Ampeg BA115 or Acoustic B100?

[zon6c-f]

I suggest paying a little more and getting a lot more volume and tone, with the Acoustic B200. Not only does it have sufficient volume and great tones, but you can add an extension cab as well. I have been trying to find a great, light combo, that can handle a low B without farting-out, but the only one that is all of that and affordable is the AC B200. I tried the B100 and B20. Both were sadly disappointing. There are some fantastic light weight and loud combos at Atlanta Bass Gallery, but they cost over $1,000. Again; If I was in your place I'd buy the AC B200. With that being said in hindsight, the B200 head and the 1-15 cabinet is even lighter, because they are separates...costs a little more, though. A friend of mine recently bought the AC 450 combo. He is very pleased with it. His new AC 450 replaced a Hartke with 4-10's, which started making annoying noises. Confused?? Don't be...Just go with the Acoustic. if you buy used, then look up the acoustic site and download the manual. You will need it to help with the 6 frequency semi-parametric tone array.I own a B200 combo and I love it.

 

[JayAmel]

neither are my favorite amps ever, but i think the ba115 sounds a little more lively than the b100.

Looks like I'm also one of those few who experienced both models and ended up liking the BA115 better.

 

[Graham Monette]

GK definitely. The Ampegs aren't very loud.

GK all the way, Ampegs brutally overstate their wattage. I have a 10 watt Traynor Bass Mate that can easily out play this Ampeg Ba115.

Took the Ampeg back after one day. Never again. :scowl:

 

[bassmasta117]

I own an ampeg ba115. It was good when I first got it, because i was upgrading from a 10 watt crate combo. After a while, the only one handle on the top made it really annoying to move around, and the wattage is definitly overstated. I would recommend against getting it.

 

[JayAmel]

The latest two posts about "underpowered" BA115 are really interesting. I'm often asked to turn the volume down because I'm too loud, playing between a butcher drummer and a loud guitarist.

Pretty sure there are defective BA115s in the world.

 

[Graham Monette]

^ Perhaps it was just my bass. When I took it back to the shop, they hooked it up to another bass just to make sure I didn't wreck it in some way, it was noticeably louder, but still not nearly what I'd expect for an amp with its supposed power rating. I immediately plugged mine into a GK Backline 115 I think it was and it just walked on the Ampeg 8 ways from Sunday, with perhaps 1/2 the volume. That settled it for me.

 

[JayAmel]

There's something a bit special with Ampeg volume dialing, especially in the solid-state models.

Here's a post I wrote lately in another thread, and that may help understand how to get real loud volume out of a BA115 :
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9334555&postcount=14

Hope this helps,
Jay

 

[CayceG]

I have a BA115 T model. It's the one with a tube preamp. I find the sound to be superior to a normal BA115.

And just yesterday I played through an Acoustic B100. I liked it as well.

One thing about the Acoustic is that it has a tone style selector just like the Ampeg's style selector. Except the Acoustic one is variable rather than a 1-2-3-4-5. You get more options on where you want your scoop with the Acoustic.

Likewise, the Acoustic has a low-mid and high-mid EQ knob, whereas the BA115 only has a mid knob.


So, with the acoustic you get slightly more in the way of EQ. But if you could find an Ampeg BA115 T I'd urge you to try it and see how you like the tube preamp sound.

 

[lowendfriend]

Neither. Save a little more and check out the new GK combos.

^ This! +1