Ampeg SVT450H vs GK 700RBII

[aclavijo75]

Hi everyone

I'm rock and funk bassist, and I´m thinking to buy a new head. So, according to my money possibilities I would like to compare:
- Ampeg SVT450H vs. GK 700RBII
- Ampeg B2RE vs. GK 700RBII

The heads are pretty similar in power and price.
-GK 480W 4ohms $599
-Ampeg B2RE 450W 4 ohms $579
-Ampeg SVT 450-H 450W 4 ohms $699

What do you think is better amp? pros an cons? price/sound relation?

Thanks...
Regards
Andres...

 

[bassko]

I vote for GK, because it has a great punch which will be good for playing rock and funk, but it isn't as warm as ampeg and you'll have to try it and decide on your own

 

[Gearhead17]

The B-2RE and the 450H are the same head, just a different look cosmetically.

Try one of the Ampeg heads against the GK head and plug into the same speaker. You will know right away what you want.

 

[Ibanez55]

Go with the ampeg B2-re. The svt-450 and the b2-re are the same thing just the b2-re doesn't have its own shell. Go with ampeg it beats the crap out of everything. I used to own the b2-re and you can dial in any sound you want. (except for warm tube sounds but comes close}

 

[billdelrieu]

I was faced with a similar choice about 2 years ago and decided to go with the GK. I just love the punch I was able to get with it. (had to sell it a few months ago to pay some bills.. argh...)
Ampegs usually are warmer, but I use a MXR M-80 with a low distortion level as a pre-amp and it sounded bad ass. Kind of a mean growly grunge tone, using a music man 5 string.
One thing that sold me is that the GK has more versatility in terms of sound, in my opinion, and also more connectivity: tuner out, effects loop, etc.. than on the Ampeg.
My two cents.

 

[scottice]

For just a bit more you could go with the GK1001RB-II.
The GC had them on sale recently for less that $600 brand new. 220 more watts for 'ya.
If you are looking to warm it up add a Sansamp.

 

[AAdropout]

GK all the way, go to this site
Invalid Link Removed
you have to email them but you will almost always save a lot of money.
Also the GKs are very light, my 1001RBII is only about 18 lbs.

 

[rodl2005]

Go with the ampeg B2-re. The svt-450 and the b2-re are the same thing just the b2-re doesn't have its own shell. Go with ampeg it beats the crap out of everything. I used to own the b2-re and you can dial in any sound you want. (except for warm tube sounds but comes close}

Thats what I reckon- it comes pretty close to an Ampeg tube sound for a s.s. amp! The graphic EQ is nice & can work as a 2nd channel-just turn EQ vol. up for a boost when needed.

 

[srxplayer]

Go with ampeg it beats the crap out of everything.

Everything????
I did not know that...I feel so stupid

 

[spectorbass83]

+1 on the GK 700RBII
It would be perfect for the style of music you are playing. Its also smaller/lighter than the Ampeg 450H.

 

[anonymous_111514]

the GK is an amazing head but it has an almost "sterile" sound. Its very veryyyy punchy and trebely sounding. I balance that out with a sansamp as suggested and its one of the best sounding round modern tones. I'd imagine the ampeg would be a better "classic sound". basically what it comes down to is if you want a classic tone get the ampeg if you want a modern tone get the GK. I bought the GK and have never looked back its an amazing head with a really great funk sound! either way you'll be happy because both heads are amazing.

 

[Afrokid]

i would def go with ampeg... its almost the standard in bass equipment now adays. GK are so steril, and without a very good bass they sound so blah... Ampegs are very warm, which makes them awsome

 

[aclavijo75]

Thanks to everybody...

Last week I could test with my Yamaha bass guitar the GK700RB II vs. Ampeg B2R both connected with Ampeg 8X10. And according to gearhead17 wrote that B2R has the same sound that SVT 450H.
I must write that I prefer the GK sound. A lot a punch, power, bass and bright. The sound I was looking for. Recently, I just ordered the GK head.

Thanks...

 

[afroman]

Depending on your tastes.

Ampeg = thumpy, mid boosted, dark

GK = bright, growly, punchy