Ampeg pf 500 vs Eden Wt400 vs MBLMII HELP NEEDED

[yoskillz]

Whats up TB!
I am looking for a bass head to go with my Ampeg Svt810e. I play in a death metal band (in drop A) so it will need to be loud and capable of cutting through the rest of the band while still maintaining a good tone. I play a 6 string Ibanez SR506. Money is definitely an issue. I've been looking all over and I have ran across these options.
1) Ampeg pf500 - new $400
2) MarkBass LMII - used $399 (craigslist)
3) MarkBass LMIII - used $550 (GC)
4) David Eden WT400 - used $399 (craigslist)
5) Carvin B1500 - used $499 (craigslist)
??6) David Eden WT300 - used $600??

Im stuck wondering which amp would be the best choice. I've been reading A LOT about the Ampeg pf500, but I wonder if it will be enough power for the band. Plus I read that some have died after using them with a 4 ohm cab.
I tried the Markbass LMIII at my local GC, the sound was pretty good but i ran it through a GK neo 410, so i didnt get to turn up as much as i wanted to since the cab began to rumble pretty bad. And is there a big difference between the LMII and LMIII??
I also tried the Eden Wt300 at a shop, LOVED the sound and i actually ran it through an Ampeg Svt810e. Its from like 1998 or something so its pretty old if that matters. The tone was awesome but again i worry if it'll be enough power and it seems a bit overpriced. And then I found a wt400 for $200 cheaper than the wt300 on craigslist. Is there a huge difference between the two?
And last but not least the Carvin B1500, a lot of people are satisfied with its power, but what about the tone??

Right now I am leaning more towards the ampeg pf500, mainly due to the fact that i can pay in payments at zzounds and because of its great reviews. people seem to be happy with it. but how will hold up in a loud death metal band? I have about a week to make my mind up so i would really appreciate any help. plus if anyone has any other suggestions, please tell me.

Thanks!

 

[GBassNorth]

I don't own any of the amps on your list but I've played a number of them with an 810 ampeg cab and a 412 aggie cab. Of the ones on your list I'd jump on the Ampeg or the Carvin first.
The PF500 is the closest I've heard a SS amp come to the all tube SVT-VR that I play. The Carvin had tons of power to spare and lots of tonal range plus it seems to be relatively reliable (heard mixed reviews on the reliability of the ampeg).
The Eden amps are also great but I'd put them in a similar category to an Aguilar or Ashdown amp, kind of dark sounding compared to some of the others on your list.
The Mesa walkabout scout may also be of interest to you and is built very well.
To save money I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Mesa, Eden or Carvin used (test played first of course) but if going for the Ampeg I'd only look at new units with a good warranty. Maybe an Ampeg owner can chime in here to tell us more about the reliability.

 

[Deepwoods]

I would suggest either the WT400 or the Ampeg pf500. The WT400 is a classic and will hold it's value so you shouldn't get hurt if you don't like it and decide to sell. The Ampeg is good bang for the buck and you can't really go wrong for 4 bills. Your cabinets will more likely dictate if it can hold up than the head.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I have a PF-500. My main gigging amp is a vintage SVT. I'd say the PF series are much more low/low-mid voiced than other ampeg amps, though with the eq you can dial in any sound you want. I've had no issues with my PF-500 through the various 2x15s I use between my different rehearsal locations, through my 8x10, or through my 8 ohm B-15 cab. It's certainly been plenty loud with the rock band I play with. Using a 2x15 (70s B25B cab) I usually have the amp around noon on the volume, 2-3 o'clock on the gain and that's blazing loud but that band seems to really be about the volume, and we all wear ear plugs. With my cover band through a SWR big bertha 2x15, if I get the amp much above about 9 o'clock on the volume (gain in the same place) I'm drowning out the guitarists triple rec/2x12 setup, but we also like to keep things at reasonable levels there. If you do get the PF-500, I'd say shop around, there are deals to be had. I got mine on ebay from a shop in canada for a little under $350 (they had it up for BIN/BO) plus shipping. Hasn't given me any trouble yet.

 

[popgadget]

I have a WT400 that I use with an 810e on occasion. However my go to rig these days is my 410HLF or the pro410HLF with a Shuttle 9.0 (or the WT, but the WT in it's road case is a lot bulkier than the Shuttle in it's gig bag). I'm not a fan of the 810e voicing, but they have their place, which is why I still have one.
But to get back to your question, I would pick the WT400, great amp excellent sounding direct out if you use PA support, and their value is only gonna go up.

 

[StormC93]

Do you think a Acoustic B200H could be used as a bass head for a 6 string bass player in a Death Metal band?