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Amp Fatigue; Help me mix it up! $3k budget

MMiller28

MMiller28

Supporting Member
Apr 27, 2003
2,694
5,674
Wisconsin
#1
I have a real "1st world problem" on my hands. For the last 5.5 years, my only rig has been a M/B Subway D-800+ into a Subway 210. It's fantastic and there's nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

That said, I want to be able to mix it up. I have a lot of basses and only one amp, so adding just one more small rig could open up a lot of different tones.

I'd really like the new setup to be noticeably different from my Mesa/Boogie one. I've never owned a tube amp (for bass anyway) so I'm definitely interested in that. I'm also interested in Aguilar. The wattage of the head doesn't matter, this won't be gigged. Tone is the most important thing. I'm pretty set on a 115 cab to go with the head. Max $3,000 for both pieces. Preferably made in the USA or Europe. Plenty of room to play around. :bassist:

Thoughts?
 
#2
This is a super fun problem. This is how I would approach it. I'll assume new prices. Easy part first- the cab. You like what you have already and you know you want a 115. I would get the Mesa Subway 115. As per our venerable equine, Mesa gear is designed to play well with other brands. I know this because I have Mesa amps with Aguilar cabs and it sounds great despite my playing. By staying with Subway, you get something that can add awesomeness to your existing rig with little risk that it would not let your new amp (whatever that may be) shine given its a quality cab. By sticking with a great brand for the cab, you are only experimenting with one variable.

The hard part- the amp. With the remainder (~$2,100), to be noticeably different:

Option one, I would get a GK Fusion 500 and an Ampeg SVT 7 pro (~$150 under budget with two different amps).

Option two, all tube, Ampeg SVT CL 300 or a Traynor YBA 300 (the Traynor results in ~ $500 under budget).

Good luck with whatever you decide. :thumbsup: I enjoyed imagining spending your $$$$. :) Please understand that I do not have experience with any of these amps/cabs; this is just what I would do, if I were in your shoes.
 
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#3
The Mesa Subway 115 is, quite simply, special. It's awesome in every measurable way.

That said, I have found that tube heads play nice with sealed cabs over the years.

I'm going to give you an answer you probably don't want. But....

Try the Mesa TT800 head. It's nothing like the D800+. The Boogie channel gets old school without even trying. The 115 cab kocks all kinds of serious butt. And then you would have some crazy good mix and match modular options going on.
 
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#4
MMiller28 said:
I have a real "1st world problem" on my hands. For the last 5.5 years, my only rig has been a M/B Subway D-800+ into a Subway 210. It's fantastic and there's nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

That said, I want to be able to mix it up. I have a lot of basses and only one amp, so adding just one more small rig could open up a lot of different tones.

I'd really like the new setup to be noticeably different from my Mesa/Boogie one. I've never owned a tube amp (for bass anyway) so I'm definitely interested in that. I'm also interested in Aguilar. The wattage of the head doesn't matter, this won't be gigged. Tone is the most important thing. I'm pretty set on a 115 cab to go with the head. Max $3,000 for both pieces. Preferably made in the USA or Europe. Plenty of room to play around. :bassist:

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
I’m swimming against the tide of fashion but I recommend a stack of Bag End 15”s — they’re classics for a reason. 40 pound compact cabs are very manageable to move, and I get compliments everywhere I play on my tone.

An old GK400RB or 800RB (I have a 700RBii and an old 400) will make them sing musically right in the sweet spot of a clear articulate warm midrange, with just the right fullness in the lows and gently rolled off extension in the highs. My own playing style tends to run my GK amp right at the sweet spot where a little grind comes into the tone when I dig in — that’s where the treble is happening.

These are not flashy wow-you-in-Guitar-Center cabs. They’re about something different and I really think they’re worthy of the rave I just typed.

USA made. About seven or eight hundred bucks new. Worth it — I hope to never have to gig anything else.
 
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#5
I recommend something like this. AD200B with a nice 2x12 cab. So different from the Mesa stuff, but really nice sounding. I got the head used, in excellent shape, for $1500.

C9E87B23-8790-4554-8FFA-519B68B2ABA1.jpeg
 
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#7
For a cab, I would take a look at a RevSound 115, you can order it any way you want - custom tweed tolex, grill, wood back. Look on their website RevSound | Revsound Cabinets made in USA with pride and call David and talk to him about options.

For a head, I’d consider a Demeter VTBP - M-800D, all tube preamp into a 800 watt power amp, maybe get the RevSound cab in an ox blood tweed and you’d have a stunning-looking and outstanding sounding rig.
 
Last edited:
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#9
Standalone said:
I’m swimming against the tide of fashion but I recommend a stack of Bag End 15”s — they’re classics for a reason. 40 pound compact cabs are very manageable to move, and I get compliments everywhere I play on my tone.

An old GK400RB or 800RB (I have a 700RBii and an old 400) will make them sing musically right in the sweet spot of a clear articulate warm midrange, with just the right fullness in the lows and gently rolled off extension in the highs. My own playing style tends to run my GK amp right at the sweet spot where a little grind comes into the tone when I dig in — that’s where the treble is happening.

These are not flashy wow-you-in-Guitar-Center cabs. They’re about something different and I really think they’re worthy of the rave I just typed.

USA made. About seven or eight hundred bucks new. Worth it — I hope to never have to gig anything else.
Click to expand...

This is a combo I'd like to try!
 
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#17
Here's two 1200 watt 2 ohm capable options, which make me not miss my all-tube amps:

The Bergantino Forte HP is amazing. Sounds great, and the features make it easy to leave your pedalboard at home: HPF, LPF, great compressor, onboard configurable saturation, ...

And although it's made of pure unobtanium, the Reiner Saturn V is pure tonal bliss. Its industrial science lab look is wonderful too. Sometimes I just sit in my practice room and look at it. Don't tell anyone.
 
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#19
The AG700 is great but probably close to the D800. The TH700 with the SL115 might be a good Aguilar option.

i ended up getting the 112 because the dimensions are a bit more portable but the full range driver on the SL115 looks like a slam dunk to me. I’ve heard the Subway 115 is the best 115 on the market though, never tried one but talkbass is pretty on point with heat from experience.
 
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