Aguilar TH500 vs Ashdown ABM 600

[davelake]

Hey everyone, I need some opinions on whether I should buy an Aguilar TH500 or Ashdown ABM 600 with respective 4x10 cabs.

My style: Extremely varied. One day I'm playing in a project that sounds like TOOL/NIN/QOTSA/Failure, next day I'm playing Sarah Mclachlan/Ryan Adams/Calexico/Beck.

My Basses: Mainly p, pj and J basses, Flats and rounds. Sometimes a Thunderbird or Spector.

Effects: Rat, Muff, Sansamps, Dark Glass, Various Delays.

Taste: I generally like the round bottom of a tube amp but like the versatility/portability/reliability of solid state.

Other options: These are the two I am mainly interested in. Not really looking elsewhere. Maybe an Ashdown CTM 100?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Omura]

Go try them both if you can. I've played both in a store, and I took the Aguilar home. It just felt like a better amp to me, sounded better to my ears. But I've only really just picked up bass, so I might not be a good judge of good sound. The Aguilar seems to have a large following on this forum though which is a good sound

 

[chris_b]

You have a wide variation of basses and bands so I'd suggest you get more than one amp. I use a TH500, but either or both would be a good start.

I haven't had a matching amp and cab for the last 20 years and don't really see much advantage in doing that.

I'd suggest checking out Bergantino cabs. IMO, they'll make whichever amp you choose sing in a way that many other cabs won't.

 

[gillento]

I have both used the ABM500 (not the ABM600, though) and the TH500 extensively. I preferred the ABM as I am a pick player and it gave me more control over the low mids, I need.
I am still in that same tone universe and I've really been enjoying the Mesa Walkabout for about a half year now.

That might be an alternative as well...... although I REALLY would like to have an ABM600

 

[Bagelish]

Haven't played through a ABM500 but my Aguilar TH500 sounds great with all my basses (J, P, Fretless, L-2000) and using a pick or fingerstyle.
I don't use effects so can't really comment on how it will do with them.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I haven't played the Ashdown, but the Aguilar was my main rehearsal head for a few years. Personally, I'd go for something else. When I think Tool I want an amp that is clean, punchy, and high wattage. The TH500 has an inherent chewy mid tone that you can't dial out. It's not a bad tone, but it's something you'll either love or hate.

 

[arai]

Both are great amps but both aren't for everyone. I do really like the Ashdown and it's more versatile then the Aguilar but for me personally the Tone hammer nails everything I need out of an amp

When I think Tool I want an amp that is clean, punchy, and high wattage. The TH500 has an inherent chewy mid tone that you can't dial out. It's not a bad tone, but it's something you'll either love or hate.

I totally agree with this. Although he also mentions QOTSA and I'd choose the Tone hammer over the Ashdown for that sound