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Ampeg PF500 vs. Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 ,which one should I keep?

robertusf

robertusf

Supporting Member
Jul 19, 2007
797
140
Chicagoland
#1
I currently have both of these heads

Ampeg PF500 - Got this one a few months ago
Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 - got a deal too good to pass on

I'm a big fan of both companies. I have had GB and Ampeg amps.

I've had plenty of time on the PF500, but just one run-through on the Shuttle. Played both on an Ampeg B410HLF
(which i'll be replacing in the near future)

PF500
PROS:sounds great, has some versatility tone-wise, like the built in compressor. Lightweight.
CONS: Not rack mountable, volume output compared to GB, possible reliabilty issues (had an early one that cooked)

Shuttle 6.0 - Lighter/smaller than PF500.
LOUDER THAN PF500 - (made that B410HLF fart out!)
Tube preamp? Rack-mountable. Reliabilty?

Can't think of any cons of the shuttle.

I welcome any opinions/suggestions etc.
 
#4
Rod, rather strange you said that, because I wasn't able to get any grind out at all out of the Shuttle using a stock AmStd Precision when I tried it.

Anyway, don't know how we can make that decision for you, but they are both killer little amps, The Ampeg gives me what I'm looking for, though.
 
#5
JimmyM said:
Rod, rather strange you said that, because I wasn't able to get any grind out at all out of the Shuttle using a stock AmStd Precision when I tried it.

Anyway, don't know how we can make that decision for you, but they are both killer little amps, The Ampeg gives me what I'm looking for, though.
Click to expand...

Wow, I have to make sure the gain is below 12 o'clock for a clean sound on mine. Dunno whether you or I have the either very quiet or very hot basses.
I've used the Shuttle 6.0 with a large selection (too large :) of basses, from an AC jazz 5, EBMM Stingray 5, Fender P & J's & most will do the "around 12 o'clock break up start"
Totally agree tho, both are great amps & I only really chose the GB(in this poll) for its versatility & size. Chose it in real for the great $ I got, its size & power, & lastly GB's great CS.
Either would keep me happy
 
#6
What really matter is what works best for you... I would love to say Keep the Genz since i am a Genz Benz endorser.. But I dont know what styles you play or what your personal needs are..
As Jimmy said.. Both are Great amps....
I just have alot of experience with Genz amps so i know them better than the newer Ampegs ..
I use a shuttle for when i want clean and a Streamliner when i want to grind 'er up a little..
One thing my Genz amps do fit in a gig bag if i need it to.. So its real easy for traveling in my situations.. And i dont know if easy of transport is an issue for you..
 
#7
RickenBoogie said:
Why not keep both? You can never have "too many", and 2 seems about right.
Click to expand...

This is true!, But funds are always tight...and since I raided the savings, the missus will be looking out for it to be replaced!:hiding:

Must...find...more...funds for G.A.S. attacks

svtb15 said:
One thing my Genz amps do fit in a gig bag if i need it to.. So its real easy for traveling in my situations.. And i dont know if easy of transport is an issue for you..
Click to expand...

The PF500 fits nicely in a Genz Benz Shuttlemax bag with room for cables in the pouch.

These lightweight amps sure make the guitar player jealous:p
 
#8
I own a PF500. I voted you keep the 6.0. Although the PF500 is plenty loud through a pair of BFM Jack 1x12's, and I've managed to achieve an acceptable tone using an ART Tube MP Series pre-amp straight to the input and depressing the -15dB button, I feel like every imaginable cost corner was cut in bringing this amp to market. It just feels cheap. If I could unload mine, I wouldn't miss it.
 
#14
here's a post I did last week after getting the PF-500.

I've had the GB for a ~3 years and just got the PF-500, both with their matching 210 cabinets.

Overview of the Genz:
* Great clear tone.
* Easy to use and dial in the tone.
* Punchy and strong.
* Great power and volume.

Overview of the Ampeg:
* Great gritty tone.
* Easy to find a good tone, little more fine tuning to find "that" sound.
* Deep and fat.
* Good power and volume. (Noticeably less then the Genz but no problem in practice or a small gig or with PA support)

Over all both are great amps! The "Ampeg" tone is great, it's deep, fat and a little gritty or overdriven where the Genz is clear, punchy and solid. The Genz is hands down louder but it's packing a couple more watts at 8 homies, I wonder if it's also the ported cabinet that helps the Genz.
I didn't weigh them but the Genz feels lighter and less bulky easier to move around and the cabinet feels thicker and stronger with a metal grill. The Ampeg is more of a usable piece of art, I love the look and style. I love the cloth grill but it not metal and the tolex is sweet as hell but it could damage easier then the Genz.

Both amps have good volume but the Genz is louder (to my ear) and the Genz has proven it's self on the road, I've played the Genz without PA support in small to mid size venues and been told to turn down. I've run it ~ 60% and was solid against a half stack Marshal and a 212 combo in a small/mid size classic rock venue without PA support, I'm not sure the Ampie would fared as well without pushing it harder or farting. Basically I have a trusted history with the Genz and have confidence in it abilities to deliver solid tone at good volumes.
The Ampeg is a great amp so fare and I love the dirty Ampeg sound and I think it's a strong amp on it's own but apples to apples, over all edge IMO goes to Genz for lighter weight, cabinet durability, higher volume and overall solid package and tone delivery(never farts never feel eatin up). I will gig and practice with the Ampeg but will be more picky on the venue and careful with transport then I would need to be with the Genz.
Not apples to apples, if the PF-500 was on different cabinet like my SVT-410HLF or I added another pf-210 it could have the edge but I could then change cabinet configurations on the Genz and go back and forth all day long. So, I'll give the edge to the Shuttle/210 combo over the Ampeg PF-500/PF-210 combo.
One last note, The Ampeg cost (with Ampeg rebates + GC coupon) almost half what the Genz cost (best price, from the best little "old" music store in NC… ) me three years ago and both worth every dollar and a good bang for the buck.
 
#15
AMPEG PF500 =Less maintenece,Faster setups,Makes any cabinet sound good,Super portability,Rugged,Priced Right!

Don't get me wrong,I do love the tone and sound from of the GB amps.
But when it come's to fast pace urban club giging.thier is nothing like the portability and power that the PF500 cranks out.I don't carry speaker cabs anymore so I depend on anything thats available on the gig.My most recent gig had an old Acoustic Cab model 402, with two 15 inch speakers.I was surprise at the tone quality and power the Ampeg head provided me that night.
 
#16
I can only comment on the GB, but I hope it's valuable both to the OP and other readers.

I bought my Shuttle 6.0 12 inch combo new in 2009, played it every week, and have never had any issues with it. It is very light and fits in the trunk of my Civic coupe. Black paint on the chassis can get scratched (by other metal gear). Cab covering and grill are great. When using other cabs, the head detaches and fits in my Mono case front pocket (the Mono case will also fit in the trunk of my Civic on a diagonal).

It's a one stop shop for my fretless with EMGs, single coil/humbucker combo basses, and my newly aquired Valenti with coil tapable Nordstrands. I play with a really light touch, and due to the headroom on this amp, I get amazing dynamics. I have tried to crank the gain and keep the volume (and/or master volume) a little lower, and I can get a bit of tube drive out of it. Clean but not sterile, and deep as well.

The DI has been flawless also, performing every weekend at a progressive church (mic'ed kit, bass, guitars, keys, singers, wind instruments). kickback angle on the cab is a bit shallow for close monitoring, I ususally try to get at least 4 feet away from the cab due to that angle, which is hard in some tight setups. I've used it on an amp stand a few times in leiu of the floor.

If anyone would like any other feedback on the GB performance or it's mated 12 cab, feel free to PM me.
 
#18
tekdiver500ft said:
Whichever one sounds better to you. Personally, I choose the Streamliner. Oh, wait, that's not an option...
Click to expand...

m.o.r.e g.a.s......:confused:

so i should trade both for a 900? :D

merejo_Herm said:
AMPEG PF500 =Less maintenece,Faster setups,Makes any cabinet sound good,Super portability,Rugged,Priced Right!
Click to expand...

:eyebrow: The shuttle is smaller and lighter. Maintenance?
 
#19
merejo_Herm said:
AMPEG PF500 =Less maintenece,Faster setups,Makes any cabinet sound good,Super portability,Rugged,Priced Right!

Don't get me wrong,I do love the tone and sound from of the GB amps.
But when it come's to fast pace urban club giging.thier is nothing like the portability and power that the PF500 cranks out.I don't carry speaker cabs anymore so I depend on anything thats available on the gig.My most recent gig had an old Acoustic Cab model 402, with two 15 inch speakers.I was surprise at the tone quality and power the Ampeg head provided me that night.
Click to expand...

Have you actually owned and gigged with a Shuttle?
 

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