Well, today I was lucky enough to A/B the BA108, BA110, BA112 and Micro VR at a local store (with a Squire Jazz Bass, 4 string passive, round wounds)!
>> Yes, that's right, I'm smiling!
Here are the results, and with that, disclaimer, IMHO, IME & check it out yourself.
1) First conclusion; all amps are good, all have the Ampeg tone.
2) No weird noise on any amp (Hiss or what have you).
3) The three BAs are quiet, with the Micro VR you can hear the Fan a little bit
4) At low (housepractice) volume, the BA108 and BA110 are best in sound, the BA112 is good as well. The Micro VR needs a little more power to wake up. The sound is a bit thin and you hear the fan.
5) At low volume rehearsel level (let's say guitars, vocals, no drums), all amps will do, the BA108 won't have real trouble yet.
6) with soft drums added, only the BA112 and Micro VR will survive.
7) soundwise, the Micro VR is the best, in second place both the BA108 and BA110, last in line, but still more than a good sound, the BA112.
8) The extra features on the BA112:
- The tilt-back function I do like and can be useful.
- The 5-way style variation, may be fun, but to me, not so useful.
Final conclusion:
1) If you want an amp for pure homepractice, I recommend the BA110, with in second place the BA108. No need to spend extra money on something else.
2) If you want an amp for homepractice and low volume rehearsel, I would say the BA110 or BA112
3) If you want low volume gigging I would prefer the Micro VR, or (if there are no drums) the BA112.
So there you have it.
And I know, I didn't test the BA115 and/or the Micro CL.
They were there also (in fact the complete, yes!, complete Ampeg-line, SVT and all), but I only had limited time.
And again, please try it out yourself, because my ears aren't yours.
