Am I... Asking the impossible???

[lowphatbass]

I know this seems obvious and other posts say the same thing, but I actually don't like the sound of a large amp played at a really low volume. It doesn't always have the fullness or edge..just doesn't sound right.

I’m not sure what kind of fullness or edge you’re looking for, you do have a couple amps that could definitely benefit from being driven harder even though they’re solid state. If it’s that edge you’re looking for start looking for pedals. I’d probably look at the SansAmp Bass Driver first.
FWIW, I have a Radio Shack “Optimus” practice amp that will marginally reproduce my low Bb at the volume I use in 2 bedroom condo(shared walls on either side. When I need more it’s headphones. I don’t dare fire up real amps unless I’m needed to test something out or service something...and I do it during the day on weekends and warn/apologize to the neighbors first.

 

[Uncle Hanky]

Carvin amps could be played at low volumes but alas, they're history.

There’s a Carvin head in my OP.

 

[Uncle Hanky]

I’m not sure what kind of fullness or edge you’re looking for, you do have a couple amps that could definitely benefit from being driven harder even though they’re solid state. If it’s that edge you’re looking for start looking for pedals. I’d probably look at the SansAmp Bass Driver first.
FWIW, I have a Radio Shack “Optimus” practice amp that will marginally reproduce my low Bb at the volume I use in 2 bedroom condo(shared walls on either side. When I need more it’s headphones. I don’t dare fire up real amps unless I’m needed to test something out or service something...and I do it during the day on weekends and warn/apologize to the neighbors first.

Ah, I have an Eden World Tour DI/Preamp. Perhaps cranking the preamp with the amp volume set very low? Gods help my speakers if I forget to turn the damn thing back down...

 

[Downunderwonder]

Stop listening with your eyes and turn down the volume but compensate for diminished low end by boosting low eq a little. A hpf can help not disturb the neighbours with low lows you can't get out of of a little amp.

 

[rohi]

What about an attenuator between the amp and cab?

 

[WardEarth]

Yeah folks... I do NOT care for the sound of a big amp at low volumes. Same with guitar.

Pretty sure this is just false. Lots of gear sounds good at lower volumes. Some amps sound great when you're pushing the tubes a certain way but that is it, many amps sound just fine without having to do that.
You don't like the sound of your gear at low volumes?
Honestly if the neighbors are that close, any decent bass volumes will pour right through their walls.

 

[trailer]

Am I really asking for too much by wanting to love the time whilst not angering my neighbors? Honest question. That’s why I worded the title in that manner.

I really don't know. *shrug* I guess not?
*Edited to add that at home I practice through a 15 watt Vox guitar amp. Is it ideal? Nah but I'm just learning tunes and knocking off rust.

 

[ashtray]

What is wrong with turning it down?

Turn down for what?

 

[Chickenwheels]

Fender Rumble 200 and a High Pass Filter.

Half way through the OP, I knew this was coming next..! Good answer, too.

 

[nilorius]

Take a look at Tc electronic bg250 - 112. Usefull at home, also at rehearsal and gig.

 

[Uncle Hanky]

Pretty sure this is just false. Lots of gear sounds good at lower volumes. Some amps sound great when you're pushing the tubes a certain way but that is it, many amps sound just fine without having to do that.
You don't like the sound of your gear at low volumes?
Honestly if the neighbors are that close, any decent bass volumes will pour right through their walls.

Okay okay, Semantics Steve... I do not care for the sound of any of the amps pictured in my OP when they’re at a low volume.

But really, the only bit of all that I actually take out of the house is the Peavey and the 4x10. I have an Eden preamp/DI that will work just fine for most live situations around here.

And yes, good folks, kind folks...

I got used to living in the boonies and being able to move all that air.

I readily admit my limitations, and will check out the GK and the Rumble... and probably buy an amp stand to keep it off this old wooden floor.

 

[LowActionHero]

Any amp has a volume control.

And any pedal in front of it.

 

[LowActionHero]

So, I don't want to be that guy, but..

Load up the stinger, put the headphones on and face the door...?

 

[InnerBass]

I say get a quality class D amp and a lightweight 2x12 - Done.

 

[JakobT]

Sounds like the Rumble 100 is just what you need. 100 Watts, 12" driver.

 

[socialleper]

My small rig for a loud doomy metal band was a Mesa D800 and a Batefaced SuperTwin. Works fine at all volumes, very detailed, light, and compact. Any of the derivatives of the Greenboy design are great as well.
There are many powerful class D amps out there. Small cabs that properly engineered to be efficient, durable, and good at all frequencies are harder to find and expensive.

 

[Munjibunga]

Yeah folks... I do NOT care for the sound of a big amp at low volumes. Same with guitar.

The guy's practicing with it in his bedroom. Who does he need to impress with his bonecrushingly loud tone?

 

[FirewalZ]

I’m not sure what kind of fullness or edge you’re looking for, you do have a couple amps that could definitely benefit from being driven harder even though they’re solid state. If it’s that edge you’re looking for start looking for pedals. I’d probably look at the SansAmp Bass Driver first.
FWIW, I have a Radio Shack “Optimus” practice amp that will marginally reproduce my low Bb at the volume I use in 2 bedroom condo(shared walls on either side. When I need more it’s headphones. I don’t dare fire up real amps unless I’m needed to test something out or service something...and I do it during the day on weekends and warn/apologize to the neighbors first.

There's also the size and weight factor.....I got tiered of lugging a big 212 500watt box around to coffee shop/winery types of gigs, just to have it barely on. So yes a pedal helps, I have a VT bass and a Sans amp that does help the big amp to sound better at a low volume. But having a small form factor box I can carry in with one hand that sounds good and covers the gig is what did it for me.

 

[lug]

Oh!, got it. Check out pjb double four or briefcase. Or even a single c4 cabinet.

The correct answer has been given.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

Eeeeeee, but an 8” speaker is the issue with my Rumble 25. It doesn’t appreciate anything below a D.

There's no inherent low frequency limitation with an 8" speaker - my home practice setup has a 1x8 cab and handles my five-stringers right down to low B.
If the Rumble 25 is lacking in low end it will be down to cab design or specific speaker choice. Don't rule out small speakers!

Incidentally I'm with you on not wanting to use larger rigs turned down, it doesn't sound right to me either...