Ampeg B2RE vs. GK MB500

[ScotGerCaJ]

So hey guys! I've been using a combo for a long while, and I think that it's time for a real rig. My equipment right now is Dean Edge 05, a Sterling by Music Man Ray35, a Fender Standard Precision Bass, Electro-Harmonix distortion and chorus. I'm looking into buying a Traynor 15210 Cab, but here's my problem. I'm caught between an Ampeg B2RE and a GK MB500. They're both just under $500 and run 500 Watts at 4ohms. I'd like to hear your opinions on which head I should go with, or if you can offer any alternatives in the same price/power range. I live in Whitby, Ontario, Canada - my local music store is Long and McQuade.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-b2re-rack-bass-head

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...-krueger-mb500-500w-ultra-light-bass-amp-head

 

[RickenBoogie]

They sound nothing alike, so it would be in your best interest to play them first, and choose with your ears.

 

[floridagatorfan]

Ampegs always sound great!

 

[JP Morin]

between the 2 i'd go for the GK,
Going with ampeg, spending that much money, I'd throw a couple more 100$ and choose an SVT-3pro or an svt-7pro, way before a B2R IMO... just my opinion there...

 

[RootNoteRadical]

I would go with the AMPEG. I know the B2RE gets a bad rap here at TB, but I have a AMPEG 450H (basically the same) and I think it is a great solid state head - Not much of a GK fan. L&M has a 30 day money back if your not satisfied - so pick the one you think you want. But try each one out with that TRAYNOR cab and let your ears make up your mind. Happy shopping!!!

 

[gjbassist]

GK MB500 for sure. Curious why you are looking at the B2RE instead of the PF500? If it were me I would compare the PF500 with the MB500 and pick the one with the features and tone you like the best.

 

[mcblahflooper94]

B2RE has a graphic EQ, but the common agreement among people is that the tone from it isn't that great. If you want to get a great sounding all around good Ampeg at a low price, I'd recommend the PF500.
And trust me, Graphic EQ, in my opinion isn't really needed all that much, you don't really need all those different frequencies when you're compromising tone, at least that's my opinion. If later you decide to get an EQ pedal, you could do that too. Just my opinion.

 

[MyMusic]

PF500 or check out the Carvin BX500.

 

[bloobass]

I had a B2RE (a made in US, if it matters) for several years and got compliments on my tone...I loved it.

 

[ScotGerCaJ]

In response to gjbassist - I was originally looking at the PF500, but I heard that it isn't very reliable and prone to overheating. I'm a Hard Rock/Progressive Metal guy, so I love the growl of both GK and Ampeg.

 

[redhed]

AMPEG! The B2RE head is a great amp for the music your into. And as RootNoteRadical says L&M has a great return policy, so you have nothing to worry about.

 

[4Mal]

IMO, the B2Re is possible the worst sounding Ampeg of all time... i would be comparing the Streamliner 600 and the Mb500. Both are great, quite different and either would be a far better choice for me. Putting something like the Sans Amp ParaDriver or the Vt in front of the GK gives you both flavors on tap...

I'm a large GK fan and I'm rapidly becoming a fan of the Streamliner 600 as well. It's the first GB product I've really taken a shine to. I have a few gig's on it and the EQ is beginning to make sense. Tis is to me one of the large differences in those two amps. Th GK is prety neutral. Tone controls straight up is pleasing, adjust to suit from there. The GB does not reveal itself as easily, gotta play with it a bit. It's worth the effort though.

In comparison, the B2RE is sterile and lifeless... I had a B2r, then 'upgraded' to the RE ... Dumb move... The R had more character in it ... Neither were very loud but the R was the better sounding amp to me...