luck in your search
There might be a solution in a boutique pre and power made in half-rack format. The two stacked would probably be 4ru or greater, though. It will cost you quite a bit for a rig like that, but you would get exactly what you want since the pre would likely be built to order.
I still dont have a good grasp on how you can compare the power section of a MB head to a power amp and NOT prefer the power amp. Apples and oranges. One allows access to the power section, while one is a purpose built power section designed from the ground up for use with anything that has the right input level.
I still dont have a good grasp on how you can compare the power section of a MB head to a power amp and NOT prefer the power amp. Apples and oranges. One allows access to the power section, while one is a purpose built power section designed from the ground up for use with anything that has the right input level.
That's weird, because LMII without filters and MB500 set flat (mids to 1'o'clock and bass and treble to 11'o'clock) sound same to me on the same cab. I do not think D class module has a certain sound, it is the preamp that "colors".
But cab does make big difference, so it depends what cabs you used when you tried GK. Markbass cabs favoure high mids, and GK cabs are flatter, generaly speaking of course.
True, MB500 is discontinued but can be found used in EU around 300€.
Anyways, it was just an idea, good luck in your search
Thanks! For my amps, there is a big difference in sound (and floor vibration/impact) coming from the power amp part. Pre out sounds the same for both.
Maybe I have cranked the GKs I have used too much, getting into the "dirty" end of the spectrum, where as the LMII will just stop getting louder?
Had to buy my Mesa WD-800 sight unseen.. though I did have a chance to return it if I ate the shipping costs which would've been significantly less expensive than if you had to do the same. I didn't return it though. I love it.
The Subway line is pretty sweet.. just food for thought, good luck in your search.
Based on your LM2, If you can get either, I like the Trickfish Bullhead .5k and the Aguilar AG700. I love my Ag700 and it is simple to use. The Trickfish is equally great but a little more complicated of a setup.
I really wanted to love the new Mesa amps. They are great all around amps but I never could settle on a tone I loved when playing live.
I really wanted to love the new Mesa amps. They are great all around amps but I never could settle on a tone I loved when playing live.
I think those GK amps that sound overdriven when cranked are only class A/B, like RB line. MB are class D and, like LMII, they just stop when they have no more headroom.
Tec Amp puma if you can find one or the Traynor sb500...both are fantastic and loud
The larger B1K uses a Pascal, the smaller .5K uses ICE. I have the B1K and it's a wonderful amp.
When my LMII died, I replaced it with a Carvin BX500 and have been extremely happy with it
If you like the sound of your LMII, maybe consider a more efficient cab?
I like them both, keeping both, but I still need a second (third) amp, for backup and "general purpose", preferably as nice sounding, louder, new(-ish) and not too big.
(The SVT-410HLF is unique, nothing really sounds like it, so trading is not an option.)
Reading the DIY/EE forums, there seems to be a clear preference for the Hypex and Pascal over most ICE Power modules. That is by the guys with the scopes, distortion analysers and dummy loads.
Many of them even listen to music!
Mark bass just came out with the “Mark Vintage pre” pedal which acts as a pre-amp to color amps the same way a Little Mark does. I know pedals only go so far but this one is high end, and it even has a tube in it. The reviews on it so far are stellar and the demos of it on YouTube sound similar to the Little Mark to my ears.
