• 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.

Amp head suggestions

Amp head suggestions

  • Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0

    Votes: 36 36.0%

  • TC Electronics RH750

    Votes: 12 12.0%

  • Gallien Krueger 1001RB

    Votes: 24 24.0%

  • Ampeg SVT7PRO

    Votes: 28 28.0%
  • Total voters
    100
M

mpapi

Sep 9, 2001
34
0
56
Hamilton, NJ
www.facebook.com
#1
Hi all. I've recently gotten back into playing and am searching for a new head. I'm driving an Epifani T-212 which is rated at 600W/4 ohms.
I've driven this speaker before with an QSC power amp and Sansamp PSA-1 so I know it'll need at least 700-800 watts to get the most out of it. Having sold the power amp and pre-amp a while ago, I need to get a new head.
I've been searching around for different heads and since not all stores carry all of them, it's hard to try them all out so wanted to get some opinions. I play a Warwick Corvette 5 string and our band plays cover tunes ranging from rock to old school funk. I've searched for audio samples so have somewhat of an idea of the sounds.
Below are the amps that seem like they would fit the bill along with some pros and cons of each. What does the bass community here think? I would like to keep the cost around $800 max if possible. I'm also not sure about the reliability of any of the options below so please feel free to comment on that.

Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0
Pros: Size. In my budget.
Cons: Sound clips on youtube sound a little "tinny" and not much oomph. Not sure if it sounds like that in person or not.

TC Electronics RH750
Pros: Size. Sounded good on youtube. Options on amp such as tuner, presets etc.
Cons: Seems pretty expensive. There doesn't see to be many service options available locally other than shipping it to them. Not sure if that is a concern or not.

Gallien Krueger 1001RB
Pros: In my budget. Available anywhere. I actually tried this out and like the sound of it.
Cons: Size, but I can live with that. Fan on top?

Ampeg SVT7PRO
Pros: In my budget. Like the sound of it on youtube.
Cons: Size, but I can live with that. Is it reliable?

Thanks
 
#2
Carvin B2000. Goes from deep thunder to clean + punchy very easily and has more power than any of them for the same, if not less, money.

Made in USA and factory direct. Service is fast too, if you need it.
 
#4
Well I have owned the 7 pro since it was released a couple years ago now and not a problem since and issues that the first run had has been long fixed so reliability shouldn't be a problem. I love mine and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. If you like the sound of an Ampeg SVT the 7 pro is the amp for you. If you want a tighter more aggressive GK sound get the GK. I can't speak for the TC and I have only played a shuttle 6.0 when I was looking at amps 3 years ago and choose a markbass LMII over it. I wouldn't call it "tinny" but I chose the LMII because it was warmer than the Shuttle. If you live anywhere near a Guitar Center or the like you should be able to play through at least the GK or Ampeg if not both to get a feel for them.
 
#7
that wattage thing is nonsense. For years I ran a 1987 GK 400RB which is only 250 watts at a full 8 ohm or roughly 150 at 4 into a 400 watt 4x10. I still have that cab and use it frequently. I use the same amp with a 300 watt 2x10 for most gigs and practice. Both cabs are over 15 years old and have never been serviced or had problems from under power. You just obviously don't want to be overpowered and push it.
 
#8
This is a fallacy, Do you always run your heads with all the volume controls maxed out? if no then you are not driving the full power of the head through the cab. There is no such thing as underpowering a cab. Furthermore your 600 watt cab can probably only effectively handle 300 or so watts of power.

mpapi said:
Appreciate the suggestion, the only problem I can see with this is that I'm not sure I want to drive a 600w cab with an amp that will give it less wattage than it can handle. I've heard that can cause issues.
Click to expand...
 
#9
CL400Peavey said:
This is a fallacy, Do you always run your heads with all the volume controls maxed out? if no then you are not driving the full power of the head through the cab. There is no such thing as underpowering a cab. Furthermore your 600 watt cab can probably only effectively handle 300 or so watts of power.
Click to expand...

True, the heads aren't always maxed out. I just recall some back and forth discussions with people years ago regarding having enough headroom and what not. I'll do some more research regarding this. I seemed to really like the sound of the GK and also the TC so perhaps I'll research less expensive models of those that I've listed. Appreciate the input guys; keep any suggestions coming!!

Thanks
 
#16
Well even though you cant under power an amp, that TC is only a 240 or so watt head... regardless of how its marketed...

mpapi said:
True, the heads aren't always maxed out. I just recall some back and forth discussions with people years ago regarding having enough headroom and what not. I'll do some more research regarding this. I seemed to really like the sound of the GK and also the TC so perhaps I'll research less expensive models of those that I've listed. Appreciate the input guys; keep any suggestions coming!!

Thanks
Click to expand...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back